Doctrine and Another Jesus

Some preachers have been heard to make such statements as, "Doctrine doesn't matter" or "One man's doctrine is another man's garbage". These are very ignorant statements. Men make statements that doctrine is of no consequence and that the only thing that matters is that as Christians, we must all join hands and get along. This is completely against scripture. First of all we must define the word "doctrine" from the original Greek Text. There are two common Greek words for the word "doctrine" in the Greek Text.
1. - meaning instruction (the function or the information) in learning or teaching.
2. - instruction -the act or the matter.
When men say doctrine doesn't matter, they are saying God's "instruction" in his word is of no consequence. Jesus said to the Jews, "My doctrine (didache — instruction) is not mine, but his (the Father) that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that of himself (his own instruction) his own glory but he that seeketh his glory that sent him (the Father), the same is true (doctrine/instruction) and no unrighteousness is in him." Jesus is saying here that the man is only righteous who is doing the will or the instruction (doctrine) of the Father.

Does the doctrine matter? Listen to Paul: Rom 16:17 Mark (skopeo - take aim, regard or take heed) them which cause divisions (dichostasis — disunion or two standings) and - snare or apostasy) contrary (para - near) to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Paul is saying here that you must be able to recognize instruction that is close (para - parallel) to true doctrine because it brings about division in the church and causes the believers to stumble. This false doctrine runs parallel (para) with Truth. It even resembles the truth in its terminology. It speaks of "born again", "saved" and "Salvation". It even has a Jesus, a spirit, and a gospel. It is not however the Jesus of the Bible. The Bible speaks of two Jesus, two spirits, and two gospels. One is the real, the other is the false. Paul speaks of this other Jesus in II Cor For if he that cometh "another Jesus" whom we have not preached (a false Jesus), or if ye receive (another truth - The Holy Spirit is truth John 14:16.17 - 15:26-16:13. 1 John 5:61 which ye have not received or "another gospel"( The gospel is the resurrection Cor which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. Satan does not come and deceive wearing a red suit with horns, a and hooves. If he is going to deceive - lead astray), he will deceive no one by looking evil. If you are going to poison a man (as the false preachers are poisoning the flock), you don't hand him a bottle with a skull and cross bones on the side labeled POISON and say to him "Drink this." You must disguise the poison and put it in a good counterfeit container and feed it to him slowly. You give him a well-brewed cup of coffee with just a little strychnine in it so that he can hardly taste it. After a while he thinks you are such a nice guy for bringing him coffee all of the time. No one will be able to convince him that you are not what you appear to be (this is how poisoned sheep feel about their pastors who are such nice guys). is true false preachers. They take a little truth and wrap it around a poison lie. When you find out who is poisoning you by examining the word (having the coffee analyzed) you won't think that Pastor so and so is such a swell fellow anymore. Then you will become angry. When you have to have your stomach pumped out many times and you run up a large doctor and hospital bill (from drinking so much poison coffee (doctrine), then you will be enraged at this man who has been deceiving you. Satan must come as a counterfeit Jesus. He must look and sound like Jesus.

