Bible truth, Where can it be found? A safe guide is to know that Jesus exposes error by teaching truth. In this post then we will look at some of Jesus’ teachings which expose many popular errors of those who claim to be good Bible students today.

Who is Jesus?

Let us, before continuing, consider who Jesus is. This is essentially the same as asking the question, Who is God? On reading the Bible, you will find that “God” (Genesis 1:1) and “the Godhead” (Acts 17:29) are interchangeable names in the Bible for a divine Family made up of three Persons.

At this point, you may be wondering, What do “Genesis 1:1” and “Acts 17:29” mean? They are examples of Bible notation, in that, it is a way of referencing the Bible which is a collection of books. As it is, each book in the Bible consists of one or more chapters, and each chapter has numbered sections called verses. For example, the Bible notation “Genesis 1:1” refers to the book of Genesis, the 1^st chapter, and the 1^st verse. Likewise, “Acts 17:29” refers to the book of Acts, the 17^th chapter and the 29th verse.

Now, God describes Himself in the Bible by saying that He is “God, that cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. In other words, each of the three members of the Godhead has a character of love that is identical to the character of the others, and, in fact, this love is the only definition of true love in the universe.

And, No, there are not three Gods! Why? Because the members of the Godhead never contradict each other at any time, that is, we can say that they speak with one voice. For there has never been nor ever will be any disagreement or contention among them. Therefore, we can say, “there is one God.” Mark 12:32.

Furthermore, each Person in the Godhead, the divine Family, is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” Hebrews 7:3.

And the names of these three Persons in the Godhead are “the Father” (Matthew 11:27), “the Son” (Psalm 2:12) also called Christ (Matthew 1:1), and “the Holy Spirit” (Psalm 51:11).

So then, with this understanding of who God is, we can answer the question is, Who is Jesus? Well, the name Jesus was given to Christ when He was born as a baby boy on earth over 2,000 years ago.

Our Bible Verses of Focus

Here are our Bible verses of focus in this post: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [from God].” 2 Timothy 3:7. For “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures [the Bible], nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29.

Jesus Exposes Error Regarding Baptism

God says, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water.” Matthew 3:16.

Here Jesus demonstrates that baptism, a public declaration of a person’s consecration to God, is by immersion into water only. For we understand that Jesus first went down under the water then came back up again out of the water.

So, the practice of baptizing people by the sprinkling of water and any other method which is different from the manner in which Jesus was baptized, is an error. Yet today, there are whole Christian denominations (a collective word for a group of churches with particular teachings and beliefs) that teach and practice this error.

Jesus Exposes Error Regarding God’s Law of Love

While He was on earth, Jesus said, “Think not that I [Jesus] am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil [the law].” Matthew 5:17.

“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot [one letter] or one tittle [or say, the dotting of an “i”] shall in no wise [in no case] pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18.

Which law is Jesus speaking of? It is “the ten commandments” (Exodus 34:28) given in the Bible in Exodus Chapter 20 verse 1 through to verse 17.

Why then do some who study the Bible believe the error that the law is done away with? Here Jesus’ words are applicable, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures [the Bible], nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29.

Jesus Exposes Error Regarding Giving to the Needy

Jesus says, “Take heed [take care] that ye do not your alms [your good deeds to the needy] before men [before people], to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1.

Here Jesus makes clear what is error, and He takes away any excuse for misunderstanding Him.

For Jesus continues by saying, “Therefore when thou doest thine alms [your good deeds to the needy], do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues [in the churches] and in the streets, that they may have glory of men [of people]. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 6:2.

What should we do then to avoid this error? “But when thou doest alms [your good deeds to the needy], let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms [your good deeds to the needy] may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:3, 4.

Let us then obey Jesus so that we are not found to be in error.

Jesus Exposes Error Regarding Prayer

Jesus says, “Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6.

Here Jesus speaks against the error of making, what should be private prayer, in the eyesight and in the hearing of others.

Further, regarding another error, Jesus says, “When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [unbelievers in God] do: for they think that they shall be heard [by God] for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” Matthew 6:7, 8.

That is, prayer to God should be free of any errors such as those spoken of by Jesus.

Jesus Exposes Errors Regarding Being His Disciple

As it happened, “a certain scribe came, and said unto him [to Jesus], Master, I will follow thee whithersoever [wherever] thou goest.” Matthew 8:19.

“And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20.

Here Jesus points to the error of many who claim to have a desire to follow Jesus but who are not willing to have nothing except what God provides just like Jesus. Instead, they choose their own ways and pay lip service to Jesus.

“And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord [Jesus], suffer [allow] me first to go and bury my father.” Matthew 8:21.

