Jesus Spoke of Many

Paul tells us, Grace and Faith are our only means of salvation: there is nothing else …for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works that no man should glory. (Ephesians 2:8)

Jesus opened the door to grace by His eternal sacrifice that no works can replace, sadly most are not taught this truth. These words, also from Paul are more pertinent today than ever before.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2Corinthians 11:3-4)

There is a huge difference between going to Church and knowing the truth of the LORD and His Christ. Churches today have little in common with those of the past, which preached the Gospel taught by the Apostles. Now, we see a different type of gathering tailored to the material desires of the hearer; prosperity, health and worldly things opposing the cleansing of God’s Word in our heart and mind. Jesus surely wouldn’t hear His Gospel in most Churches today. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray. (Matthew 24:5)

The Greek word, polloi means abundant or plenteous, rendered in English Bibles as many. The Oxford states it to mean a large number or numerous; Webster’s as a large but indefinite number. Therefore, the use of many in the passage from Matthew means plentiful. In Mark’s Gospel, the same warning is worded slightly differently: Many shall come in my name, saying, I am (he); and shall lead many astray. (3:16) but, the most telling is found in Luke … for many shall come in my name, saying, I am (he); and, the time is at hand: go ye not after them. (21:18) Jesus has warned us to be alert to counterfeit Christ’s and Gospels: that we follow them at our peril.

So, who are the many Jesus spoke of? Surely it cannot describe a handful of sect leaders over the centuries (or today) obviously in the minority, and certainly not plentiful. So, it actually looks like the many mentioned by Jesus are our pastors and priests; who else could it be? As numerous is not a few, are millions of Christians being led astray by improper teaching in the Churches today? Is what you are taught the Good News Jesus wants you to hear? According to Paul and Isaiah, the answer is no. Paul laid out these times perfectly, as did Isaiah in his day.

For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. (2Timothy 4:3-4)

This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. (Isaiah 30:9-11)

Do Paul and Isaiah speak correctly; is it clichés and falsehoods the people want to hear, ahead of the Gospel, Jesus commanded be taught? Are we now beguiled as Satan enticed Eve by changing God’s Word? You can answer this yourself. When you get home from your Church or Fellowship, do you feel there’s something missing; do you sense you have not received what you expected? Are you still hungry for the truth of the LORD and His Christ?

Sorry, that was 3 questions, but it’s really the same question. Has anyone shared with you, who Jesus really is; New Jerusalem; the Bride and who her husband is, or what it means to rest in the Sabbath? Jesus made our shepherds liable for our spiritual growth and well-being. If you have doubts; you have not been fed as He commanded. If you’re still hungry for the truth of Jesus and His Gospel, then they have failed you. They have also failed the LORD: may He show His mercy.

So, here’s a quick test with just a few more questions, which may help you see what I’m getting at. These are essential aspects of Scripture every Christian should know.

What is the Greatest Commandment
How should we be baptised
What are the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
What is the name of the Father
Who or what is Israel

If you know the answers, then the LORD is glorified! But, if this is the first time you have seen questions like these, and you don’t know how to answer, then you have a matter to set right. And here I must say, the answers to the questions are all found in the New Testament; they are not my opinion, they are what they are, the teaching of Christ Jesus and the Apostles. You will find the answers in brief at the end of this article and in greater depth on the site; follow the links but stay with me now.

Like the Evangelists; Peter and Paul; most of the Prophets had an almost daily grind to have Israel understand the truth of their God. In the end the LORD said, enough is enough and exiled them to Assyria, and later Babylon. (There are articles on this site about it.) In New Testament times, Paul and the Apostles had similar issues to contend with, especially when the antichrist was already active …and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1John 4:3) This spirit went out with false teaching, which greatly concerned John (1John 4:1) and must concern us today, as it is here with us now.

New assemblies are popping up everywhere, which is a mystery as some think the church age is coming to a close. Could this be why we are seeing a new and different evangelism? Churches today are nothing like the ones our forebears attended, now commercial gatherings driven by self-indulgence: some now abusing the command of the tithe, providing direct transfer banking when it is not a financial offering. Yes, the LORD requires us to surrender a tithe of one tenth. It is the first tenth of the Law given to Moses; to honour and keep Exodus 20:3, thou shalt have no other gods before me. It is the LORD’S portion; not cash for ministers to build great mansions.

Let’s look again to Paul and his letter to the Galatians. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men; for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Gal 1:9-10)

These are firm words from Paul directed at the Church then and now. If anyone stepped over the line, Paul put them straight. If you feel there is a problem with what you are hearing or reading; if you think there is more or feel there are gaps, if you’re not sure who to believe, you can always trust the Lord’s chosen vessel (Acts 9.15) also Peter, James, John and Jude; but especially and above all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you are not a Christian and want to know Jesus, then invite Him into your life. Behold, I stand and the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come to him, and I will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20) If your heart and mind are true, He will answer; but it may not be when you expect, as I found to my joy!

If you are a Christian put what you have read here to the test; search the Scriptures and ask the Spirit of Jesus for guidance. If you are still hungry for the truth; thirst, and are not satisfied, then another Seed is at work in your Church. For the good health of your soul and spirit, you should now act on these instructions Jesus has given you for salvation. Come out of her, my people, that ye not be partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Rev 18:4)

This is the same message from Jesus we find in Luke’s Gospel. So, is it God or men that we must believe?

The Answers: