"Jesus Revolution 3"
Holds the Keys to A New Jesus Movement.
That Key is "The Gospel of Love!"

“And they'll Know we are Christians by our Love.”

The Jesus Movement of my generation was Powerful because: It focused on Jesus and God’s Love, the fact that a person can actually Know God, and being totally sold-out to JESUS! Those were wonderful times: the love of the brothers and sisters for one another was deep, and our love and passion for Jesus was even greater; because we were focused on Loving Jesus and Loving others as He Loves us.

The Jesus Movement of my generation was Unique, unlike any other revival in Church History (since the 1st Century Jesus Movement). We weren’t trying to reform the Church; we simply were seeking to return to First Century Christianity. We simply wanted to be Jesus’ Disciples, like His First Century disciples were. We were hippies and rebels from the 1960’s and 70’s, who had questioned authority and all the things we had been taught: yet we fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, because in Him we found the Truth and Love we had been searching for. We wanted to be like the Berean Christians, of whom it’s written: “These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) As Scripture says, “Test everything; hold onto that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) So we tested everyone’s doctrine against the Word of God. Because 1 John 2:27 says, “You have no need for anyone to teach you; because His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie.” As Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth: …He will take from that which is mine and explain it to you.” (John 16:13-14, also see John 14:25-26, 6:45, & Jeremiah 31:34, John 6:45) So the Good News the Jesus People proclaimed wasn’t based upon the traditions of men, because like the Apostle Paul, “[We] neither received it from man, nor [were we] taught it, but [we] received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12) 

The Gospel the Jesus People proclaimed Simply Focused on JESUS! Because JESUS is like a multifaceted Diamond, There's just so much about JESUS TO LOVE. Therefore we simply “Declared the excellencies of Him who had called us out of darkness, into His Marvelous Light.” (1 Peter 2:9) We didn’t focus on people's many sins, because Jesus said THE SIN the Holy Spirit WOULD CONVICT the world of was THEIR SIN OF NOT TRUSTING IN JESUS: “When He comes, He will convict the world OF SIN (Singular), and of righteousness, and of judgment: OF SIN, because they haven't believed in Me.”  (John 16:7-8) The only people Jesus rebuked for their sins, was the hard-hearted religious people, who were rejecting Him and The Truth; but when Jesus spoke to the common people, He spoke about the Goodness and Love of the Father, and about God's Kingdom; because He wanted to "change their minds" (which is what the word repentance literally means). So “We Proclaimed Him.” (Colossians 1:25-28) Because

We didn't use canned gospel presentations, we simply went everywhere telling people about Jesus in our own words (because Jesus said, ”It's not you who will speak, but the Holy Spirit who will speak through you.”) So we simply told people about God’s Love, the excellences of Jesus and His teachings, and that His Commandment is LOVE; and we stressed the importance of truly following Jesus and telling other people about Him. Because of these things the Jesus Movement spread like WILD-FIRE! (For more on the Jesus Movement of the late 60's and 70's, read Time Magazine’s (June 21, 1971) article "Jesus Revolution" @ tlwbible.com/rev.htm )

The Jesus Movement was so SUCCESSFUL that traditional Churches began going out evangelizing too. But their evangelism technique was different from ours, because they used canned presentations, and asked people, "If you were to die tonight, do you know for sure you would go to Heaven?" Then they'd use the Ten Commandments to prove to people that they were sinners, and that they would go to Hell unless they accepted Jesus.

The Jesus People didn't have many Churches of our own, we were just small groups of Believers who met together; so we began going to the traditional Churches of those who were going out witnessing with us; and they taught us their witnessing techniques. (And the Jesus Movement faded into history ~ because the Traditional Churches “took over” the Jesus Movement ~ See Time Magazine’s article "Jesus Revolution" @ tlwbible.com/rev.htm )

As the years passed my Love for the lost began to diminish, because I was always confronting people about their SINS (instead of telling them about Jesus), and they didn't want to hear it. So I began to witness less and less, because I didn't enjoy these confrontations. And when I did share it wasn't out of love for the lost or even out of love for the Lord; but rather out of a sense of duty, because I knew that Jesus had Commanded us to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8)                                               

One day I was reading in Revelation, and the LORD confronted me for my sin of NOT serving Him and others out of Love. His words cut like a knife to my heart, "I know your works, and your labor... Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:2-5 NKJV) My heart was shaken to its core, and I knew I had to "Return to my First Love." But I didn't know how? It had been almost 30 years since the days of the Jesus Movement; and I couldn't even remember how I had shared the Gospel back then? So began my Quest to rediscover the things I once believed & to discover the True Gospel from God’s Perspective.