“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the [spiritually] dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:22.

Here Jesus points to the error of delaying to make a total commitment to being a disciple of Jesus, in this case making family ties the excuse for the delay.

Jesus Exposes the Error That Leads to the Unpardonable Sin

Jesus says, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad [away].” Matthew 12:30.

Here Jesus points to the error of not cooperating with God in seeking to turn people away from their sins (which is evil and wrongdoing) to God so that they might be saved from the annihilation of all the wicked by God.

“Wherefore [Therefore] I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy [evil speaking against God] shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [the evil speaking] against the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] shall not be forgiven unto men [forgiven of persons].” Matthew 12:31.

“And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:32.

That is, the error of non-cooperation with God is really the refusal to yield to the ever-present calling of the Holy Spirit away from sin. If this disposition becomes permanently fixed in a person’s life, it is the unpardonable sin and, hence, such persons will be annihilated by God.

How to avoid the error of the unpardonable sin? Do not delay to yield to the Holy Spirit so that you turn away from all your own sins and so make a total commitment to God and His ways of love.

Jesus Exposes the Error of Exalting Tradition Above God’s Commandments

Jesus says, “Why do ye…transgress [break] the commandment of God by your tradition?” Matthew 15:3.

“Ye hypocrites, well did [the prophet] Esaias [Isaiah] prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh [near] unto me [Jesus] with their mouth, and honoureth me [Jesus] with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:7, 8.

“But in vain they do worship me [Jesus], teaching for doctrines [for a body of holy principles] the commandments of men [of human beings].” Matthew 15:9.

Here is a grievous and common error of humanity. People follow many traditions that break God’s commandments and neglect to actually obey God’s law of love.

Such people will lose out on God’s promise of eternal life to all those who are free from error, that is, to those who keep His law of love.

Jesus Exposes the Error of Evil Speaking

“Understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught [toilet]?” Matthew 15:17.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man [a person].” Matthew 15:18-20.

Here Jesus speaks of the error of evil speaking which flows from evil thoughts. But how can we avoid the error of evil thoughts? “But Jesus…said…With men [with humanity] this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26.

That is, only when we submit to God’s ways of love do we give God permission to take away our evil thoughts and replace them with holy thoughts. Note that we must agree with God’s work in our lives, for God will not force anyone to be holy.

Jesus Exposes Error Regarding Divorce

Jesus says, “At the beginning [God] made them male and female, and…for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain [they two] shall be one flesh [shall be united].” Matthew 19:4, 5.

“Wherefore they are no more twain [no more two persons], but one flesh [but are united]. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man [any person] put asunder [break apart].” Matthew 19:6.

“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away [divorce] his wife, except it be for fornication [sexual intimacy with someone other than their marriage partner], and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso [whoever] marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Matthew 19:9.

Here Jesus points to the error of divorce and gives only one valid ground for the breaking apart of a marriage. That is, marriage is a covenant between two people, a male and a female, for as long as they live.

This is not to say that, if there is abuse in the marriage such as physical violence, that the victim cannot separate from the abuser. In other words, even in such cases, it is an error to divorce.

Jesus Exposes the Error of Humans Taking Upon Themselves Titles for God

Jesus says, They “love…greetings in the markets [in public places], and to be called of men [of people], Rabbi [Master], Rabbi [Master]. But be not ye called Rabbi [Master]: for one is your Master [your Divine Teacher], even [Jesus] Christ; and all ye are brethren [are brothers and sisters and are equal to each other].” Matthew 23:6-8.

Here Jesus points to the error of human beings taking upon themselves the title, Master, that belongs to God alone in order to elevate themselves above their fellow human beings.

Further, Jesus says, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9. Especially should we avoid the error of calling any man “Holy Father” (John 17:11) for this is a title for God Himself.

Moreover, Jesus says, “Neither be ye called masters [Reverend]: for one is your Master [Reverend], even [Jesus] Christ” (Matthew 23:10), in that, “holy and reverend is his [God’s] name.” Psalm 111:9.

For, Jesus says, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased [brought low by God]; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted [by God].” Matthew 23:10, 11.

Thus, human beings in error take upon themselves many titles that belong to God alone.

Jesus Exposes the Error of Condemning Others

“And he [Jesus] spake [spoke] this parable [a short story with a moral lesson] unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised [condemned] others.” Luke 18:9.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee [a leader in the church], and the other a publican [a tax collector].” Luke 18:10.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [as other people] are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican [tax collector]. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Luke 18:11, 12.

Here Jesus points out the error of despising and condemning a fellow human being when every human being is a sinner in God’s eyes.