Paul goes on to tell us this in this Chapter II Cor. He tells us how Satan's followers masquerade as preachers of the gospel. II Cor 11:13.14.15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming (metaschematizo - disguise or to apply by accommodating) themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed (metaschematizo - disguised) into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers - deacons - waiters of tables, attendants serving food - The tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil - all that is in the world will explain this later), also be transformed into the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works. Paul is saying that these preachers coming to Corinth are preaching a Jesus (of some sort) a spirit (somewhat) and a gospel (of some kind). They are trying to present themselves and their "doctrine" (instruction) as the real thing. Paul is warning the church at Corinth that Satan comes looking like Jesus. He uses the same terminology and carries a Bible. Satan and his ministers come transforming themselves. Lets look at this word Transform. Metaschematizo - meaning to disguise or to apply oneself by accommodation. Webster says accommodation means adaptation to a purpose or adjustment. It means a reconciliation of differences. When you reconcile differences, you allow each to keep his different beliefs but set them aside to "get along". This is called "agree to disagree agreeably". That is the Devil's Doctrine. He says "I am the kind of Jesus that will let you believe whatever you want just talk about it. Lets all get along and slide into heaven together." Lets look at this word Transformed in the Greek Text. Metaschematizo is a construction of two Greek Words. 1. - meaning accompaniment "amid" association - used in the same relation as participation or proximity and transfer or sequence. 2. Schema - a figure (as a mode or circumstance) an external condition - fashion (having an "outward form" of Godliness - II Tim looking like it from a distance but with no power - - the gospel or resurrection.) When Paul uses this word Transformed (metaschematizo) to describe Satan (this counterfeit Jesus), he is saying that you can go to a church. The false preacher will preach an accommodating Jesus. This is one who will "conform" to you. He will adapt his message (doctrine - instruction) and fashion himself to your current lifestyle. You won't have to change and conform to him. He will allow you to have your differences with the Bible and if anyone tries to correct (rebuke) you about what you believe he will have his minister (transformed) say something like this "Lets reconcile our differences, lets agree to disagree agreeably". Those are evil words of Satan. He will say, "Accept Jesus and you are home free." You don't have to change and conform to anything. I'm Jesus and I'll conform to you. This is not what Paul says in Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow - to have an intimate relationship with someone before), he also did predestinate (pro 'orizo - to before bound in light) TO BE CONFORMED - to be shaped like Christ in fellowship) to the image (eikon - likeness, similar) of his son (Jesus). Paul says we are predestined "to conform" to Christ. He will not change to our ways and our thinking. The "real" Jesus does not accommodate us. He will not let us have our differences and agree to disagree. The writer Hebrews speaks of the immutability of his[God's] counsel - Will, purpose). Immutability means that he will not bow or conform to our ways or accompany us with no change. Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the of his counsel (Will). Immutability is the Greek word - Its construction is as follows: A- the alpha or first letter of the Greek alphabet is used as a negative particle (negating the word following giving a complete opposite meaning.) When used this way the "A" or alpha (as a negative particle) is called the alpha primitive. Lets look at the following word that the alpha primitive negates (giving an opposite meaning). is a composite of two syllables. 1. Meta — meaning to accompany or association as previously defined and 2. - to level in a passive or horizontal posture. This word means to bow or level oneself to associate with another. The alpha primitive (a) before this word negates the word meaning. The writer is saying that God will not (alpha) level his will to associate with us He will not conform and adjust to us. This is the "other Jesus" when he transforms and adjusts to the people.

Anyone who preaches a Jesus that conforms to an unchanging people is a minister of Satan and he calls his evil master "Jesus" from the pulpit. elect of God ] agree with God. We never agree with the statement "to be agreeable" in anyway with false doctrine. The word confess means to be "of the same word" and to agree with. We confess Christ and agree with him. Homo - of the same logos(word). Confess means to be of the same word at the same time. In the first century the Greeks said that if you confessed and "agreed" with someone you would do what they Grace and Truth Newsletter said. You would be obedient to their words (doctrine or instruction). The other Jesus changes his doctrine to fit the lives of his followers. The Jesus of the Bible changes for no one. He requires our repentance - to be turned, to change and think differently). Those who belong to him must change and follow his doctrine (instruction). Speaking of the doctrine of Christ, Paul says I Tim 6:3 If any man teach other wise - instruct differently, teach other doctrine) and consent - assent to, worship, approach, to come to) not to wholesome — to be or true in doctrine) words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (The real Jesus) and to the doctrine (instruction) which is according to godliness - the The Jesus of the Bible changes for no one. gospel scheme, good worship, holiness, purity); He is proud (tuphoo - blinded and consumed by a smoke with no fire - He can't see for seeing himself), knowing nothing (man knows nothing when he goes after another - He is destitute of truth - - supposing that gain is godliness (All other doctrines have money, things, and stuff as their doctrine saying things like, "See how the Lord has blessed me". Preachers who preach for money and gauge a man's spirituality by the gain of this world are messengers of Satan, transforming themselves into preachers of He will die in his sin preaching another Jesus from the pulpit. John speaks of how we are to treat those who corrupt themselves with this "gain is godliness (another gospel). II John 10 there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine (instruction) receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed. For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds. The word Godspeed is the word "to be cheerful" to be well, bid farewell, be glad, greet, hail, joy, and rejoice. John says if a man brings any instruction (doctrine) other than the instruction of Christ do not be agreeable, do not be cheerful to such a person, do not feel joy or rejoice to see them; do not say "have a nice day." The word "grace" is the root word of Chairo (Godspeed) - do not be gracious to them.

