DON’T NEGLECT GREATNESS
Written in 2009
by Tony Alamo
aka Bernie Hoffman
There are people who claim to be followers of JESUS, yet they teach and preach that even though JESUS paid the high price for our sins, HIS followers cannot be righteous because they are still sinners. They deny that we become sons of GOD, even after we’ve been cleansed from all of our former sins by the blood JESUS shed on the cross.1
This is false doctrine, preached by compromising Christians who are still entangled in sin.2 These people justify their unholy lives by falsely stating that no one can be free from sin.3 Since they have chosen sin over the freedom GOD has provided for them, they have received strong delusion from GOD that their souls may be damned. “And then shall that Wicked [spirit of Antichrist] be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the SPIRIT of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Repenting of our sins and accepting the sinless blood sacrifice of the LAMB of GOD, JESUS, the MESSIAH, makes us sinless sons of GOD. When we commit our lives to GOD and make JESUS our LORD, the HOLY SPIRIT enters into us and gives us the power to keep the commandments, the power to walk in holiness, and keep the incarnation (JESUS with HIS FATHER by the HOLY SPIRIT living in us) to the end.4
Hebrews 2:1-3 says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM…?”
The word “neglect” means “to make light of.” Neglect means “to not notice, carelessly or intentionally.” One example is the neglect in business causing many business failures. Neglect means “disregarding due notice and attention.” It also means “omitted from being done, being heedless, inattentive, or indifferent.” This is why the most important commandment is the first commandment, which is to not neglect, but to “love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30).
Neglecting the study of GOD’S WORD, the Holy Bible, which is JESUS (John 1:1, 14), is the main reason the whole world is deceived. People listen to false teachers that convince them of heresy because they are ignorant of what the Bible actually says. I’ve listened to false teachers, and I guess they could be convincing to those who don’t care enough about their own souls, or the souls of their loved ones, to study the WORD of GOD for themselves. If they did, they would understand what is true and false, and would never be deceived by false doctrines.5 Eternal salvation and escaping an eternity in Hell is far too important for anyone to neglect.
The Apostle John said, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that HE [JESUS] was manifested to take away our sins; and in HIM is no sin. Whosoever abideth in HIM sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen HIM, neither known HIM. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as HE is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the SON of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin; for HIS seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of GOD” (1 John 3:4-9).
“We know that whosoever is born of GOD sinneth not; but he that is begotten of GOD keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (1 John 5:18). This is because once we are born again of the SPIRIT of GOD, we become new in CHRIST.6 The power of GOD will give us the strength to overcome all the temptations of this world.7
JESUS stated, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the SON abideth ever. If the SON therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).
The book of Hebrews further warns, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the SON of GOD, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the SPIRIT of grace?” (Hebrews 10:26-29).
Once we commit to following JESUS CHRIST, we become members of the Bride of CHRIST. We then will grow stronger in our faith and understanding as we learn the WORD of GOD and walk as JESUS walked, being led by the HOLY SPIRIT, into perfection.8
Now, if we unintentionally commit sin, we must quickly acknowledge and repent of our sins before the LORD and receive HIS forgiveness (Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9). Do not run from the LORD; run to HIM, and keep on going! First John 2:1 says, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the righteous.”
You must forsake this world and follow the LORD. Turn from all sinful ways and keep moving forward in the LORD with GOD’S help. “Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).
The LORD promised that HE will never leave nor forsake us.9 The LORD stated, “If a man love ME, he will keep MY words: and MY FATHER will love him, and WE will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him” (John 14:23).
JESUS said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the COMFORTER will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you” (John 16:7).10 “But the COMFORTER, which is the HOLY SPIRIT, whom the FATHER will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:26-27).
As the LORD prayed to the FATHER, HE told us how living free of sin is possible: “I in them, and THOU in ME, that they may be made PERFECT in one; and that the world may know that THOU hast sent ME, and hast loved them, as THOU hast loved ME” (John 17:23).
The BODY of CHRIST must and will be perfect, without one sin.11 She must never be deceived. She must be without spot or blemish.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to HIM: for the marriage of the LAMB is come, and HIS wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the LAMB. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of GOD” (Revelation 19:7-9).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave HIMSELF for it; That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the WORD, That HE might present it to HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Those who will be in Heaven will be PERFECT. No matter what the false prophets, teachers, and preachers tell you, you must have made yourself ready for Heaven.
Here are but a few Scriptures regarding your perfection: “Be ye therefore PERFECT, even as your FATHER which is in Heaven is PERFECT” (Matthew 5:48). “The disciple is not above his MASTER: but every one that is PERFECT shall be as his MASTER” (Luke 6:40).
