Let God Be True, But Every Man A Liar

Romans 3:1-4, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

Just because some of the Jews did not believe the Gospel doesn't nullify God's Word. That is what this passage is saying. I love verse 4, which promises that if what we say aligns with what God says in His inspired Word, our preaching, debates and words WILL BE vindicated. I love that truth and am counting on it to justify my battles with umpteen corrupt pastors and churches.

That being said, I told the truth. I told the truth at Harvest Baptist Church on Guam that the modern Bible revisions they use are corrupt, and that the Lordship Salvation which they preach is a counterfeit plan of salvation, for which truths I was forced out in 2014 and then banned from returning. For the next 7 years I had nowhere to attend church because of Pastor Marty Herron. I moved off Guam to Florida in 2021. The shameful pastors and complicit members of Harvest Baptist Church on Guam have blood on their hands.

I told the truth at the ungodly Campus Church at Pensacola Christian College (PCC), for which I was mistreated by Pastor Jeff Redlin and then banned from attending their Campus Church since August of 2022. I found four different plans of salvation at PCC. God's curse is upon anyone who perverts the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). PCC is cursed by God. Romans 3:4, “yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

I told the truth that repentance doesn't mean to repent "of your sins," and that Christian ladies out not wearing pants, for which the ungodly Family Baptist Church in Pensacola kicked me and my wife out in June of 2025. The pastors and complicit members of Family Baptist Church have blood on their hands, including that of Tom and Sharon, who were also kicked out. Romans 3:4, “yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

I told the truth at Smyrna Baptist Church in Pensacola, for which I was mistreated in and shunned in 2024 by the uncaring pastor and his ungodly mean wife, clearly sent a message not to return. Smyrna wickedly bids Godspeed to PCC (1st John 2:11), and promotes wicked corrupt Chick Tracts that preach another gospel. Romans 3:4, “yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

These toxic so-called “churches” are in serious trouble with the LORD. My truthful Bible preaching WILL BE vindicated on Judgment Day. I know that I am a nobody (Galatians 6:3), but I am a VOICE who is telling the truth for Jesus Christ. Right doctrine matters!

Church Authoritarianism Angers A Lot Of People

1st Peter 5:1-4, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

One of the most horrible things that I have sadly experienced firsthand is the abusive authoritarian attitudes in the work of God. They are bullies. Male testosterone has no place in the work of God. As human beings we all have opinions, but those opinions must be tempered and filtered through love for unrepentant sinners and compassion for all people, something which is woefully lacking in Christendom today.

As a general observation, Christian fundamentalists have strong opinions. And there is even something called "Militant Fundamentalism," which are hard core religiousites. They dot their i's and cross their t's. Some people have called them. "fighting fundamentalists."

Fundamentalists

Fundamentalist churches and Bible colleges are generally characterized by:

• Only a free grace gospel is preached
• Only the inspired King James Bible is used, sold and promoted
• Personal and ecclesiastical separation is enforced from the world and bad churches
• Only the old hymns of the Christian faith are sung
• Door to door soulwinning with the gospel

Kindly, said, Pastor Steven Anderson at the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and his New IFB movement (circus) of churches would definitely be considered fighting fundamentalists; and they fight with everybody, including among themselves. Steven Anderson's own four oldest children have come out against him since 2024 to destroy his reputation, accusing their parents of emotional cruelty and physical abuse. I admit that I do not like militant fundamentalists because of their woeful lack of love for people.

Pastor Peter S. Ruckman (1921-2016) and his Bible Baptist Church in Pensacola are another hateful group of militant fundamentalists (IMHO). The church's bookstore threatened to sue me a couple years ago for freely sharing Dr. Ruckman's helpful books on the King James Bible in .pdf format. By far, Ruckmanites are a hateful militant group of religiousites. This group of militants also include false prophets like Dr. William P. Grady and Robert Breaker. Just like the New IFB, Ruckmanites are very authoritarian in their leadership, woefully lacking love for people. This has been my personal experience when dealing with them.

Neo Evangelicals

But the realm of abusive authoritarian leadership goes well beyond the fundamentalists world. Many neo-evangelical churches are just as bad. “Neo” simply means “new.” Neo-evangelical churches and Bible College are characterized by:

• The counterfeit gospel of Lordship Salvation
• Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), or a hybrid of old hymns and CCM
• Praise for infidels like Billy Graham (1918-2018) and John MacArthur (1939-2025)
• They despise fundamentalist Christians
• They use the Devil's modern corrupt English Bible revisions (or refuse to expose them)

These are the two main groups of Baptists today: Fundamentalists and Neo-Evangelicals.

Neo Fundamentalists

And then there is what I like to call, Neo-Fundamentalists, which simply refers to former Fundamentalists who are changing toward Neo-Evangelicalism.

Pensacola Christian College (PCC) are neo-fundamentalists. They use the King James Bible, but refuse to expose Satan's fake Bible revisions. They do not practice ecclesiastical separation from worldly corrupt churches (like Harvest Baptist Church on Guam), Calvinist colleges (like Bob Jones University), and infidels like Ken Ham (who preaches hard core Lordship Salvation and was invited in 2022 to speak at PCC). Both Harvest and BJU preach hard core Lordship Salvation. PCC are separated from the world, but they sing CCM music. They preach multiple different gospels at PCC in their institution and Campus Church, which includes everything from hard core Lordship Salvation to a free grace gospel. They are a house confused at PCC! They are working against each other, shaming the name of Jesus.

That all being said, I am not saying that everyone within these three groups are bad people. I am not saying they are all corrupt. In fact, there are many wonderful and good people in each group. People are like sheep according to the Holy Bible (Isaiah 53:6). Sheep are not that bright. Sheep are easily vulnerable to predators like ravening wolves, which Jesus even said in Matthew 7:15. The inspired Holy Bible teaches that the tares (unsaved) always grow among the wheat (saved). I heard Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) say that you'll find more tares in a fundamentalist Bible church than anywhere else. That's interesting.

