ARISE, SHINE

(1) INTRODUCTION
Isaiah 60 is prophesying “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you…” (Isaiah 60:1)

Based on Isaiah 60:1, many famous teachings say that the world is getting darker and darker, but the church is getting brighter and brighter.
Not just that, they are saying great favors, and blessings are coming to Christians.
Furthermore, they say, it is a generation for Christians to gather great wealth in this season.
In addition, they say it is the era of inverted wealth. This means the non-believers’ wealth is being transferred to Christians.
Believers are to “Arise, and shine…”

(2) CONTEXT
Because of space, I shall attach selected verses of Chapter 60 here. Nevertheless, it is good for readers to examine the whole chapter with their own bible. Scripture reading as below:-

Isaiah 60:10-12 NIV
1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)
5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; THE WEALTH ON THE SEAS will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. (Isaiah 60:5)
10 “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and THEIR KINGS WILL SERVE YOU. Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion.
11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations— their kings led in triumphal procession.
12 FOR THE NATION OR KINGDOM THAT WILL NOT SERVE YOU WILL PERISH; it will be utterly ruined. (Isaiah 60:10-12)

Wow! If the word “You or your” is referring to Believers, and Christians can claim “Arise, shine”, as to how those famous teachings suggest, then they can also claim::-
Hallelujah, praise the Lord!
Christians are so blessed.
See, see, the wealth on the seas will be brought to us.
Even the riches of the nations will come to us.
How can believers not be blessed?

If that is not enough, see, even the foreigners, not just coming to serve us but also rebuild our walls.
Oh, oh EVEN KINGS WILL COME TO SERVE US.
Hallelujah, for THOSE NATIONS AND KINGDOMS THAT DON’T SERVE US SHALL PERISH.
Praise the Lord!

Frankly, does any sound-minded Christain truly believe that wealth, nation, and kingdom come to serve him?
If not, that kingdom, nation shall perish?

(3) QUESTIONS
Thus, to put things into perspective, Christians should ask:-
– Q1) What does that refer to in Isaiah 60:1?
– Q2) And, to whom does that refer in Isaiah 60:1?
– Q3) When will that happen?

Thus, it is good to look into its context.
I don’t know Greek or Hebrew. I can’t debate with those scholars or famous preachers in Greek and Hebrew. But it is good to draw the context from a few translations. Let’s consider the Chinese bible first.

First and foremost, the words “YOU and YOUR” can be singular or plural. And Chinese language can be easily identified if it is singular or plural. That means:-
> The word “You” in the singular is 你. And “Your” is 你的
> Whilst, in the plural, it is written as 你们 (You) and 你们的 (Your).

With that in mind, as we study Isaiah 60 in the Chinese bible, we shall notice that it is written in the singular. Thus, the whole chapter is not referring to Believers (plural). God does not prophesy and tells believers to “Arise, shine” in Isaiah 60:1. Unless you are saying that you alone shall “Arise and shine”.

If that is not enough, let’s look into other translations. The GNT, ESV, and NLT give subtitles in Isaiah 60 as:-
# (GNT) The Future Glory of Jerusalem
# (ESV) The Future Glory of Israel
# (NLT) Future Glory for Jerusalem

Clearly, in the context, the “Arise, shine” is not declared to all believers. It is prophesying to Jerusalem. Again, many scholars and modern teachings might like to jump in by saying Gentile believers are the spiritual branch of Israel. Whatever the natural (Israel) experiences, it will happen to the spiritual (Gentile believers).

Well, we shall leave the discussion of the meaning of the “Natural and Spiritual” branches to a separate discussion. But the subtitles on GNT, ESV, and NLT clearly say “FUTURE”… “Future glory of Jerusalem or Israel.”

Hence, “Arise, shine” is not a NOW word. It does not say “Now Jerusalem shall arise and shine”.

If not now, when would this fully happen? Well, verses 18-20 is saying that:-
– We won’t be seeing violence and destruction of borders.
– And Jerusalem does not need the sun by day nor the brightness of the moon at night.
– Because God is Jerusalem’s eternal light. God is Jerusalem’s splendor.
– Is Jerusalem no longer experiencing violence, and destruction now?
– Does current Jerusalem need no natural sunlight now?

Obviously, destruction and violence are everywhere now!

(4) SCRIPTURE REFERENCE FOR ISAIAH 60:18-20
The scripture reference for Isaiah 60:18-20 as below:-

(NIV) 18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
(GNT) 18 The sounds of violence will be heard no more; Destruction will not shatter your country again. I will protect and defend you like a wall; You will praise me because I have saved you.

(NIV) 19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
(GNT) 19 “No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the Lord, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you.

(NIV) 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
(GNT) 20 Your days of grief will come to an end. I, the Lord, will be your eternal light, More lasting than the sun and moon.

(5) PURPOSE OF WEALTH
– Next, are those gold, incense, wealth, precious woods, fir, and cypress being gathered for either Gentile or Jewish believers?
– Is the purpose of gathering wealth from nations to bless individual believers?

No, the context is very clear. These items are to be gathered to honor the Lord and build His temple (verses 7-17).
It is good to remind again that the wealth to be gathered is not individuals. It is to honor God and build His temple in the future. The scripture reference as below:-

Subtitle: The Future Glory of Jerusalem
Isaiah 60:1-2
(GNT) 1 Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun; The glory of the Lord is shining on you!
2 Other nations will be covered by darkness, But on you the light of the Lord will shine; The brightness of his presence will be with you. (Isaiah 60:1-2 GNT)
Isaiah 60:7-14
7 All the sheep of Kedar and Nebaioth Will be brought to you as sacrifices And offered on the altar to please the Lord. The Lord will make his Temple more glorious than ever.
8 What are these ships that skim along like clouds, Like doves returning home?
9 They are ships coming from distant lands, Bringing God’s people home. They bring with them silver and gold To honor the name of the Lord, The holy God of Israel, Who has made all nations honor his people.
10 The Lord says to Jerusalem, “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, And their kings will serve you. In my anger I punished you, But now I will show you my favor and mercy.
13 “The wood of the pine, the juniper, and the cypress, The finest wood from the forests of Lebanon, Will be brought to rebuild you, Jerusalem, To make my Temple beautiful, To make my city glorious.
14 The descendants of those who oppressed you will come And bow low to show their respect. All who once despised you will worship at your feet. They will call you ‘The City of the Lord,’ ‘Zion, the City of Israel’s Holy God.’ (Isaiah 60:7-14 GNT)

(6) SUMMARY
In summary, Isaiah 60:1’s “Arise, shine…”, is not referring to Christians. It does not tell believers that “As the world gets darker and darker, Christians are getting brighter and brighter. It does not say that Christians will be abundantly blessed, giving great favor, and inverted transferring of wealth from nonbelievers to gentile Christians. Indeed, the whole chapter of the prophecy is referring to the future glory of Jerusalem.
The parallel message can be found in Revelation 21:22-26

Revelation 21:22-26 GNT
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.
23 The city has NO NEED OF THE SUN OR THE MOON TO SHINE ON IT, because the GLORY OF GOD SHINES ON IT, AND THE LAMB IS ITS LAMP.
24 The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it.
25 The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there.
26 THE GREATNESS AND THE WEALTH OF THE NATIONS will be brought into the city. (GNT)

Bear in mind that Revelation 21:22-26 is an event after the “Opening of the Book of Life and Great White Throne Judgment”. Certainly, believers are not living in that era yet.

In closing, it is very dangerous to paraphrase His truth with a single verse. God doesn’t promise great wealth shall be transferred from nonbelievers to Christians.

(7) CHINESE BIBLE REFERENCE
The scripture reference for the Chinese bible:-

(Isaiah 60:1 CUVS)
1 兴起，发光！因为你的光已经来到！耶和华的荣耀发现照耀你。(Isaiah 60:1)
Isaiah 60:5
5 那时，你看见就有光荣；你心又跳动又宽畅；因为大海丰盛的货物必转来归你；列国的财宝也必来归你。(Isaiah 60:5)
Isaiah 60:10-14
10 外邦人必建筑你的城墙；他们的王必服事你。我曾发怒击打你，现今却施恩怜恤你。(Isaiah 60:10)
11 你的城门必时常开放，昼夜不关；使人把列国的财物带来归你，并将他们的君王牵引而来。(Isaiah 60:11)
12 哪一邦哪一国不事奉你， 就必灭亡，也必全然荒废 。(Isaiah 60:12)
13 利巴嫩的荣耀，就是松树、杉树、黄杨树，都必一同归你，为要修饰我圣所之地；我也要使我脚踏之处得荣耀。(Isaiah 60:13)
14 素来苦待你的，他的子孙都必屈身来就你；藐视你的，都要在你脚下跪拜。他们要称你为耶和华的城，为以色列圣者的锡安。(CUVS)

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc

THE BOOKS OF THE GOSPELS
Nevertheless, based on past studies, prove that fruits, good works, and conduct of believers are paramount for full salvation. Do revisit these studies, if needed:-
– END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
– JESUS IS MY FRIEND – PART 1

There again, if we go back to both Matthew and Mark’s accounts, the gospel is a call for non-believers to turn away from their sins by confessing them and be baptized subsequently. The scripture continues by telling us “AND GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.”