The LORD reminded me that the message the Jesus People had proclaimed didn’t really focus on Heaven and Hell, but on JESUS and GOD'S LOVE. And He began to reveal to me that many of the things I had been taught (and that I was saying) in these canned presentations weren't actually true.

Please don’t feel like I’m Judging you.
(These are the things the Lord confronted me about, and corrected me in.)

For example, these presentations claim: "God's Standard is Perfection. So if in your lifetime you break even just one of His Commandments: God will have to condemn you and send you to Hell for that; because He is a Righteous Judge." But that’s not a true statement for a number of reasons: King David committed adultery and murder, but God didn't send him to Hell. The Truth is: God has always been ready and willing to forgive anyone who comes to Him! As GOD declares in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let’s reason together,” says the LORD: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become [as white] as wool."

Also these canned presentations claim that, “When Jesus said, ‘Be perfect, just as your Father in the heavens is perfect,’  in Matthew 5:48, Jesus was teaching us that God’s Standard is Perfection.” (Which they claim is perfectly keeping the Ten Commandments.) And then they also take James 2:10-11 out of context, and say, “For James said, “Whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of it all. Because he who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't [commit] murder."  So if you break even one of the Ten Commandments, you’re guilty of breaking them all!” (And then they will get the person they are witness to admit that they have broken a number of the Ten Commandments, and then they will ask them, “So if God were to judge you by the Ten Commandment; would you go to Heaven or Hell?” But God NEVER SAID, "I'll Judge you by the Ten Commandments." AND "If you break even one of the Ten Commandments: I'll send you to Hell!"

Jesus will JUDGE THE WORLD BY THE Words HE SPOKE, NOT BY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, "The Word which I have spoken will judge them on the last day." (John 12:48) And the sins people will be condemned for, will be the many times they FAILED TO LOVE their fellow-man. (See Matthew 25:31-46) Because, if you TRULY LOVE Jesus, you will LOVE people! Because, "This Commandment we received from Him: that the one who loves God, must love their brother and sister also." (1 John 4:21)  SO THIS FALSE GOSPEL IS BUILT completely UPON FALSE PRESUPPOSITIONS, lies, and Scriptures taken out of context: just as they did with James 2:10-11 (above).

When James said in James 2:10, ‘Whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of it all.” He was seeking to stress the point he was making in verses 8-9, “If you indeed fulfill The Royal Law according to the Scripture, ‘You’re to love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well. But if you favor an individual, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (Because not treating everyone with equal respect is unjust.) And then James concludes his discourse by stating in verses 11-12, “So speak, and so act, as those who will be judged by the Law of Freedom. For judgment will be without mercy to the one who has shown no compassion. Showing compassion triumphs over judgment.” (See Matthew 25:31-46) So all James is saying, is, “Walk in Love and don’t show partiality; and you will NOT be judged.” So James wasn’t teaching the Ten Commandments, he was teaching  Jesus' Royal Law of Love, the Law of Freedom, "Because since love does no wrong to a neighbor; Love fulfills the Law." (Romans 13:10)

And in Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus WAS TEACHING US TO BE LOVING & KIND, He wasn't teaching on the Ten Commandments: "You've heard that it’s been said, ‘You're to Love your neighbor, and Hate your enemy.' But I tell you, Love your enemies, bless and speak well of those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat and persecute you: That you may become Sons of your Father who is in the heavens: because He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Because if you only Love those who Love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? And if you only embrace your brothers and sisters, what are you doing that’s extraordinary? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [Therefore], be perfect, just like your Father in the heavens is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48) In other words, “Be like your Dad.” Because we’re to "Be imitators of God, as dear children; and walk in Love." (Ephesians 5:1-2) The Father’s Love is Perfect! And when our Love is Perfect, we need not fear punishment. (1 John 4:18)