Harvest Baptist Church On Guam Rejected The Truth

Kindly said, when I attended the shameful Harvest Baptist Church on Guam in 2014, I saw that they were using dozens of different Bible versions. Their senior pastor Marty Herron at the time was promoting infidel Dr. John MacArthur's materials, preaching hard core Lordship Salvation, and claiming that Martin Luther (who taught the heresy of sacramental salvation all his life) was a born again Christian. When I gave some helpful books to Pastor Herron (as a true friend does), I was called into the church office and reprimanded. They harshly censured me and I was shortly thereafter banned from attending their so-called “church.”

Pastor Herron called me their “enemy” for telling THE TRUTH! That is exactly what the ungodly churches of Galatia did to the Apostle Paul. Galatians 4:16, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” The fastest way to make enemies to the just TELL THE TRUTH! Obviously, I am not an Apostle, but I am a VOICE!

By the way, here's a list of the books that I purchased with my own money and personally handed to Pastor Herron, which he shared with the other pastors:

1. I NEVER KNEW YOU by Michael P. Bowen
2. NIV: THE ANTICHRIST'S BIBLE! by Pastor Al Lacy
3. MARTIN LUTHER: MASTER OF DECEIT by Pastor Max D. Younce
4. SOMEBODY'S GOT TO M ILK THE COWS by Pastor Jack Hyles (The preceding link is to an MP3 sermon upon which the book is based)

I might as well have handed Kryptonite to Superman! A friend helps a friend to see. I actually heard that truth from Dr. Tom Ferrell on Harvest's KHMG 88.1 FM radio station, which the church broadcasts from their property. They don't even follow their own advice! I was helping their pastors to see THE TRUTH, but they wickedly rejected that truth and I was shunned permanently for it. Hosea 4:6 says that God's people are destroyed for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE (truth), but if you read the rest of the Bible verse it says, “because thou hast rejected knowledge...” (Hosea 4:6b). The incompetent pastors of Harvest rejected THE TRUTH that I handed to them.

The man who operated their radio station today operates the radio station at Pensacola Christian College (PCC) in Florida. Birds of a feather flock together. Their senior pastor at PCC's Campus Church Jeff Redlin is an unloving cold man who has wickedly banned me from attending their Campus Church since August 2, 2022. I kindly contacted PCC's authoritarian leadership twice about what Redlin did, but they ignored me completely. Shame on PCC! Tragically, PCC is as messed up doctrinally as Harvest Baptist Church, both organizations preaching hard core Lordship Salvation, mistreat people and shame the cause of Jesus Christ.

Exposing Bad Churches And Lunacy

There is a fella named Eric Skwarczynski who has a YouTube channel called, “Preacher Boys.” Eric's channel description reads: “A former fundamentalist sheds light on the dark side of the church… from the pulpits to the pews.” At first when I found his YouTube channel years ago I was greatly offended. I remembered from Revelation 12:10 that Satan is “the accuser of the brethren.” Furthermore, since 2020 Eric has publicly renounced Christianity, sadly.

But over time, struggling with mixed feelings about what Eric is doing, I began to appreciate his work (as did my ministry friend Pastor David Baker in Tennessee, who thanked Eric for his YouTube channel in 2025). Just because Satan is the accuser of Christians doesn't mean that we should just look the other way, stay quiet and bury our heads in the sand about the unbiblical abuse of power, authoritarianism, insanity, woeful lack of love for sinners, and hatred in today's corrupt churches and Bible colleges. Eric is simply shining a light on the cesspool of iniquity among today's pathetic pastors, laymen, churches and religious institutions. The old adage if true: If the shoe fits, wear it!

Here are some memorable quotes:

You cannot listen if you're not willing to hear. 

Conservatives believe what they see; Liberals see what they believe.

“The only thing you contribute to salvation is the sin that made it necessary.” —Pastor Curtis Hutson

You cannot out-sin the grace of God! Sin cannot triumph over the cross and the blood!

We must be alert to the danger of the pulpit. 

The Bible in the hands of an idiot is the most dangerous weapon mankind has ever faced.

We don't grow in strength as believers, we grow in grace.

I am convinced that all Bible colleges do today is neuter the pastors of tomorrow.

I did some research to learn more about him. It is bizarre. He started his YouTube channel in 2020, at which time he actually claimed to be a fundamentalist Baptist Christian. Since he has renounced being a Christian. Go figure! He has posted a video titled: "Why I Am No Longer A Christian." So sad. What happened? I don't know.

For whatever reason Eric is bitter and angry at fundamentalist Christians, and unfortunately, at God Himself. My heart goes out to anyone when I see that they have become bitter. I feel sorry for them, whatever has happened to cause them to become full of anger and bitterness. Life has a way of turning people bitter. Eric is filled with subtle hatred. Proverbs 26:25, “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.”

Satan is identified in Scripture as “the accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10b). The Devil wants to attack, discredit and destroy Christians. The battle between good and evil is still raging. I was looking on YouTube this week and didn't realize how many videos exist of people who at one time professed to be a Christians, but now are atheists. Eric Skwarczynski and Bruce Gerencser are two of the more popular ones. There's also a guy named Marco (Rightly Dividing Ministries) on YouTube who has renounced biblical Christianity. Just five years ago Marco claimed to be a Christian. It is a disturbing growing trend on social media.

Satan is “the accuser of the brethren” and “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” No other organization, group or movement is held to the same scrutiny, criticism and condemnation as are God's children (and rightfully so).

I have found numerous videos by former pastors and Bible professors who now claim atheism. It is truly sad, but a sign of these “perilous times” in which we live (2nd Timothy 3:1-7). It just strengthens my faith. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

I could go on for hours about the painful difficulties I have encountered in today's shameful churches. When I attended the neo-evangelical Family Baptist Church in Pensacola for 45 months (2021-2025), my website preaching on social media against Christian women wearing pants upset church leadership. I never even told them about my website ministry, but they found it and they made an issue of my Bible preaching on modesty (among other things). It was really none of their business, but they wickedly made it their business.

Since Pastor Brad Moffett's wife wears sexy pants in public, she was greatly offended by my preaching. Just like Herodias in the Bible was greatly offended by the preaching of John the Baptist, so also was Pastor Brad's wife greatly offended by my biblical stand against immodesty. And just like Herodias got John's head chopped off, so also did the wicked pastor's wife at Family Baptist Church henpeck her husband (Herod) to kick me and my wife out of their church in June of 2025. To their utter shame, they axed us! God will vindicate us.

This is the dire spiritual condition of today's churches! I had never once in 45 months mentioned anything in their Baptist church about my biblical conviction concerning women wearing pants, nor anything else that I preach, but their authoritarian leaders are so wicked, full of religious hypocrisy, self-righteousness and worldliness, that they crucified us.

Dear reader, God is love, but you'd never know it from attending over 95% of today's spiritually dead churches. While their shameful authoritarian (tyrant) church leaders are telling the congregation how loving their church is, they're kicking people out the door left and right, throwing God's children under the bus. 1st Peter 5:3, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

Lindsay Clancy Should Receive The Death Penalty

Genesis 9:6, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”

Kindly said, a crazy mother who murders her three children is a choice. Whether Lindsay is legally deemed insane or not when she murdered her three biological children in 2023, she is still guilty. The inspired Holy Bible doesn't exempt criminals from the consequences of their actions if they are diagnosed as being insane. One could easily argue that anyone who murders their own children is insane!

Biblically, Lindsay Clancy should receive the death penalty, but she won't be going to prison, I guarantee you. She likely won't even be tried by another jury. My guess is that the Attorney General's Office will lower the charges, leaving her fate in the hands of a single judge without the need for a jury. She'll be sent to a mental institution for a few years, or as little as 6 months.

It also doesn't surprise me that thousands of feminist women are angrily demanding the release of Lindsay, when most of them are okay with murdering children by abortion. I looked at the mob of angry women demanding Lindsay's release outside the courthouse, and not one of them were wearing a dress. They were all immodestly clothed, wearing shorts and pants. The vast majority of American women today are shameful and wicked, so says the Holy Bible (1st Timothy 2:9-10; Deuteronomy 22:5; 1st Corinthians 14:34; 1st Timothy 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:22; Proverbs 7:10-11, 9:13-18, 31:11).

I was sickened this week that the ungodly left-wing media went after the lone male juror who held out. The media has reported on the holdout juror's history of domestic violence allegations (which were dropped), and his pending eviction based on court documents and interviews with family members, despite not revealing his name publicly. They said he abused one of his former girlfriends, and he is now being evicted for not paying his rent. They are trying to tear down his character to discredit his opinion as a juror.

The liberal judge and feminists everywhere have already decided to let Clancy go free. That is not justice, it is corruption. It angers and disgusts me that when one juror doesn't vote the way the judge wants him to vote, everyone demonizes him. That is a kangaroo court! Why have a jury if everyone is being pressured to vote unanimously to an expected end? That juror never should have been pressured, grilled by the judge or made to feel uncomfortable for voting his conviction.

The judge kept saying that if the lone juror had followed the directions regarding Reasonable Doubt to the jury that he would have voted “not guilty.” If that be true, then why was Timothy Jones Jr. found guilty? In 2014 Timothy Jones Jr. (born 1981) was found guilty of killing his five children in their mobile home along South Lake Drive in Lexington County, South Carolina. 

Although like Lindsay Clancy, Timothy said he heard voices telling him to kill his children, the jury ultimately sentenced him to death. Could it be because Timothy identifies as a Christian fundamentalist? Why the double standard? Why the unfair disparity in our court system? Why do women get a free pass to commit mass-murder, but men get crucified? I am sick and fed up and tired of the hypocrisy.

If Clancy goes free on earth, you get be assured that God will hold her accountable in eternity. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Kindly said, you can take one look at Miss Clancy's court photo (below) being circulated to the media and see that she looks as crazy as a sack full of cats. I am not disparaging her as a woman, God forbid. I am am simply pointing out the truth. She brutally murdered her children. She sent her husband to pick up food, planning to kill their children while he was gone. She planned the murders! It wasn't a crime of passion. And even if it was, it shouldn't matter.

I have a right to my own opinion too, and I think Lindsay Clancy is guilty, guilty, guilty. That is what the Word of God teaches. Exodus 20:13, “Thou shalt not kill.” If I were one of the jurors, I would have also voted “guilty.” And isn't it convenient that the wicked media didn't check the backgrounds of any of the other jurors? They only wanted to dig up some dirt to slander, discredit, disparage and tear down the one man who voted “guilty.”

The Godfather was right in the 1972 movie, The Godfather: “Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men.”

The Sad Case Of Pastor Steven Anderson

Proverbs 26:12, “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”

Steven Anderson started the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona, in 2006. The cult moved in 2025 to Phoenix. From Anderson's ministry has grown the New IFB (independent fundamental Baptist) movement, now comprised of a few dozen churches nationwide. I cannot warn everyone enough to avoid these ungodly wolves who spread false doctrine, slander, false accusations and vicious hatred everywhere they go. The New IFB make Pastor Fred Phelps (1929-2014) look like Mr. Fred Rogers (1928-2003).

No matter what criticism comes his way, in the mind of Pastor Steven Anderson he is always right and everyone else is wrong. Low character individuals like Jonathan Shelley and Matthew Stuckey pander to him (their cult mentor) who can do no wrong in their eyes. The entire New IFB camp is very shallow and immature. I say that kindly in love.

Any so-called “pastor” who goes around inciting hatred of people is a false prophet. Wanna-be pastor Matthew Stuckey recently preached a heretical sermon called, “Friends Come And Go,” which is ironic because Steven Anderson is no true friend to anyone. Matthew preached that sermon because Steven Anderson has literally driven everybody away from him, even his own four oldest biological children who have all come out publicly to expose his abuse and hatred. The ungodly pastor went as far on July 5th, 2026, as to call for the death of his four oldest children. That is NOT a man of God!

• Isaac Anderson exposes his father
• Miriam Anderson expose her father
• John Anderson exposes his father
• Solomon Anderson eposes his father

Why hasn't this wicked fraud resigned as a pastor? By everything the inspired Word of God teaches, Pastor Anderson should have already resigned a long time ago, but he is conceited and will never step down until God removes him. 1st Timothy 3:7, “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” These New IFB churches are not genuine “churches,” because in a real church the congregation has the power to fire the pastor. In a real church Steven Anderson would have been fired a long time ago, but since he started the cult in 2006 it is his own.

How can the New IFB hypocritically claim that “friends come and go” when they throw everybody under the bus? There is a revolving door system at Faithful Word Baptist Church in Arizona. In 2024, when Pastor Anderson's four adult children exposed him for beating his wife and kids with an extension cord, 95 members quit the church. They finally woke up! Were those 95 people just “friends who come and go”? No, they were disgusted with a wicked pastor whose hatred and abusive behavior has finally caught up with him.

Anyone who supports Anderson is not right with God. Little by little as I find them, I am removing links from my own ministry websites to his webpages. I want nothing to do with the New IFB anymore. The “New IFB” is Steven Anderson! The ungodly members of the corrupt New IFB all preach Anderson's beliefs, his convictions, his methods and his hatred of sinners. I simply won't support someone who is consumed with hatred, abusing and hating his own family. What kind of pastor wants his own children killed? The inspired Holy Bible foretells that in the last days men will be “without natural affection” for their own family (2nd Timothy 3:1-5).

I and Pastor Anderson were never “friends,” because a true friend can never be lost. If someone “used” to be your friend, you were merely acquaintances, or perhaps you supported someone for a time, but you were never truly “friends.” So, Matthew Stucky is preaching heresy to say that friends come and go, because that is impossible. Acquaintances may come and go, but never a true friend. Most people haven't the faintest clue of what true “friendship” means.

Unlike Steven Anderson who has never been a friend toward me, I was a friend toward him for many years, promoting his ministry while overlooking his flaws, heresies and abuse. It was a one way street. But Steven's reckless behavior in recent years, with his four oldest children exposing him as an abusive monster at home, his unbiblical teaching that you cannot be saved by faith alone (he says you must pray), his deteriorating public testimony and blatant hatred has removed my rose-colored glasses. I am done with looking the other way.

The Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17a). When Steven Anderson turns against people on a dime because they disagree with him on something, Anderson was never a friend to that person. Steven Anderson was NEVER a friend to Pastor Roger Jimenez! Anderson is as shallow as can be, throwing hundreds of former ministry “friends” under the bus. And then he and his cronies have the gall and audacity to accuse his victims of being fair-weather friends? Unreal. Steven Anderson is the fake fair-weather friend!!!

Please understand that I love everybody, truly. I do not hate Pastor Anderson, but I do hate his immaturity, woeful lack of love for sinners, numerous false teachings, and ungodly arrogance that permeates his bad attitude. I am also 100% against the unbiblical hatred of the New IFB toward LGBTQ+ people for whom Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvary's cross 2,000 years ago. The Bible clearly teaches in 2nd Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Kindly said, the New IFB are spiritually dangerous and toxic. Please RUN from their poisonous so-called “churches.” They are not New Testament churches. They are a hateful cult led by one corrupt hatemonger for a leader. If I could sum up the New IFB with one statement it would be 2nd Corinthians 3:6b, “for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” People will not tolerate hatred. God is love. Preaching hard against sin absolutely must be tempered, coupled and balanced with love or else it will just harden sinner's hearts toward God and the truth. The same sun that melts the wax hardens the clay.

God knows that I did not write this article to attack Steven Anderson; but rather, to teach and warn everyone that the New IFB movement is not what God intended for Christianity to be. The good Lord never intended for pastors to propagate hatred against people. LGBTQ+ sinners are still people who were created in the image of their Creator. Please understand that Steven Anderson does not represent Christianity, he is a poster boy for hatred. I disagree with Pastor Anderson on at least FOURTEEN things. The guy is bad news!

That doesn't mean homosexuals were “born that way,” God forbid. I reject that heretical concept entirely. Like all sins, homosexuality is a choice. Abortion is a choice. Adultery is a choice. Lust is a choice. A woman putting on a pair of pants which causes men to lust is a choice. A crazy mother who murders her three children is a choice. Nobody ever "falls" into sin, we all choose to go into sin. Sin is never an accident, it is deliberate.

Gangster Al Capone (1899-1947) donated food and clothing to the poor people in Chicago, but that couldn't compensate for the umpteen murders, bootlegging, illegal gambling and prostitution rackets that he operated. Likewise, the good that the New IFB have done cannot compensate for their spreading of hatred toward a certain class of sinners, covering up for spousal and child abuse, and lionizing their wicked hateful leader Steven Anderson. A spade is a spade, a liar is a liar, and Pastor Anderson is a monster in the eyes of his own family.