Putting Mark 1 and Matthew 3 into perspective, it is never the case for non-believers to declare all their sins are being forgiven at the salvation call prior to admitting and confessing their sins first.

And, baptism is not just symbolism or mere public declaration as Christ’s followers alone. It has to turn away from its sins first.

Besides, Jesus was commanding His disciples to baptize those who want to give their lives to Jesus in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Perhaps, this is the only commanding verse in the entire bible where three Names (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) appear at the same time. It shows the seriousness and importance of baptism. That suggests baptism is not just symbolic. It is renouncing sinful living.

Please do not read that verse by saying believers are protected by the trinity God. Because they have to abandon their sins first. And the next verse, in Matthew 28:20, is saying, “AND TEACH THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.” This is another commanding verse for the obedience of God’s people after they have received baptism. It is not a protection verse.

Should we take the Great Commandment from Mark’s account, it states clearly that:
– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16, GNT)
– It is a “AND” condition for believing and baptism in order to be saved.

The scripture reference as below:-

Matthew 28:19-20, GNT
19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: BAPTIZE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, GNT)

Mark 16:15-18, GNT
15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues;
18 if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18, GNT)

Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 | amenbible.com

BE BAPTIZED
Let’s look at another verse to confirm Mark’s teaching below:-

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT
‬‬4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ | amenbible.com

Obviously, some scholars are saying Mark 16 was added in verses. They are saying the original manuscript comes without those verses. Nevertheless, these verses are in line with Acts 1:8 which says the power of the Holy Spirit will manifest until “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

And we saw many spiritual powers and breakthroughs happen in the book of Acts. Unless we believe that “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” is already over if not, the spiritual power will continue to manifest.

That is not in line with cessationism theology that says all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over. Besides, our next and future generations do need those manifestations to believe and witness Him too. Spiritual powers and wonders had not ended in the first century and are not going to end in our generation. Rather, it has to be till “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

On one extreme, people are saying that God/ Jesus never comes to prosper believers. Prosperity is a bad word, to some denominations.

Nevertheless, apostle John did pray for Gaius to be prospered in 3 John 1:2 [Recap: 3 JOHN (PROSPER IN ALL THINGS)]

Besides, God did prosper Abraham, Isaac, King David, and King Solomon in the Old Testament.

On top of that, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminded God’s people that He was the one who gave power for them to become rich. We are serving the same God, regardless of the old or New Testament. Those blessings and prosperity are not just spiritual, but tangible ones.

SEEK YE FIRST
Of course, on the other extreme, it is wrong to camp on prosperity and guarantee all believers to be wealthy and healthy universally.

At least we don’t see monetary prosperity for all first-century apostles. Indeed, the apostle Paul was living by tents-making to earn his living (Acts 18:3).

There again, there are many verses talking about how God provides for His people. One of the famous scriptures is known as “Seek Ye first.”

Matthew 6:33, GNT
33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU, and he will provide you with all these other things.

Matthew 6:33, NIV
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33, AMPC
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33 | amenbible.com

Modern teaching likes to camp the above verse on Christ’s righteousness. It is not about believers’ righteousness, they said. According to their teaching should the believers behold His glory, His imputed righteousness, God will give them all things.

On the other hand, some interpret Matthew 6:33 as spiritual blessings, got nothing to do with bodily, earthly blessings.

But the context is talking about the physical beauty of those flowers and the earthly edible food for those birds.

Furthermore, it is saying “Do not worry about what you eat, or wear.” It is not about spiritual beauty and spiritual food. Jesus did not talk about spiritual beauty and food. Rather, Jesus was referring to physical wellness and not future spiritual glory.