The Apostle John tells us plainly what PERFECTION is from God’s Perspective: “If we Love one another, God abides in us, and His  LOVE HAS BEEN PERFECTED in us.” (1 John 4:12) That’s why “The Whole Law is fulfilled in this one statement; “You're to Love your neighbor as yourself.” Because in reality God's Standard is: “Faith working through Love.” (Galatians 5:5) So the Perfection God Seeks is ‘Agape’ Love (genuine self-less Love):  So “Beloved, let's Love one another: because Love is from God; and everyone who Loves is born of God, and knows God. The one who doesn't Love doesn't know God, because God is Love!” (1 John 4:7-8) “And we have come to know and believe the Love that God has for us. God is Love! And whoever dwells in Love dwells in God and God in them. in this way our LOVE IS MADE PERFECT, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because JUST AS he is, So also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:16-17) Because Jesus Commanded us to Love “JUST AS” He Loves!  A New Commandment I give to you: that you're to Love each other, JUST AS I have Loved you. So too you are to Love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have Love for each other.” (John 13:34-35)

People WON’T be judged by the Ten Commandments, but by JESUS' GOLDEN RULE: “Everything that you want people to do for you, you therefore are also to do for them.” (Matthew 7:12) “Then all the nations will be gathered before [JESUS], and he will separate them one from another, like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats… Then he will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his messengers! Because I was hungry, and you gave me no food; I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me… 'Indeed, I tell you, Inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me!' And these will go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:32, 41-43, 45) So people will be judged by how they loved or didn’t love their fellow-man.

Even those who have not yet heard about Jesus, will be judged by THE GOLDEN RULE; because every human being KNOWS, they should treat others the way they want to be treated. That’s why Paul said, "When those of other nations, who don’t have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these, even though they don’t have the law, are a law to themselves: Who show that the work of the law is written in their hearts—their conscience also testifying, and their thoughts within themselves either accusing or defending them; On the day when God will judge the things people have kept secret, through Jesus Christ, according to the Good News I proclaim." (Romans 2:14-16) "Because in every nation whoever fears Him and does righteous deeds, is accepted by Him." (Acts 10:35) The Old Testament also agrees concerning the pagan nations who do not have the Law of Moses or the Law of Christ: in Genesis 20:1-6, we’re told about the pagan king, Abimelech, who loved God and tried to live a righteous life; and God told him, “I have kept you from sinning against Me.” Was Abimelech sinless? Of course not, but God didn’t take his other into account; because according to the knowledge that he did have about God, he was seeking to please God.

Because as Romans 4:6-8 says, “To the one who… trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited to them as righteousness. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the person, to whom God credits righteousness apart from works [of the law], saying, “Blessed and happy are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed and happy is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” So this Perfectionist Judge gospel is an invention of man, it’s not the Gospel of God! Because acceptance before God, has always been based on faith in God, alone (apart from works of the Law). "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3 & Galatians 3:6)

Why will God send some people to Hell?

Romans 1:18-25 tells us why; but it’s NOT because they broke one of the Ten Commandments: “God's indignation is revealed from heaven against … people who suppress the truth …because that which is known about God is apparent in them; because God has revealed himself to them. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes have been fully seen, being understood through the things which were created, even his eternal power and divine nature; so they’re without excuse: because even though they knew God, they didn’t glorify him as God, nor were they thankful; but they became empty headed in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an idol in the likeness of corruptible man, and of birds, and of four-footed animals, and reptiles. Because of this, God also gave them over to uncleanness, in accordance with the desires of their own hearts, that they might dishonor their own bodies among themselves; Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” So their Root Sin was the Rejection of God! ~ So God will judge people for the truth they KNEW about God, but SUPPRESSED.

God wasn’t angry because they had made mistakes in their lives, God was angry because they didn’t want to know him.