Kindly said, Steven Anderson is worse than a fool, he is conceited. Proverbs 26:12, “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”

Val Kilmer's Tragic Faith In The 'Christian Science' Cult

1st John 4:1-3, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

The deadly false religion of 'Christian Science' began in 1879 when Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) founded the Church of Christ, Scientist. The movement was established following the publication of her book, 'Science And Health with Key To The Scriptures,' in 1875.

Sadly, Hollywood legendary actor Val Kilmer (1959-2025) was a lifelong devout follower of this demonic cult. I say that kindly, but truthfully. Interestingly, similar to the Jehovah's Witnesses who frown upon doctors, Val went against his Christian Science religious beliefs by seeking medical treatment for his cancer...

Actor Val Kilmer, 64, Went Against His Religious Beliefs in Favor of Doctor-Supported Standard of Care While Battling Throat Cancer

Here's some more information...

Val Kilmer’s Christian Scientist Beliefs & How They Impacted His Cancer Treatment

by Evolve Editors | April 2, 2025

Val Kilmer’s tragic death has fans questioning the late actor’s much-discussed beliefs in Christian Science. The Top Gun star recently breathed his last, passing away at the age of 65 following a prolonged battle with throat cancer. While Kilmer engaged in several medical procedures over the years to cure his ailment, the actor almost went another way due to his religious philosophy. READ MORE

In his excellent book titled, “Some Serious, Popular FALSE DOCTRINES Answered From The Scriptures,” Evangelist John R. Rice (1895-1980) writes on page 127:

I do not hesitate to call anyone a Christian who has trusted in Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour and who believes that Jesus, the very Son of God, paid for his sins on the cross. Unfortunately Christian Science cannot be classed as any part of the Christian religion. It is not a Christian sect but must be classed with the false religions of the world, such as mohammedanism Confucianism and Buddhism. This is a startling statement and we are sad that it is true, but it is true, as we can very easily show. —Dr. John R. Rice, “Some Serious, Popular FALSE DOCTRINES Answered From The Scriptures,” p. 127; Sword Of The Lord Publishers, 1970

Dr. Rice continues on page 128: 

Christian Science is like Grape-Nuts which are neither grapes nor nuts. It is like guinea pigs which are not guineas and not pigs. So-called Christian Science sails under false colors and is a deceptive false unchristian religion. —Dr. John R. Rice, “Some Serious, Popular FALSE DOCTRINES Answered From The Scriptures,” p. 128; Sword Of The Lord Publishers, 1970

In Christian Science, Heaven is taught as a state of consciousness rather than a literal physical place, achieved through spiritual understanding and the practice of Christian Science principles, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ. Salvation and entry into Heaven come from recognizing one's true spiritual nature and the reality of God's love and grace. As you can easily see, this is totally unscriptural. In Christian Science, you merit Heaven by your works.

In sharp contrast, the inspired King James Bible teaches that Heaven is a literal place with streets of pure gold, as if it were transparent glass; and there are twelve gates made of a single pearl each (Revelation 21:21). How beautiful is that? But Christian Science blatantly denies these Biblical truths. So-called “Christian Science” (a misnomer) is a FALSE RELIGION that exploits Christian beliefs, but has substantial differences in doctrine and practice from the Christian faith. Christian Science has unorthodox beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus, sin, death and the authority of the inspired Holy Bible. Please avoid this Satanic deception.

Christian Science Denies Jesus' Deity

Mary Baker Eddy and her demonic Christian Science religion deny Jesus' deity, that He is God almighty. Like the Seventh-Day Adventist cult, Christian Science tries to hide their true beliefs from newcomers to lure them in by deception. Case in point, this website makes it sound like Christian Science esteems Jesus highly, but they deceptively refuse to come right out to tell you that they don't think Jesus is God. This is highly misleading.

The following appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel publication in 1923...

Christian Science does not teach that Jesus was God

Mrs. Alice T. Caruthers, Committee on Publication for the State of West Virginia | April 7, 1923 Issue

Christian Science does not teach that Jesus was God, but that he was what he claimed himself to be, the "Son of God." READ MORE

Christian Science is rooted in unbiblical New Age philosophy. According to Christian Science, God is a form of divine conscience and does not possess a physical body; not an individual being. Christian Scientists do not believe God has any human qualities.

Dr. John R. Rice further writes:

Before me is the Christian Science Sentinel of December 22, 1934. On page 330 is an editorial which states part of the infidelity of Christian Science Literature—that is, it's teaching that Jesus is not God. 

Christian Science is doing much to clarify the thoughts of men regarding the great Way-shower. Among other things, it is correcting THE FALLICY THAT JESUS IS GOD.

The teaching that Jesus is God, Christian Science says is a fallacy, that is, is false. Christian Science everywhere teaches that Jesus was kin to God only in the same way that every other man is. Christian Science says much about the life of Jesus, the teaching of Jesus, and so on, but denies the fact of His deity, denies that His blood atones for man's sin, denies that Jesus is very God. 

Jesus expressly claims that he is God, that He is one with the Father, that He is equal with God. Notice these Scriptures.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” —John 1:1-3.

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” —John 1:10.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14.

“I and my Father are one.” —John 10:30.

“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” —John 14:7-9.

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God” —Philippians 2:6. —Dr. John R. Rice, “Some Serious, Popular FALSE DOCTRINES Answered From The Scriptures,” pp. 128-129; Sword Of The Lord Publishers, 1970

The Jews plainly understood that Jesus claimed to be God. John 10:33, “The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” Jesus boldly declared to the people that He is God. John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” If Jesus were not God almighty, then He would have been committing the sins of idolatry and blasphemy in John 14:1. There is no controversy if you believe the inspired Holy Bible.

Christian Scientists see God as the only reality, so in their view all sin, sickness, disease and death are mere illusions that can be overcome through meditation, prayer and realization of spiritual truth. Christian Science is New Age hodgepodge!