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be PERFECT, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the GOD of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man PERFECT in CHRIST JESUS” (Colossians 1:28) “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of GOD may be PERFECT, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Apostle James said, “But let patience have her PERFECT work, that ye may be PERFECT and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made PERFECT?” (James 2:22). “But the GOD of all power, who hath called us unto HIS eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after that ye have suffered a while, make you PERFECT, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show HIMSELF strong in the behalf of them whose heart is PERFECT toward HIM” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD” (Romans 8:37-39). “Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
JESUS tells us, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works PERFECT before GOD” (Revelation 3:2). Strive for PERFECTION. Never neglect GOD. Begin now and do not neglect so great a salvation by saying this prayer to GOD:
Prayer
My LORD and my GOD, have mercy upon my soul, a sinner. 1 I believe that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of the living GOD. 2 I believe that HE died on the cross and shed HIS precious blood for the forgiveness of all my former sins. 3 I believe that GOD raised JESUS from the dead by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT 4 and that HE sits on the right hand of GOD at this moment, hearing my confession of sin and this prayer. 5 I open up the door of my heart, and I invite YOU into my heart, LORD JESUS. 6 Wash all of my filthy sins away in the precious blood that YOU shed in my place on the cross at Calvary. 7 YOU will not turn me away, LORD JESUS; YOU will forgive my sins and save my soul. I know because YOUR WORD, the Bible, says so. 8 YOUR WORD says that YOU will turn no one away, and that includes me. 9 Therefore, I know that YOU have heard me, and I know that YOU have answered me, and I know that I am saved. 10 And I thank YOU, LORD JESUS, for saving my soul, and I will show my thankfulness by doing as YOU command and sin no more.11
After salvation, JESUS said to be baptized, fully submerged in water, in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT.12 Then study the King James Version Bible, and, for your benefit and the benefit of others, do what it says.13
CHRIST and GOD the FATHER now live in you through the HOLY SPIRIT. There is a way you can receive a fuller portion of the divine nature of GOD in you. The more the divine nature of GOD lives in you, the more you will be able to stand against the temptations that have so easily moved so many millions of Christians away from salvation. Pray for the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT.14 For instructions on how to receive the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT and to receive more of GOD’S holy nature, ask for our literature or call. For without holiness, no man shall see GOD (Hebrews 12:14).
The LORD wants you to tell others of your salvation (Mark 16:15). You can become a distributor of Pastor Tony Alamo’s Gospel literature. We’ll send you literature free of charge. Call or email us for more information. Share this message with someone else.
If you want the world saved, as JESUS commands, then don’t rob GOD of HIS tithes and offerings. GOD said, “Will a man rob GOD? Yet ye have robbed ME. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed THEE? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed ME, even this whole nation [and this whole world]. Bring ye all the tithes [a ‘tithe’ is 10% of your gross income] into the storehouse, that there may be meat [Spiritual food] in MINE house [souls saved], and prove ME now herewith, saith the LORD of HOSTS, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of HOSTS. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of HOSTS” (Malachi 3:8-12).
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footnotes:
1. Rom. 8:14, Gal. 4:4-7, Phlp. 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2, Rev. 1:5-6, 5:9-10 return
2. Gal. 5:1, 2 Thes. 2:10-12, 2 Tim. 4:3-4, 2 Pet. 2:18-22 return
3. John 8:34-36, Eph. 3:20-21, 2 Pet. 1:3-4, 1 John 4:4 return
4. Luke 24:49, John 14:23, 26-27, Acts 1:8, Phlp. 4:13, 2 Tim. 1:7, 1 John 3:24 return
5. Deut. 17:18-20, Josh. 1:8, Matt. 4:4, 24:24, John 8:31-32, 15:3-7, Acts 20:32, Col. 3:16, 2 Thes. 2:15, 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:14-17, James 1:21, 1 Pet. 2:2 return
6. Ezek. 11:18-20, John 5:24, Acts 1:8, 2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 4:21-24 return
7. Rom. 6:4-14, 8:1-14, 37, Gal. 5:16, Eph. 6:10-18, Phlp. 1:6, 9-11, 4:13, Col. 1:10-11, 1 John 2:14, 4:4 return
8. Matt. 5:48, John 17:17-23, Rom. 6:22, 12:1, 2 Cor. 6:14-17, 7:1, 13:11, Eph. 4:11-13, 5:25-27, Phlp. 2:15, 3:12-14, Col. 1:21-22, 1 Thes. 3:13, 4:6-7, 1 Tim. 6:11-14, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 13:20-21, James 1:4, 27, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2 Pet. 3:11-14, 1 John 3:5-10, Rev. 7:13-15 return
9. Matt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5-6 return
10. Isa. 28:11-12, Joel 2:28-29, Luke 3:16, 11:9-13, 24:49, John 1:29-34, 7:37-39, 14:15-29, 15:26, 16:7-14, Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-18, 32-39, 5:29-32, 19:1-7, Rom. 5:3-5, 15:13 return
11. Matt. 25:31-46, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 15:50, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 4:11-16, Heb. 12:14, Rev. 3:1-5 return
Prayer footnotes:
1. Psa. 51:5, Rom. 3:10-12, 23 return
2. Matt. 26:63-64, 27:54, Luke 1:30-33, John 9:35-37, Rom. 1:3-4 return
3. Acts 4:12, 20:28, Rom. 3:25, I John 1:7, Rev. 5:9 return
4. Psa. 16:9-10, Matt. 28:5-7, Mark 16:9, 12, 14, John 2:19, 21, 10:17-18, 11:25, Acts 2:24, 3:15, Rom. 8:11, I Cor. 15:3-7 return
5. Luke 22:69, Acts 2:25-36, Heb. 10:12-13 return
6. I Cor. 3:16, Rev. 3:20 return
7. Eph. 2:13-22, Heb. 9:22, 13:12, 20-21, I John 1:7, Rev. 1:5, 7:14 return
8. Matt. 26:28, Acts 2:21, 4:12, Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14 return
9. Matt. 21:22, John 6:35, 37-40, Rom. 10:13 return
10. Heb. 11:6 return
11. John 5:14, 8:11, Rom. 6:4, I Cor. 15:10, Rev. 7:14, 22:14 return
12. Matt. 28:18-20, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 19:3-5 return
13. Deut. 4:29, 13:4, 26:16, Josh. 1:8, 22:5, 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:14-17, James 1:22-25, Rev. 3:18 return
14. Isa. 28:11-12, Joel 2:28-29, Luke 3:16, 11:9-13, John 1:29-34, 7:37-39, 14:15-29, 15:26, 16:7-14, Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-18, 32-39, 5:29-32, 19:1-7, Rom. 5:3-5, 15:13 return