We are God's house Do not bring them joyfully into fellowship with this house of God, "whose house are we." If a man receives this false doctrine into his fellowship putting his approval on it by "agreeing to disagree agreeably" then he is a partaker of this false teacher's evil messenger. He will suffer the judgment of Gods indignation. Paul says in Rom 16:17.18 the thing that causes divisions (disunion) and offences (causing people to stumble) is contrary (para - near - we get our word parallel from para). It is a parallel doctrine. It looks and sounds good. It's close (para - near) and runs along beside truth. Paul says these preachers serve their own belly (the belly was said to be the seat of all sensual pleasures) and that it is by good words - plausible) and fair speeches, (eulogia - fine speaking) that these false preachers deceive the hearts of the simple - innocent). The only way that you can tell the real Jesus from the other Jesus is by their doctrine. The real Jesus says, "Take your cross, deny self, follow me, mortify the deeds of the flesh, enter the narrow way, in the world ye shall have tribulation, if the world hated and persecuted me they will persecute and hate you, you have to go through the fire daily, you must suffer for righteousness sake, you must be reproached (defamed, become infamous) you must mourn and agonize over sin, be holy and much more." The other Jesus says (his doctrine) just accept Christ, pray this prayer, God wants you happy and enjoying life with lots of good health and plenty of money. Just go to church and fill a pew. Don't cuss (much), drink (much), smoke (much), or chew (much). You'll be all right, after all, God understands that you're only human and we all sin a little. You're OK. The only way that you can tell the difference in the two Jesus' (who they really are) is in their doctrine (instruction). Rom 6:16.17 Know ye not to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey (his instructions), whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of "doctrine" (instruction), which was delivered you. If the Jesus you serve conforms to your lifestyle and requires no repentance and change in you - - You've got the wrong Jesus. DOCTRINE IS EVERYTHING. Keep studying 2:15 Grace and Truth Newsletter How To Study The Bible Our whole purpose here is to give tapes to the world (free of charge) and to teach believers how to study the Bible. The world (especially preachers) is not studying, much less studying correctly. Two things are foremost in studying the Bible. The New Testament was written in a Greek world in a Greek language. 2) It was written in the Century with Greek idioms (particular language and dialects with phrases and expressions recognized by people who lived in that day and time) and metaphors (figure of speech containing an implied comparison, in which a word or phrase ordinarily used of one thing is applied to another - Webster). In his book "Light From The Ancient East", Adolph Deissman says, "Paul would have found no open door if he had not been to the Greeks "A Greek" i.e. if he had not in the hellenised (Greek thought and culture in phrases, idioms and customs) world spoken to hellenised men in the Hellenistic popular language. To means to make or become Greek in customs ideal form or language. In the Century the entire world was living in a Greek world, with Greek culture, philosophies, gods, customs, language, etc., as introduced in the Century B.C. when Alexander the Great overthrew the Empire. Greeks ruled the world for several hundred years. The Romans conquered the remains (the 4 remaining generals after the death of Alexander the Great) of the Greek Empire in approx B.C. The Roman Empire (The Kingdom of Iron in Dan 2) was a barbaric system that crushed everything in its path. They were crude warriors with no culture of their own. They retained all the culture of the Grecians. This included the philosophies, idioms, etc. previously mentioned. When Jesus walked the earth, the Romans were ruling in Tyranny B.C. - 476 That is certainly obvious since it was Roman Caesars that ruled at his birth and death (Augustus and Tiberius). The New Testament was written in a world ruled by Romans who kept all the language and culture the Greeks. Therefore in studying the Bible we need a basic understanding of Roman law, Greek culture and language and Jewish history and culture as well. They had sayings (idioms) that were strictly related to the time and place of this 1st Century Roman Empire with its Greek influences. Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and the other writers used these cultural Century idioms continually in scripture. We cannot read an English Bible and put our own personal 20th and Century spin on what is said. We have idioms that only apply to America and our culture wherever it is found in the world. the world were here a thousand years from now (I do not believe that it will be) and someone began to dig up our language and customs (idioms), they would sayings like "Kick the bucket," "Knock yourself out," "split hairs," "root, hog or die," "cutting off ones nose to spite face," "bent out of shape," "put on the dog," "the devil to pay," "bite the dust," "till the cows come home," "having cold feet," "a bone to pick," "let the cat out of the bag," "white elephant," "up the creek without a paddle," "Adams off ox," "bull market." I have several books full of such idioms. you were from another culture in another time speaking another language with a completely different set of idioms, you would have no idea what the above "sayings" meant. you tried to put your own spin with your language and time you would be "way off base," or "out in left field." This is what the preachers of the last 100 years have come to. have given a current opinion about the word and sayings of the Bible, putting a current definition on the "sayings" of scripture.

The Bible seems so "religious and proper" to some that they cannot imagine that the writers of the Bible were using cultural idioms and common phraseology of the day. Here are some idioms that had an exact meaning (no 20* and Century opinion is allowed). "Bind and Loose" (Matt "Spirit (Ghost) and fire" (Matt 3:11). "Shake off the dust of your feet" (Matt 10:14). "Ye have heard that it was said" (Matt "Jot or tittle" (Matt (Matt "Ask an egg will he Mary's Mailbox Dear Grace Listeners, Just eight more That's right, eight weeks until I retire. You can't imagine how excited I am to really jump in fully to work in the ministry. I hope to get better organized to get special requests to you sooner, but for now it's when I get time to make them. I work every afternoon updating the mailing list, plus run between 3,500 - 4,000 each month - so you see my dilemma. Please write or email when you want special tapes; I love getting mail addressed to Love you, Grace and Truth Newsletter give him a scorpion" (Luke "When doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before (Matt 6:2). "Let not thy left hand know what they right hand (Matt "Time of figs" 11:131. "Say to this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea" (Mark 11:23). "The axe is laid unto the root of the trees" (Matt 3:10). "The world" - not what you think), "destroying mountain" 51:25). "Them that are without" Cor 5:13). "Washed my feet with tears" 7:44). "holy land heavens and earth" 65:17), "To deliver such a one unto (I Cor 5:5). "Blotting out the handwriting" (Col 2:14). "Strive" (Luke 13:24). and much much more. You see, they had as many as we have. You cannot think you know by 20th and Century English thinking what these words and phrases meant. They had "EXACT" definition and application. Without studying the men who have maintained these idioms and metaphors it is impossible to know what they really mean. You can guess night and day for a year and if you haven't studied or heard these taught by authorities on the Greek world and Jewish background it in not possible to know what these mean. Grace and Truth Ministries P.O.Box TN 37077 1(800)625-5409 Jim Brown- Bible Teacher www.graceandtruth.net I am here to help you to learn what books you need to study. Men like Alfred Edersheim (born has a set of books that will help you with the Hebrew customs, along with men like Henry Soltau and W.O.E.Oesterly. Encyclopedias like the and Strongs Encyclopedia of Biblical Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, and Singers Jewish Encyclopedia will prove invaluable. For the culture of the Greeks in the Century Adolph Light From the East is fantastic. F. E. Peters book The of Hellenism is a wonderful work. I desire to help those of you who are truly in search of the unadulterated truth. I will be defining these idioms and metaphors (and many more) in forth coming letters. There is a truth. It is exact. The drivel being perpetrated on the American by preachers on TV and from the pulpits in America is appalling. As we began this section, I stated that our purpose here is to teach you how to study. By the grace of God that is what I will do if you will allow me.