Jesus' deity is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. Although you don't need to be a theologian to be saved, at some point in your Christian life you should learn that Jesus is God and readily receive that truth as a fact. Someone who professes to be a Christian, but upon learning that Jesus is God firmly denies this truth, just confirms they are not born again. No one is saved, who after being taught the truth, still rejects the reality of the Godhead, Jesus' virgin birth, His substitutionary vicarious death on the cross for our sins, Jesus sinless life, His blood applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven and His bodily resurrection.

You don't have to know all these things to be saved, but if you are saved the blessed indwelling Holy Spirit will teach them to you (John 16:13). When I got saved at age 13, I didn't know that Jesus is God. No one had ever mentioned that truth to me before. But when I attended Bible college at age 18 and heard my Bible professor tell me about Jesus' deity, the Holy Spirit confirmed in my soul that it is the truth. Wisdom is justified of her children (Luke 7:35).

Christian Science Elevates Christ, But Lowers Jesus

In the cult of Christian Science, Jesus refers to the historical figure who lived and taught on earth; while Christ represents the divine idea or spiritual truth that Jesus embodied. Mary Baker Eddy made a distinction between the man Jesus and His role as Christ. This distinction emphasizes the spiritual understanding of Jesus' role in revealing God's nature and the healing power of divine love.

Mary Baker Eddy taught that Christ is the divine idea of God, while Jesus is the human manifestation of that idea. In her corrupt view, Christ represents the spiritual truth and healing power, distinct and without any need for the historical figure of Jesus. Mary Baker Eddy writes:

The theory of three person in one God (that is, a personal Trinity or Tri-unity) suggests polytheism, rather than the one ever-present I AM. Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself declared, but is the Son of God. (Science and Health, 256:9-11)

Beware The Cult Of 'Christian Science'

As do the Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science rejects medical treatment, believing that all ailments can be healed through spiritual means instead. That is ridiculous which common sense dictates. This alone should be evidence enough that something is very wrong with the Christian Science religion.

Christian Science: World is Illusion

Christian Science views the material world as an illusion created by the human mind. According to Christian Science teachings, the physical universe that we perceive through our senses does not actually exist.

It is considered a false belief that can be overcome through prayer and spiritual understanding of God’s true nature.

Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy taught that matter, sin, sickness and death are not creations of God, but rather are mistaken beliefs of mortal mind. She described the material world as the “error of carnal mortal mind”, not the true spiritual creation of God which she saw as entirely good and spiritual.

By turning away from belief in materiality and focusing completely on the spiritual nature of God and his creation, Christian Scientists believe we can transcend this illusion of a material world and align our thought more fully with Divine Mind, or God. READ MORE

Clearly, Christian Science is based in pagan New Age mumbo-jumbo.

Christian Science does not support the doctrine of the Godhead (aka, Trinity), believing it to be unbiblical. Instead, they view Jesus as a "Way-shower" (a term exclusive to Christian Science) because His life and teachings serve as a model for how to live a balanced and fulfilling life. Christian Science is a Satanic deception intended to take more victims to Hell.

Christian Science adherents don't trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life; but rather, to save them by showing us how to live life to its fullest.

• Christianity teaches that everybody has sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. The first sin separated Adam and Eve from their intimate relationship with God. Sin is disobeying God’s laws (Romans 3:10-23, 5:12).
• Christian Science teaches that the fall of Adam and Eve never happened. Eddy believed that humans are an expression of God and thus perfect, with no sin. She said that one gets victory over sin by realizing it’s simply an illusion.

The teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science are just plain strange and unbiblical. My article has been more about Christian Science than Val Kilmer, but my heart goes out to the man and his family. Val was horribly deceived by Satan. What saith the Scripture?

2nd Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

The world is full of Satanic imposters who masquerade as ministers of righteousness. Sadly, Val was just one of billions of Satan's victims who were tricked by a false religion. There are over one billion hellbound Roman Catholics who have been deceived by Satan, to think that they can get to Heaven by keeping the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic religion. No such requirements are taught in the Holy Bible, not even in the Catholic Douay version of the Bible.

Christian Science followers errantly believe that death transforms them to a higher state of consciousness into a different realm. They don't believe that God is a person; but rather, a force of nature. They don't believe that Heaven or Hell are literal places. They teach that death is an illusion. Christian Science is neither Christian nor based on science.

The Counterfeit Plan Of Salvation Of Christian Science

Jesus warned in John 3:3b, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” But read what Christian Science says you must do to live forever...

Christian Scientists believe that death is an illusion, and that it can be overcome through prayer and the understanding of spiritual truth. READ MORE

That is a false plan of salvation. In Christian Science, they make a distinction between Jesus versus Christ.

Unless Val Kilmer repented on his deathbed to forsake his trust in the lies of Christian Science, and instead place his faith in Jesus Christ alone as his Savior, he sadly went to Hell forever. Christian Science teaches that Heaven is a state of consciousness and harmony that can be experienced now, rather than a literal physical place one enters after death.

The cult emphasizes that individuals can achieve this heavenly state now by aligning their thoughts with God's positive and constructive ideas. Christian Scientists do not believe in a literal Heaven or Hell. They believe that our spiritual nature determines our experience after death, rather than a physical place of reward or punishment. This is all unbiblical rubbish. The inspired Word of God teaches that there are literal places called Hell and Heaven. Where you end up in eternity has nothing to do with your spiritual nature; but rather, if you die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13), or die in your sins (John 8:24).

In Christian Science you don't receive eternal life by faith in Jesus. Christian Science teaches that salvation is achieved through understanding and proving the truths of Christian Science rather than through faith in Jesus. They view Jesus as a "Way-shower" who exemplifies the path to God, but do not adhere to traditional doctrines of atonement or the Trinity.