All God has always wanted was for people to seek Him, believe Him, and trust in Him. “He made out of one blood every nation of people to dwell on the face of the whole earth, having pre-determining their fixed times and the fixed boundaries of their habitation; that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way to him and find him. though he is not far from any one of us.” (acts 17:26-27) God’s message to mankind has always been, “Seek the lord while he may be found. call upon him while he is near. let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous person their thoughts. Let them return to the LORD, and he will have compassion on them. Let them return to our God, because he will freely forgive them.” (isaiah 55:6-7)

So GOD is NOT this angry god and strict judge, that this false gospel makes Him out to be! Listen to how God describes Himself in Exodus 34:6-7, “I AM! I AM! A compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, watching over thousands with loving kindness. forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; but who will by no means cleanse [the unrepentant]." (Instead of [the unrepentant], most translations read “the guilty”, but they don’t put it in [brackets]; which they should have done, because in the Hebrew Text, there is NO WORD here.)

Religious people have tried so hard to portray God as an angry God, in order to scare people into Heaven; that they often twist and mistranslate Scripture to justify their theology and methodology. And in Jude 1:22-23, they have read into it something that isn’t even there. The verse literally reads, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save (or rescue) in fear, snatching them out of the fire, hating even the clothing defiled by the flesh.” But the KJV reads, “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” But the Greek doesn’t read, “WITH  fear,” it reads, "ἐν (en) in φόβῳ (fab’oe) fear." So Jude probably simply meant, “In fear for them, rescue them, snatching them out of the fire.” Or he could be saying the same thing Paul said in Galatians 6:1, “If a person is overtaken in any fault, you who are spiritual, should restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness; considering yourselves, lest you also be tempted,” So “save in fear” may refer to “lest you also be tempted.” But be that as it may, this verse is not a proof text that justifies using the FEAR OF HELL to try to scare people into Heaven; but God wants people to CHOOSE HIM OUT OF LOVE, not fear: because Jesus didn't say, "If you FEAR me; you will keep my Commandments." but rather, "If you LOVE me; you will keep my Commandments." (John 14:15) But this tenancy to always try to portray God as an angry god, has lead to some truly hellish interpretations of Scripture!
 

What I am about to say, will most likely shock most of you.
 

Because most of you have been taught that “God poured out His Wrath on Jesus on the Cross.” Where did this doctrine come from? Because there’s not even one verse in the entire Bible that states this. It comes from a misinterpretation and mistranslation of 1 John 2:1-2, “My little children, I'm writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. And he is the ransom sacrifice for our sins: and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

The Greek word that I have translated as “intercessor” in this verse is “par-ak'-lay-ton" it literally means, “one called along side.” This word is only used 5 times in the New Testament, and everywhere else it refers to the Holy Spirit. So why is it used to refer to Jesus in 1 John 2:1?  Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us the answer to that question, "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, who has passed into the heavens, Jesus, God's Son, let's hold on tightly to our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our weaknesses; but he was tested and tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin. Therefore let's come boldly before the throne of his gracious favor, that we may obtain compassion, and find gracious favor to help in time of need." So rather then Jesus being our "Defense Attorney before the Father” as those who embrace this angry god gospel claim, in 1 John 2:1"par-ak'-lay-ton" simply means, Jesus asks the Father to Help us. (See John 17:11, Romans 8:31-34, & 1 Timothy 2:5) So Jesus’ Ministry before the Father is very similar to that of the Holy Spirit, for both are a "par-ak'-lay-tos" an Intercessor, a Helper, a Companion, a Comrade, a partner, and a Very Close Friend (which are other ways that this word could be translated).

And the Greek word that I have translated as “ransom sacrifice” in this verse is “hilasmos"; it's literal meaning is "satisfying sacrifice". In First Century Greek culture a “hilasmos” was "a sacrifice given to satisfy a demon"; but God is not a demon, but Satan is! For this reason Augustine of Hippo, and other Early Church Father believed that Jesus was the Ransom Sacrifice the Father paid to Satan to purchase our release. But later in the 11th Century A.D. a different theory on the Atonement became popular within the Catholic Church, because their philosophers reasoned, “God could not have offered a sacrifice to Satan, because that would have made Satan His equal.” So they proposed instead, “The Father must have offered Jesus as a sacrifice to appease His own wrath.” But no one pays a ransom to themselves, nor does anyone purchase something back to themselves, nor would killing an innocent person ever justify letting a guilty person go free. This is ludicrous! But worse than that, this is blasphemous! Because this gospel turns God into a Sadist, a person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain on another. (Therefore, I’m convinced that this doctrine was born out of the pit of Hell, and that Satan himself is its author: because this false gospel leaves the devil completely out of the equation, and instead makes the Father’s supposed wrath against us the problem.)