“And the publican [tax collector], standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote [beat] upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

Here the tax collector avoids the error of not acknowledging our sins to God.

Thus, Jesus says, “I [Jesus] tell you, this man [the tax collector] went down to his house justified [declared righteous by God] rather than the other [the Pharisee]: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased [brought low by God]; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted [by God].” Luke 18:14.

Jesus Exposes the Error of Not Restoring What We Have Caused Others to Lose

“And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans [the tax collectors], and he was rich.” Luke 19:2.

“And he [Zacchaeus] ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him [Jesus]: for he [Jesus] was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he [Jesus] looked up, and saw him [Zacchaeus], and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I [Jesus] must abide [stay] at thy house.” Luke 19:4, 5.

“And he [Zacchaeus] made haste, and came down, and received him [Jesus] joyfully…And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord [Jesus]; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold [restore 400%].” Luke 19:6-8.

“And Jesus said unto him [Zacchaeus], This day is salvation [God’s saving of humanity from annihilation to instead give them eternal life] come to this [Zacchaeus’] house.” Luke 19:9.

Here Jesus approves of Zacchaeus’ turning away from his errors, in that, Zacchaeus promises to restore all that he had stolen from people and, further, to give to the poor.

Conclusion

Here again are our Bible verses of focus in this post: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [from God].” 2 Timothy 3:7. For “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures [the Bible], nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29.

In this post then I have shown how Jesus exposes the errors of every human being who has not been transformed by God so that they keep God’s law of love.

But sadly, and frighteningly, many people who claim to be good Bible students also practice these errors and more. These are they who are “ever learning” (2 Timothy 3:7) but who conduct fruitless Bible study that never leads to their transformation from sinner to righteousness.

For God says of such people, “Lo, thou [God] art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy [God’s] words, but they do them not.” Ezekiel 33:32.

“And further [God says], by these, my son [and my daughter], be admonished [be cautioned]: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:12. Why does God say so? Because such people may read many books on the Bible but to no profit to themselves.

What then is the cure for fruitless Bible study? How can we obey God’s command, “Study [the Bible] to shew [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [interpreting] the word of truth [the Bible]” (2 Timothy 2:15)?

The only cure is to yield to the Holy Spirit so that you turn away from all your sins and believe in God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus, thereby giving God permission to transform you into keeping God’s law of love.

That is, no works of any sort is required by God, for as soon as we give God our permission, God works to transform us. My appeal to you then is, Do not delay to give God your permission.

The Bible Teaches Us How to Obtain Eternal Life from God

“In the beginning was the Word [Christ], and the Word [Christ] was with God, and the Word [Christ] was God.” John 1:1. “And the Word [Christ] was made flesh [was born as a baby boy named Jesus], and dwelt among us [human beings], (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father).” John 1:14. Thus, Christ, whose “name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13) is the One who gave the whole Bible to humanity, from the Bible’s beginning to its end. Further, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8), which is to say, Christ is love.

And every one of you as a human being are to “lay apart [put away] all filthiness and superfluity [abundance] of naughtiness [of wickedness], and receive with meekness the engrafted [the implanted] word [from God, which is the Bible and], which is able to save your souls [from annihilation by God as the penalty for sin].” James 1:21. For the word of God, the Bible, being implanted in us means that “the love of God is shed abroad [is poured] in our hearts by the Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5. So then, “love is of God; and every one [every human being] that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. This is known as “justification” (Romans 4:25) which is accomplished by our repentance, that is, our deep sorrow for our sins and the gift of faith from God, which when exercised to believe God’s promise of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin brings us the gift of love from God. Note that everyone receives the gift of faith from God but without repentance people have a superficial faith and not saving (correct) faith that takes proper hold of God’s truth by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Immediately upon our justification, God tests our character to see if we will successfully resist all temptation to sin. Our success depends on our exercising faith in Christ’s keeping power through the Holy Spirit and, hence, we become sanctified (made holy) and thus receive eternal life from God.

And this is life eternal [everlasting life], that they [as human beings] might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent [to the earth as a Deliverer from sin].” John 17:3. Thus, when the whole Bible makes our character a character of perfect love, it means that we know God and, hence, we will receive eternal life from God.

How This Blog Teaches Bible Study

My blog posts take one or more Bible verses and unpack what is often the hidden meaning in them, to help you to gain in your understanding of the Bible, and to receive insights into how to study it. For God says, “Study [the Bible] to shew [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [interpreting] the word of truth [the Bible].” 2 Timothy 2:15. There are new blog posts every two weeks on a Monday at 12:01 a.m. in timezone UTC-5 (GMT-5).

Further Reading

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