In addition, the context is not referring to God shall provide for the “Need and not the want” of the believers. The author was comparing and contrasting to a super wealthy King Soloman, who was living not just in need but a luxurious life. The fact is, rich or poor, God is their provider.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MATTHEW 6:33
From “CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE”, shows that the resurrected Jesus was concerned about the continuity of His earthly evangelism and mission. Jesus was beseeching His people to continue in the propagation of God’s kingdom. Personally, I believe this is the meaning of “Seek first His kingdom.”

And based on GNT and AMPC, the second part of the context talk about His requirements for the believers. It is not about His imputed righteousness. It is about believers’ right doing. [Further reading about the word righteousness can be found here]

SLIGHT UNBELIEVING IS NOT BELIEVING. SLIGHT TWISTED TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH
In summary, scripture does not contradict itself. Should believe need to paraphrase, alter the bible’s original context, interpret every verse with the lens of grace, and see Jesus fulfilled or supplied in every verse, that is not believing. THAT IS SELECTIVELY BELIEVED.

And should we need to interpret verses by saying cessation; all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over, that is not inclined with God’s word. That is not just doubt, but strips Church’s power and reduces it to be like any earthly social community; without godly, spiritual powers. That is partial believing and constitutes unbelieving.

CONCLUSION
May the Lord help me/us in believing Him and His word absolutely, simply like a child/ Children.

By upholding and endorsing paraphrasing or cessation theologies, it will bring ruin to God’s words, and strip His spiritual powers and His truth. Let God be God. He is having personal assignments, plans, and purposes for each and every one. He is holding on to every believer’s destination.

Certainly, God is the One who blesses and prospers all His people. Nevertheless, Jesus’ primary first earthly mission was to point the way for believers to seek God’s kingdom, live a godly life, and bear witness to His kingdom with His spiritual powers till the ends to come.

Yes, the bible does mention of “Gospel of Grace.’ It means by grace people are giving the gospel. It doesn’t mean Jesus came to pour out His financial blessings for nothing. Jesus also said, “Come follow me; take up your cross, etc.”

Jesus’ primary role is not here to bless and bless; supply and supply His people for nothing. His spiritual powers are manifesting with a purpose.

In conclusion, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. The gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of:
– GOOD NEWS
– Gospel of Grace
that can be covered. Truly, the gospel is covering the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind. Believers have to embrace His heart to seek God’s kingdom in witnessing His glory.

Again, Eve might not know that she could be fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief deviating from His word. Nevertheless, her story is written to forewarn believers from adopting her step.

Believe absolutely. And not selectively or partially. Amenbible.
Read:-
RIGHTLY DIVIDE HIS WORD (1)
BALAAM
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD

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March 10, 2022

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Arise shine, As the world gets darker and darker, Christians are getting brighter and brighter, 耶和华的荣耀发现照耀你, inverted transferring of wealth, Isaiah 60, The Future Glory of Jerusalem, 兴起发光

CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE

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There is a beautiful story on miraculous catches of fish in John 21:2-11.

BACKGROUND IN JOHN CHAPTER 20
Perhaps, it is good to look at the background of the story a chapter prior to the miraculous catches of fish; in chapter 20, before drawing a conclusion. Because of space, I shall not attach any verse from John 20. Individuals are encouraged to read their own bible in John chapter 20. A short outline of the story of John 20 unveils below:

– Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb. But she found that the tomb’s entrance was open. She ran to inform Jesus’ disciples (Peter and John) in John 20:1-2.

– The disciples went to the tomb. And the bible records verses 8 to 10 as below:-

(John 20:8-10, GNT)
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.
(9 They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.)
10 Then the disciples went back home.

John 20:8-10, GNT | Amenbible

– Ironically, those disciples believed Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. In other words, it was an emptied tomb.

– Let me repeat again that yes, they believed the tomb was emptied. But after believing that it was an empty tomb, they chose to go home (John 20:8-10). Their hearts weren’t warmed by the fact that Jesus was being resurrected.

– Apparently, after being with Jesus for 3 ½ years, they did not know His way of teaching. They had not understood from Jesus’ sharing that He must rise from death.

– Indeed, Mary Magdalene returned with those disciples a second time. But she remained there and wept outside the tomb even when the disciples went back to their home.

– Obviously, from John 20:13 to 16, Magdalene couldn’t recognize the resurrected Lord who appeared to her.

– Jesus revealed Himself and wanted Mary Magdalene to inform His disciples that: ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (John 20:17, NIV). Magdalene took heed of Jesus’ instruction in verse 18, by informing His disciples. This time around, she told them not only that the tomb was emptied, but that she had seen the resurrected Jesus physically.