But God declares in Ezekiel 33:11, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Because God “Desires for all people to be saved,” (1 Timothy 2:4) and to “come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26) So if God has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” God most certainly didn’t derive any pleasure from seeing His Son tortured on the Cross. In fact God was Greatly Angered by this; and that’s why Jesus forewarned the religious leaders, that His Father would destroy them for what they were about to do to His Son! (See Luke 20:9-16)

Nevertheless, it is written, "Yet the LORD was inclined to let him be beaten; he allowed him to be put to grief. When he makes his soul an offering for sin," (Isaiah 53:10) Why? Because as GOD said, "Through his knowledge my Righteous Servant will justify many, because he will bear their sin." (Isaiah 53:11) "The Lord was also pleased to take away the travail of his soul, to show him light." (Isaiah 53:11 Septuagint) How was the Father able to do this for Jesus on the Cross? By reminding Him from this verse, that His sacrifice would "Justify many." Therefore, it is written, "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame." (Hebrews 12:2) The "Joy that was set before Him" was the Knowledge that because of His Sacrifice, He would see you and I in Heaven one day! Therefore Jesus willingly laid down down His life for us, and the Father willingly "Gave His only born Son" for us. (John 3:16) Because, both the Father and Jesus knew that Jesus’ death was necessary to bring us back to God; because as Jesus said, “’If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw  everyone to myself.’ But he said this, to signify by what kind of death he intended to die.” (John 12:32-33) Because, since God had given us a free will, and of our own free will we chose to rebel against God, the only way we could be restored to God was if of our own free will we chose to return to God. Therefore, "God demonstrated his own Love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Why did Jesus have to die for us? Because by rebelling against God, we had became the devil’s slaves: as it is written, “Don’t you know? That to whomever you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey.” (Romans 6:1) But a slave doesn’t own anything, his life and everything he has belongs to his Master! So by rebelling against God, Adam & Eve handed the Title Deed to the Earth over to the devil, and that’s why Satan could boast before Jesus, “If you want the Earth back, bow down and worship me!” (See  Luke 4:5-7 & Matthew 4:8-9) Jesus didn’t dispute the devil’s claim, because Jesus knew that our souls and the whole Earth had been taken captive by the devil to do his will. (See 2 Timothy 2:26, Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 5:19, & Colossians 1:13) So the devil and our rebellious hearts are the problem, not God.

Because of that God can’t let us into Heaven, unless we first truly have a change of heart: because if God were to allow rebellious people into Heaven, Heaven would become just as messed up as the Earth! And that’s why God said, “Let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous person their thoughts. Let them return to the LORD, and he will have compassion on them. Let them return to our God, because he will freely forgive them.” (isaiah 55:6-7) God doesn’t feel a need to punish us for our sin. He simply wants us to have a change of heart and return to Him, so that He can forgive our sin. And that’s why God sent Jesus!

The  reason  God  gave  the  Jews  the Ten Commandment  in  the  wilderness, was  not  because  it  was  His  Eternal  Standard, but because the people were rebellious and didn’t want to hear His voice! (Deuteronomy 18:16) So God gave them the Ten Commandment instead, so that at least they would stop wronging one another, and have a form of godliness until He could send His Son to teach them His True Standard of Love. (The Law was only designed to be temporary, until God could send His Son.) That’s why God told Moses, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you, from among their brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything that I command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18) Therefore, "GOD said, 'The days are coming, when I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt...  But this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My Law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.'" (Jeremiah 31:31-33)