Totally contrary to God's Word, Christian Science teaches:

Christian Science emphasizes that the quality of life one experiences after death is determined by the moral and spiritual progress one makes during their life. This belief encourages individuals to live a life of service and spiritual growth in order to experience a higher level of consciousness after death. READ MORE

Please don't mistake this heresy as being similar to rewards for the Christian who faithfully serves God on earth. What you just read is their plan of salvation in Christian Science! What saith the Scripture? John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Christian Science is of the Devil, because they do not believe you are saved by trusting Jesus as your personal Savior. They believe you live forever if you live the Christian life by following the example which Christ set for us. Clearly, this is a works-based type of FALSE RELIGION.

Religion Cannot Save Anybody

Instead of pastors, they have public Christian Science reading rooms with books to guide and teach interested followers. The false religion has no official dogma apart from six tenets. Christian Science is a classic example of Alice Bailey's demonic vision in her book, “The Externalisation Of The Hierarchy,” in which she taught that Theosophists (Luciferians) should infiltrate Christianity by maintaining an outer shell of core beliefs (e.g., the six tenets of Christian Science), while promoting New Age ideologies (which is exactly what Christian Science does). If you check the Statement of Faith of nearly every pseudo-Christian organization and church today, you'll find that their basic beliefs are okay. They do this to deceive the masses, to keep up appearances.

The founder of “Lucifer” Magazine in 1887, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), and editor Annie Besant (1847-1933) along with other occultists, believed that Christian churches were the key to introducing the doctrines of Lucifer to large masses of people. The 1904 annual report of the Theosophical Society stated:

“I believe it is through the Churches and not through the Theosophical Society that Theosophy [the worship of Lucifer]... must and should come to large bodies of people in the West.” (Transactions of the Theosophical Society, H. P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant, 1904, p. 377)

And then just eight years later the 1912 report of the Theosophical Society stated:

“Our Lodges continue their propaganda work... Outside the Lodges many of the members engage in what is really Theosophical work such as lecturing, talking on the principles we are trying to put forward, preaching and other activities in connection with the Christian Churches and other organizations....” (Theosophist Magazine, Annie Besant, 1912, p. 88)

Nineteenth century occult mystic Fenton Hort is perhaps best known for his part in the work of the corrupt bible revision committee of 1881. Speaking on the subject of creating a new eclectic New Testament text Hort stated:

“At present very many orthodox but rational men are being unawares acted upon by influences which will assuredly bear good fruit in due time, if the process is allowed to go on quietly;” (Life and letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort, Vol. 1, 1896, p. 400)

In the Old Testament Jeremiah said that “their course is evil, and their force is not right” (Jeremiah 23:10). The apostle Paul warned, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15). As you can plainly see for yourself, there has been a sinister plot by Satan's minions to infiltrate and corrupt Christianity in first world countries for well over a century.

It used to be difficult for me, as a born again child of God, to understand how Val Kilmer or anyone could be so gullible to fall for Satan's deception of Christian Science. But then I realized that they cannot see what I see, because the inspired Holy Bible says that Satan has blinded them. 2nd Corinthians 4:34, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” I am truly saddened that almost assuredly Val Kilmer died in his sins without Jesus and is now burning in Hell forever, deceived by the Christian Science religious cult.

Always Be Grateful For What You Have

1st Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

I love something that Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) said: The expectation of nothing is the foundation of gratitude. In other words, if you expect nothing you will be grateful for everything.

We are living in one of the most spoiled generations in American history today. One of the main reasons is the television that has conditioned Americans to expect a certain quality of life that matches what they see on television. Some call it: Keeping up with the Jonses.

Our text passage of Scripture is 1st Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The Holy Bible doesn't say to be thankful “for” every thing; but rather, “in” every thing. There is always something to be thankful for. I saw a married couple recently on the news whose house was totally destroyed by a tornado, but they were thankful to be alive and safe. That is what the Bible means.

The Scripture has much to say about maintaining a grateful spirit toward God at all times. Romans 1:21, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” The first step downward in life is to become unthankful toward God.

A few years ago, I saw a disheveled looking homeless man in California being interviewed as he searched for food in a dumpster. I was humbled when he quoted Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God bless that dear man! He relies on leftover food, scraps from restaurant customers, that he finds in a dumpster to provide his daily sustenance; and he is thankful to God for those meals.

If that poor man (like Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31) can be grateful to have so little, then we have no excuse. There are 10,080 minutes in each week. Have we thanked God with even one of them? I guarantee that if you will start being more grateful for what you have (and don't have), it will change your life. Happy people are not thankful people; thankful people are happy people.

Lord willing, I will turn 60 years old on March 5, 2027. At my age I cannot help but take notice whenever I hear about anyone dying in their fifties. Bill Bixby (1934-1993), who starred in The Hulk television series, died of prostate cancer at only age 59 (my age).

Famous Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) weighed only 80 pounds at the time of his death. Bogart was 5' 8" tall. He passed away on January 14, 1957, due to esophageal cancer. Bogart was only 57. Oh dear reader, life is so short. ...

Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” 

I am now in the third act of my life. My chronic neck pain is debilitating. My continual burning nerves feel overwhelming. The right side of my body feels half asleep all the time. Both of my arms feel inflated with air. These are my heavy burdens to bear. But I know that my God is good and faithful. The Bible promises me a new glorified body just like Jesus' resurrected body when He returns. Philippians 3:21, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

Notice what the inspired Word of God says people will be like in the Last Days. 2nd Timothy 3:2, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” The vast majority of Americans today have become unthankful and unholy. Jesus' words have never rang more true than they do today in Mark 11:22b, “Have faith in God.”

Is Believing In Eternal Security Essential To Salvation?

John 10:27-29, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”

God does not give anyone temporary life, He only gives eternal life. Eternal life and eternal security are not two separate doctrines; they are one and the same thing.