– The following verses on John 20:19 to 29 tell us that Jesus went and appeared twice to His disciples. However, Thomas wasn’t with them in the first round then. On His second visit, Jesus allowed Thomas to put his finger into His wounded hands and told Thomas: “Stop your doubting, and believe!” In a matter of fact, He was clearing Thomas’ doubt.

– Without a doubt, the above demonstrated that the resurrected Jesus:-
1) was very much concerned about His disciples and the continuity of His earthly mission work.
2) wasn’t recognized by Magdalene and His disciples. That means the resurrected Jesus could be totally different bodily.

– Based on John 21:14, the miraculous catch of fish was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish.
14 This, then, was the THIRD TIME Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

With that, we should have completed the short exposition in John 20.

Just to highlight that there are numerous sermons saying that the resurrected Jesus came to declare peace not just to Jesus’ earthly disciples but it includes new covenant believers.

Thus, believers should have all the peace needed in life no matter whatsoever circumstances they are undergoing, they said. Furthermore, they are saying should you are receiving the right gospel, it shall be living troubleless, carefree lives.

However, let’s look at Luke’s account, below:-

(Luke 24:36-46, GNT)
36 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “PEACE BE WITH YOU.”
37 They were TERRIFIED, thinking that they were SEEING A GHOST.
38 But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, FOR A GHOST DOESN’T HAVE FLESH AND BONES, as you can see I have.”
40 He said this and showed them his hands and his feet.
41 They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of cooked fish,
43 which HE TOOK AND ATE IN THEIR PRESENCE.
44 Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later,

Luke 24:36-46, GNT | Amenbible

Prominently, Luke’s account tells us that Jesus was there to claim His dismayed disciples that He was not a ghost by saying “Peace be with you” and by eating with those disciples.” A ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones”, said Jesus. In any case, a ghost can’t eat. The idea of eating with the disciples was to demonstrate that He wasn’t a ghost

Jesus did not tell the believers peace from all the troubled, tribulations, and the unwanted world, as what the modern-day teaching like to claim. He said “Peace be with you” to claim the terrified disciples that He wasn’t a ghost.

From there, the story of miracle catches of fish unfolding in chapter 21 as below:

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together.
3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I am going fishing.”
“We will come with you,” they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing.
4 “As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered.
6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the RIGHT SIDE of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and COULD NOT PULL IT BACK in, because they had caught so many fish.
7 The DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat, pulling the net full of fish. They were not very far from land, about a hundred yards away.
9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE in all; even though there were so many, STILL THE NET DID NOT TEAR.”

John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

Indeed, this is not just a lovely but a marvelous, candid story. Jesus appeared to them a third to reinstate His identity and strengthen their faith. As a matter of fact, after appearing to them a second time, they had yet to revive their vision and mission of spreading His gospel. They setback to their old habit as fishermen rather than their call as fishers of men (Mark 1:17).

RECEIVE GOD’S WORD WITH REVELATION
Nevertheless, I am very puzzled by some of the modern-day teachings. Among those, there is a teaching saying that believers need to “Receive God’s word with revelation (Let’s give a short name as RGWR)”.

The meaning of “RGWR ” is not the same as “Rhema Word”. It is not the same as God giving Spiritual revelation with certain insight, inspiration, vision, and dreams for upcoming events ahead either.

Rather, the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” is focusing on certain words or verses in the bible to draw their meaning.

For instance, in ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭11, the “RGWR” is citing 4 Revelation Words as below:-

1) Right Side
The “Right Side” is deemed as the key to the miraculous catch of fish (Verse 6). To RGWR, the right side speaks for God’s favor, honor, etc, they say.
2) Empowerment
The appearance of Jesus empowered Peter to pull the net on the seashore (verse 11) that few strong guys couldn’t drag in the fishing net from the sea (Verse 6)
3) 153
Not only that, the other Revelation Word for RGWR is “153 fishes”, in verse 11. To them, in Greek/ Hebrew, “153” represents:
# victory,
# I am God,
# I the God,
# wisdom, etc
4) The disciple whom Jesus loved
The next Revelation Word for RGWR is “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (verse 7).
It is a form of self-boosting and self-declaring the love of Jesus. Based on this verse, many teachings and believers are self-declaring that they are “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED” among the Christian community.