So when Jesus came He made a New Covenant with us, and gave us a New Law, and a New Commandment, for Jesus said, “THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT: Love each other, just as I have Loved you… everything that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you… These things I command you: you’re to Love each other.” (See John 15:12-17) So we no longer have any need for the Ten Commandments, because GOD has written THE LAW OF CHRIST on our hearts. And the Father Himself, has also given us ONE NEW COMMANDMENT that FULFILLS THEM ALL! “This is His Commandment: that we trust in the name of His Son Jesus Christ; and Love one another, just as He commanded us.” (1 John 3:23) "Because since LOVE does no wrong to a neighbor; LOVE fulfills the Law." (Romans 13:10) So we NOW have GOD’S LAW written on the Tables of our Hearts, instead of on Tables of Stone! (See Jeremiah 31:33 & 2 Corinthians 3:3-11)

Because from God’s Perspective, "The purpose of the commandment” has always been “LOVE from a pure heart, and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith; From which some, have missed the mark, having turned aside to senseless reasoning, desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they are saying, nor the things they strongly affirm." (1 Timothy 1:5-7)  So those who want to be teachers of the Ten Commandment, and claim that “It’s God’s Standard,” “understanding neither what they are saying, nor the things they strongly affirm," because we NOW have a Higher Law!
 

Now let’s go back to: How Jesus Defeated the Devil on the Cross!
 

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the (Hilasmos) Ransom Sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 (Those 11th Century philosophers were very wrong: because if someone kidnaps your children, and you pay a ransom to obtain their release, that doesn’t make you and the kidnapper equals.) And as mentioned earlier, in Greek culture “a hilasmos” was a sacrifice given to satisfy a demon. ~ So how did Jesus’ death “Satisfy” Satan?

God hide an obscure passage of Scripture in the Law of Moses (one that had never been implemented, until the day Jesus died on the Cross). And when the devil became aware of this passage, he thought he had finally found a way to get rid of Jesus; but it back-fired on him; because this was God’s Secret Plan! That Passage is found in Deuteronomy 21:22-23, and it reads,  "If a person has committed a sin deserving of death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body is not to be left overnight on the tree, but you must bury him on the same day (for he who is hanged is cursed by God)." But because God said it, and because Satan knew, "You have magnified Your word above all Your name." (Psalm 138:2) The devil thought that if he could crucify Jesus, the Father would have to curse His own Son; because God honors His word above everything else! And the devil was right in this; but what the devil didn't realize was that this was part of God's Plan! Therefore it is Now written: "He made Him who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus “became sin” by allowing Himself to be “hung on a cross.” But because He did, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; because it's written, 'CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE.'" (Galatians 3:13) So because the Father honors His word even above His name, the Father had to turn His face away from His Son when Jesus hung on the Cross. And that’s why Jesus cried out, “My God, my God! Why have you have you forsaken me?” (because the fellowship Jesus had always had with the Father, was broken). But Jesus didn’t cry out, “My God, my God! Why are you pouring out your Wrath on me?” because no supernatural judgement came from the Father against Jesus that day, the only supernatural thing that happened while Jesus hung on the Cross, was the sky became as black as night, when the Father turned His face away.

Here’s how it happened: "The chief priests... said, “What are we going to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him continue on like this, everyone will believe in him." (Luke 11:47-48) Satan realized this too; so Satan entered Judas, and Judas went to the High Priests to betray Jesus. Satan and all the demons rejoiced the day they crucified Jesus, and “Satan was satisfied”, because he thought he’d finally gotten rid of Jesus. But what the devil didn’t realize until 3 days later, was that the Father had tricked him into taking the Hilasmos (the Satisfying Sacrifice). Therefore, “We are speaking about the wisdom of God in His secret plan, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, Which none of the rulers of this age knew: for had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8) So God had to hide His plan to ransom His children back from the devil, because had the devil known, the prophecy in Genesis 3:14 would never have been fulfilled:"He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.” The devil bruised Jesus heel on the Cross, but Jesus Crushed the dragon’s head at the Cross; because, it’s written 3 times in Scripture, "Life for life." (Leviticus 24:18, Exodus 21:23, Deuteronomy 19:21) So since the devil murdered the innocent Son of God on the Cross, Satan’s Sin is now greater than anyone’s sin in the entire Universe, and he owes a debt which he cannot pay: “LIFE FOR LIFE!” So he now must release from captivity even the worst sinner when they call on the Name of JESUS!

Another Major Problem with the “Angry God Gospel” is it’s actually given us “2 Gods” that are completely different from each other: an angry Father and a compassionate Jesus; who according to this false gospel is supposedly our Defense Attorney, and must appease the Father’s wrath on our behalf daily. But Jesus doesn’t have to convince the Father to be merciful to us, because He and the Father have always agreed as One! (John 5:30) Plus Jesus said, "The Father judges no one, because He's given all judgment to the Son." (John 5:32) So the Father isn’t "The Righteous Judge," Jesus Is! (2 Timothy 4:8) "And the Lord Jesus Christ... will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom." (2 Timothy 4:1) "All the nations will be gathered before Him." (Matthew 25:32, 25:31-46) Therefore Peter boldly declared, "HE COMMANDED US TO PROCLAIM to the people and to earnestly testify that HE IS THE ONE whom GOD appointed AS JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD." (Acts 10:42) So this false gospel has Twisted the Entire Gospel!

Another Major Problem with this “Angry God Gospel” is its "Sinner's Prayer." It doesn't share what it truly means to become a disciple of Jesus. At one of the churches I use to go to; after we went through the gospel presentation with someone, we'd simply say, "If you would like to receive the Free Gift of Eternal Life? Simply repeat this prayer after me," Then we would close our eyes, and begin to pray (without waiting for a response); and remarkably most people would begin repeating the prayer after us. After we were done with the prayer, we'd open our eyes and tell them, “Since you prayed that prayer: as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I tell you today, that all your sins; past, present, and future are forgiven. You’re saved and you’re on your way to Heaven.” Then after a few encouraging words; we’d move on, and look for someone else to share with.

I went out witnessing with a Church that did this, for quite a few years; and each and every year, we'd pray with between 400 to 800 people, I know, because we kept score. But even after around 20 years of doing this, the Church hadn’t grown very much, and personally I can’t remember seeing even one of the people I’d prayed with come to Church. I was perplexed by this, and began asking the Lord, "Why is this?" And He told me, "You're just been selling people a Free Fire Insurance Policy, and since they think they're 'Insured, and on their way to Heaven,’ that's all they care about."

Undoubtedly some of those who prayed with us were sincere, and so they're on their way to Heaven. But I'm afraid a lot of the people we prayed with, just prayed the “Sinner’s Prayer” to avoid going to Hell; but if they weren’t sincere about following Jesus, they may still find themselves in Hell one day. Because a prayer that’s prayed without a sincere desire to Know God and Follow Jesus, won't get anybody into Heaven! Because Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but only those who do the will of my Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 7:21)

So we did these people a great disservice by not telling them to “Count the cost.” (Luke 14:26-33) What we should have told them was: "Salvation is a Free Gift. But since Jesus gave everything for us; we must give Him everything in return. Because Jesus said, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me isn’t worthy of me: and whoever loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. And whoever doesn't take up their cross, and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37-38) So to truly be saved, we must become a true disciple of Christ. Would you like to make Jesus your LORD today, and be with Him for all Eternity?" (That's more like we would have asked people to pray back in the 70's. And that Gospel produced Disciples who where On-Fire for the LORD! But all this traditional Angry God Gospel has produced, at best, is milk-toast Christians.
 

This false gospel has adversely affected a lot of people,
both inside and outside the Church
 

Inside the Church those who truly ‘got saved’ under this ‘false gospel’ live under a form of bondage to the law; because it only stands to reason: “IF God’s Standard is Perfection (though I’m saved by Grace) God must be ANGRY with me, because God Never Changes, and I’m NOT Perfect!” And since ‘we feel we need to perform better,’ we try to build “Our Ministry.” But by focusing our ministry, instead of focusing on Truly Loving people; people become more like customers we pretend to care about, rather than individuals we genuinely Love. And we actually end up DISPLEASING God, rather than PLEASING Him; because since "GOD IS LOVE," anything that doesn’t come from Genuine Love is an abomination in His Sight! (See Revelation 2:2-5 & 1 Corinthians 13) But if we Focus on Love, we will genuinely fulfill His Commandment to Love Others without alterative motives; which will allow the LORD to Build His Church ON LOVE, as He intended! “Building itself up in LOVE.” (Ephesians 4:6 & Colossians 3:14)