I was reading one of Dr. John R. Rice's (1895-1980) books today and read something that didn't set right with me. Here is what the famous evangelist writes:

Is believing in eternal security essential to salvation?

No, the doctrine of eternal security is not essential to salvation. You understand, when I go to the doctor with a desperate illness, it is essential that I go to the right doctor for healing. It is not essential that I know all about the diagnosis of my case, or that I know all the details of the remedy. It is enough that I turn the matter over in loving faith to the doctor. That is the way it is about Jesus Christ. None of us really know all the depths of wickedness of our hearts. We do not know fully the disease which cures us. But we can know we are sinners and we can know we must go to the doctor. 

One does not even have to know fully the plan of salvation in order to be saved. You don't have to know the medicine if you go to the right doctor. He will decide the medicine. And even when we take it, by faith, we may not fully understand it. 

This is made clear by several Scriptures. First, the Scripture says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). The publican in the temple who said, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), may not have known just how God had planned to pay for our salvation. But he called upon the Lord and went home justified. 

The dying thief in Luke 23:39-43 said, “Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” That was a very ignorant prayer, and yet Jesus saved him. The thing for a poor sinner to do is to come to Jesus and if he comes, Jesus does not cast him out, as is plainly promised in John 6:37.

One may be saved without knowing all about the plan of salvation. One can be saved without being even sure of salvation. I went for three years after I had trusted Christ without full assurance of salvation. But I had been saved and when the matter was cleared up by the Scriptures, then it became certain that I had been saved all along. You see, one does not have to be a graduate in theology to be saved. One who comes to Christ is saved. One who calls upon the Lord for salvation is saved. One who believes on Christ as Saviour is saved. These are all different ways of saying the same thing, They all describe how simple is saving faith.

Those who do not understand the matter of security of a believer are missing a great joy, I think, but that has nothing to do with whether or not they are saved. One who trusts Christ is saved and saved forever, whether he knows it or not not. —Evangelist John R. Rice, “Dr. Rice, Here Is My Question...,” p. 272-273

I agree with nearly everything that Dr. Rice wrote, with the exception that someone can deny the eternal security of a believer and still be saved. From Dr. Rice's viewpoint I would agree, if you simply mean that someone lacks the peace of knowing they are saved.

Not Knowing One is Saved Versus Requiring Faithful Living to Maintain a State of Salvation

However, there are many deceived religious people (e.g., Roman Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of God, et cetera) who sincerely think you can lose God's gift of salvation if you go into deep sin or abandon your Christian faith. In such cases it is absolutely paramount that someone believe in eternal security to be saved. So, it depends on the reason why someone doubts eternal security as to whether or not it is essential to salvation. Take a look at the damnable false teaching of Seventh-Day Adventists...

“The Assurance of Salvation”: Myth and Reality 

Adventist Today

by Pastor Steven Siciliano | April 8, 2022

Let me state three key premises at the start: 

1. An individual’s ultimate salvation depends on maintaining faith and faithfulness to the end (by which I mean either the individual’s passing or the second advent). 
2. None of us can predict the future or know for certain whether we will remain faithful to the end. Therefore, 
3. logically speaking, it is impossible to have assurance of salvation. That concept is either a myth or, at best, a misapplication.

So where did this phrase and its accompanying sentiment come from? Why are so many individuals wedded to it? What reality may the term be pointing to, perhaps ambiguously? And where can we begin sorting it all out? READ MORE

NOTE - Steven Siciliano is pastor of the Jackson Heights and Hartsdale churches in the Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Apostates had a profession of faith in Jesus Christ at one time, but not the possession of faith (i.e., they were never born again). Their mouths spoke something other than what their hearts believed. Apostasy is not loss of salvation, but evidence of past pretension. They were never saved at all. They may have joined a professed “Christian” organization; such as, the Roman Catholic church, but they were never born again.

You don't get saved by living the Christian life. Satan's greatest weapon is to con people into living the Christian life without ever being born again. This is what the false prophets in Matthew 7:21-23 were guilty of doing. They boasted of having done “many wonderful works” in Jesus' name, but they had never completely rested in Christ's sacrifice on the cross for their sins. The true Gospel always points you to CHRIST; a false gospel always points to YOU. If salvation is truly by grace, then you don't need to start or stop anything to be saved. Eternal life is a free gift from God (Romans 6:23). One is saved by God's grace through faith in the finished work of His Son on the cross as payment in full as our pardon for sin.

Dr. Rice Mistitled His Question

It is plain to see from Brother Rice's answer that he is not talking about Eternal Security at all; but rather, someone who sincerely lacks a full understanding of the theological workings of God's plan of redemption, or someone who has doubts about their salvation. In sharp contrast, Eternal Security is the doctrine that once you are saved, you are always saved. This Bible truth is commonly expressed as: “Once Saved, Always Saved” (OSAS).

In my humble opinion, Dr. Rice should have titled his question: “Is Knowing That You're Saved Essential To Salvation?” or “Is Fully Understanding Salvation Essential To The New Birth?” You really do need to believe in Eternal Security to be saved, because if you think salvation depends upon your human efforts, performance or faithfulness in the least degree, you are not fully trusting Christ and are not saved. If you are trusting in Jesus plus water baptism (just in case), you are not saved. You just need to believe that Jesus did it all for you.

If you are trusting in Jesus plus trimming your toe nails once every ten years, you are not saved. I am being facetious of course, but you get the point. Salvation is promised by God only to the sinner who wholly rests in the finished redemptive work of Christ (i.e., the Gospel).

I agree with Dr. Rice from the standpoint that a person can be saved who still doubts their Eternal Security, just so long as they don't trust in their own performance, good works or faithfulness to stay saved. You don't have to believe in Eternal Security in the sense that you don't need to know for sure that you are saved; but this is not Eternal Security, it is Assurance.