MY PERSONAL FINDINGS AND SUMMARY
In the light of seeking His truth, my personal study on this RGWR is as follows:-

(1) RIGHT-SIDE
Truly, there are quite many verses talking about the “Right Hand” in the bible. Some of the verses of “Right Hand” speak for God’s favour and honour”. But John 21 is talking about “Right SIDE”, not “Right HAND”.

And there aren’t any connecting elements on the “Right Side” as God’s favour or honor in the bible.

However, there is a similar or parallel event in the miraculous catches of fish in Luke 5: 1-6. The context in Luke 5:4-6 as follows:

(Luke 5:4-6, NIV)
4 When He (Jesus) had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. “

Luke 5:4-6, NIV | Amenbible

Should we compare and contrast both scriptures in John 21 and Luke 5, we would find out that there are commonalities and differences between these two events, as below:

There isn’t any mention of the “right side” in Luke’s story.
In Luke 5, those people were not Jesus’s followers yet.
Whereas, John 21, was about the downcast of Jesus’ earthly disciples after Jesus was crucified on the cross.
There were miraculous catches of fish in both stories.
In Luke 5, Jesus told the pre-disciples to “put out into deep water and let down the nets” (Verse 4).
Whilst in John 21 verse 6, Jesus told His disciples “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
With two different instructions given by Jesus, both stories resulted in miracle catches of fish.
And in Luke 5, there wasn’t recorded the exact number of fish caught.

(2) 153
Neither do I comprehend Greek nor Hebrew. Thus, I can’t really explain the meaning of 153. However, I am skeptical about those explanations of the figurative of 153 as victorious, I am God, I the God or wisdom, etc. The Bible doesn’t show another 153 for further study and comparison.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 14:14, it is recorded that Abram rescued his nephew with 318 trained men. I don’t hear any consistent explanation of the meaning of 318 from those same group of bible teachers who teach 153. Thus, no comment.

On the other hand, it seems that Jewish should be the ones demonstrating higher proficiency in the Hebrew language. But most of them have not come to know Jesus as their personal savior.

Since Jewish can master the Hebrew language greater than any non-Jewish but have not come to know the Lord, is the bible originally written in Hebrew that important?

Furthermore, those bible teachers who come up with the explanation of 153 might not be able to communicate and command the Hebrew language in day-to-day conversation. Can they really teach the Hebrew language correctly?

Besides, many scholars are saying that there are differences between modern Hebrew and ancient (Biblical) Hebrew. It is just like modern English versus ancient English. There were drastic differences between the two in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.

Hence, I can only say that the bible is very precise in small detail. Even the exact number of 153 fish being caught and 318 trained men are being recorded.

(3) THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED
Should we continue the story in John 21:15-19, we would notice that Jesus appeared to Peter first after the miraculous catch of 153 fishes. Importantly, Jesus did not appear to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” first. And Jesus appointed Peter as the chief of those disciples. Not John.

The point here is, we can self-declare or proclaim “I am the disciple whom Jesus loved”. But Jesus did not appoint John as the chief. Three times, Jesus did not entrust His sheep/ lamb to “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED”. In life, usually, we entrust important tasks to our closest friend, especially as the will’s executor or an administrator.

And the resurrected Jesus could be so different bodily that all His disciples and Mary Magdalene can’t recognize Him. That includes “The disciple whom Jesus loved.”

When Peter knew it was Jesus, he was the first to react and jump into the sea and not John… “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That speaks for his heart for Jesus rather than John.

(4) EMPOWERMENT

Physics would suggest that it is easier to drag a fishing net on the seashore than in the sea that is subject to gravity force and sea tiding. It is not the appearance of Jesus that empowered Peter with physical strength per se.

CONCLUSION
Personally, I believe it is not the “Right Side” or left side that is paramount in life. The most important thing in life is to hear the instruction from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They know where the fishes are in the river and ocean.

The Holy Spirit might be revealing and asking individuals to move into the “Right side” or “launch their vessel into the deeper ocean.” Similarly, the Holy Spirit might want individuals to switch careers, change ministry, or relocate to another country. Pure obedience to His instructions is the key to success. I pray that I would take heed and be attentive to His calling.

In conclusion, personally, I believe the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” teaching alters the meaning of John 20 and 21. At least, it does not portray these two chapters of scripture rightly.

I would describe John 20 and 21 as Jesus’ appearance to those eye-witnessed disciples:-
– to reinstate His identity,
– strengthen the disciples’ faith,
– focus on His written word and
– urging them to continue spreading His gospel on the earth.