Outside the Church a lot of people have rejected God altogether, because a Christian told them, "GOD is an Strict Judge, who demands absolute perfection." (And they don't want to serve ‘an angry god who is a strict judge’, who they perceive as being unfair.) But Jesus didn't portray the Father as angry judge, but rather as a "Loving Father, who is longingly waiting for His wayward Child to return home." (See "The parable of the Prodigal Son" in Luke 15:11-32) Because Jesus taught that GOD is a Good Father, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father, who is in the heavens, give good things to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:11) But sadly, many people have rejected God because of a lie that a Christian told them about God.

Plus, this ‘Angry God Gospel’ has ‘Nothing Good or Positive’ to say about God. So it’s Totally Unbalanced. Because the Bible has many Good and Positive things to say about God, and lists the Benefits of serving the LORD; for example Psalm 103 says, "Praise the LORD I AM, O my soul! And all that is within me, praise His Holy name! Praise the Lord, O my soul, and don’t forget all of His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." But how can an ‘Angry God Gospel’ bring God praise? Because it doesn’t create a desire to Know God, or to give God Praise, within the heart of the hearer? (So this Angry God Gospel has actually hardened more hearts against God, than it has saved.)

Plus, this ‘Angry God Gospel’ tells unbelievers ABSOLUTELY nothing about Jesus, other than, "He died for our sins." But Scripture reminds us, "How can they believe in Him, if they’ve NEVER heard about Him?” (Romans 10:14) I truly believe Jesus by Himself is enough reason for someone to want to Know God. And that’s why All True Christians are called to be His Priests: "YOU ARE… A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, his own special people, THAT YOU MIGHT PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES OF HIM who called you out of darkness into His Marvelous Light." (1 peter 2:9) Because as Paul said, even though "There are so-called gods… on earth (indeed there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, ...and one Lord Jesus Christ..." (1 Corinthians 8:5-6) So we need to tell people Who Our God Is: because the Father and Allah are not the same God, nor is Krishna and Jesus the same Lord. But most people don’t know the difference, because we haven't told them! For when we just say, “God,” or “The Lord,” that doesn’t mean the SAME THING to everyone; and the person we’re talking to may have a really distorted view of God. So we need to let people know, “Our Heavenly Father is just like JESUS!” (John 14:9)

How should we ask people to pray to Receive Jesus? Jesus gives us a Beautiful Example of ‘An Invitation to Sinners’ in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and weighed down with heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke upon yourself and learn from me, because I'm gentle and humble in heart, and you'll find rest for your souls, because my yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.” (“Placing Jesus’ yoke upon ourself, is SURRENDERING to Jesus’ Lordship.” And “Jesus' burden is light, because Jesus’ burden is LOVE.” Tell them, “All Jesus asks of us is: to Love Him and to Love others like He Loves us.”) Doesn’t that sound a whole lot more inviting than “Turn or Burn”?  (Also Revelation 3:20 & Isaiah 1:18 are a couple of other Good Verses to share with people.)

A closing thought: Is God selfish to desire our Love? No, because if we can’t Love our Creator, we won’t really Love anyone else either, other than ourselves. But God cannot let selfish self-centered people into Heaven; because then Heaven would become just as messed up as the Earth. Therefore Jesus came to demonstrate God’s Love for us, and to show us how to Love others as He Loves us ~ So Heaven will truly be Heaven, because everyone there has learned how to Love. And that's what I miss the most about the Jesus Movement: "The Koinonia" the True Fellowship & Genuine Love of "Our Love Feasts." Because we were so focused on Love, we had deep brotherly affection for one another. (Sadly, I haven't been able find anything close to that since the early 80's. So sometimes, when I go to Church, I feel like the Jews felt who returned to Jerusalem after the captivity: it seems like nothing; because I can remember Our Former Glory!) Because as Jesus said, "Everyone WILL KNOW you’re My Disciples, because of your GENUINE LOVE (AGAPE LOVE) for each other." So it’s my earnest prayer that His Bride, "Returns to her First Love."