Those disciples were with Jesus physically for 3 ½ years, but they weren’t recognized His way from the bible. Much more can happen to new covenant believers. We can be very familiar with the stories but without knowing the Savior’s heart. I pray that may the Lord unveils my and our eyes to Him from the written word.

Last but not least, it is good to check the biblical meaning by reading the bible, chapter by chapter; verse by verse on the whole portion of the entire message rather than trying to draw His truth with just a few so-called Revelation Words.

Jesus always spent time in His earthly ministry alone with God the Father was an example for believers. Private devotion to Jesus and the Holy Spirit is paramount as a Christian. Hear Him daily.

We all want the presence of the Lord to help us, prosper us, and guide us. But altering the biblical meaning by replacing it with a few so-called Revelation Words might be diluting His truth. Amenbible

END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS

There is much teaching and sharing on End-Times.
As a matter of fact, some bible scholars are saying that believers will not be subjected to the Great White Judgment Seat. Their belief is that Christians have already been granted Eternal Life by Christ. Their sins have been justified. They strongly believe in the justification of righteousness via the Right standing in Christ. Nothing by work.

In the spirit of seeking the truth, let’s examine Revelation 20:11-12 and Daniel 7:10;

(Revelation 20:11-12, NKJV)
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and BOOKS were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. (Revelation 20:11-12)
(Daniel 7:10, NKJV)
10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10)

Apparently, God is not just keeping one Book (Book of Life) alone. The word “Books” is written in the plural. That means, at least 2 Books will be opened prior to the opening of the Book of Life. There isn’t a mistake for Revelation 20:11-12 to quote “Books”, plural. The fact is that Daniel 7:10 states the same thing.

On Judgment Day, at least 3 books are opened. Not just the Book of Life.

Furthermore, the same verse is saying “And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books ‘. (Revelation 20:12).

Indisputably, those “Books (not the Book of Life) are recordings of things or events pertaining to the works or the conducts of all the people. And God will judge those works before opening or even looking into the Book of Life.

Next, no record in the Bible is saying when a believer left this earth each time, the Book of Life is being opened to determine if his name was written into the Book of Life or not. In fact, the Book of Life is only open once,i.e. Only can be found in Revelation 20:12.

The fact is verse 11 states, that all the dead are gathering before the Great White Throne of God. Thus, the “All” here, are referring to believers as well, since they have not yet been fully redeemed either. Importantly, the Book of Life has not yet been opened prior to the arrival of the Great White Throne.

Contrary to modern-day teaching and the belief that “Good works’ ‘, got nothing to do with salvation, and only affect their rewards from Heaven. At least it is not in the account of Revelation 20:11-12.

Next, there are a few quotations telling believers that good works or fruit bearings are necessary for His full salvation. One of these messages can be found in Matthew 25:31-46.

(Matthew 25:31-46, NKJV)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;
43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’
45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)

Certainly, Matthew 25:31-46; the separation of “the goats and sheep”, is an end-times message. This message is not just applying to Jewish Christians, contrary to some claims.

As a matter of fact, the sheep are gathered on the right side of the King. Whereas, goats are on His left. The sheep and goats are differentiated by their works, not their names being written in the Book of Life alone.

Importantly, verse. 46 is saying “And these (goats) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous (sheep) into eternal life.” In the light of this parable, Jesus does not say those whose names are written in the Book of Life, shall inherit eternal life.

In a way, Jesus is saying those with good works are considered “Righteousness” (verse 12). Thus, the “Righteousness” here is referring to “Right doing”, rather than “Right standing”.

By putting all the verses into perspective, in the parable of “Goats and Sheep”; Matthew 25, Jesus is teaching things pertaining to “The Books”. Of course, should we mix up all the messages, it becomes hard-teaching.

CONCLUSION
It is much more enlightening if salvation is just by reciting “Sinner’s prayer” alone. In such a case, The bible can just be reduced to a page book.

Apparently, the Book of Life will only open once, before the Great White Throne. Prior to open of the Book of Life, all human beings shall be judged by other Books,i.e. On their conduct/ works. Nevertheless, a person with good conduct, either Christian or non-Christian can’t save them. It is only with good conduct and the name written in the Book of Life, that a believer is given eternal life. I know it sounds very scary. As human beings, we have no choice but to abide by His way. He is the only truth and the life.

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc