Justification is the divine act where God, by His grace, declares the sinner to be innocent of his or her sins. It is based solely upon the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Scripture tells us in Romans 5:9, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Justification is akin to a legal proceeding wherein the judge declares a defendant to be innocent of the crimes he or she has been charged with, and like a legal proceeding, it is a one time declaration. If, as some teach, justification was progressive (i.e. through some means the sinner becomes progressively more justified), then Jesus' death would be insufficient to provide justification, and thus require the assistance of the sinner to make it complete. Since Jesus' sacrificial death is sufficient to provide justification, there is no need to supplement His death with any other act.

Justification is also a gift of God, provided by His grace, through faith. Scripture supports this truth in both Romans 3:24 (“being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”) and Titus 3:7 (“that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life”); and Romans 5:1 (“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”).



The process of the sinners justification is set forth in Scripture thusly, Christians receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord (“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” – John 1:12) and place their faith-filled trust in what Jesus did on the cross (“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” – 1 Peter 2:24), and in doing so, they are justified, declared innocent of their sins, by God.
There are some who would deny this clear scriptural teaching by adding a supplemental requirement to what God has done freely done by His grace, through our faith in Jesus' sacrificial death; and that supplemental requirement is works performed by the justified sinner. The Bible, however, refutes this false teaching. Romans 4:5 tells us, “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” Clearly, no works, and no other requirement is needed to supplement what God has already done in full for the new believer.

Romans 4:5, it should be noted, is not the only passage in Scripture that supports justification by grace alone through faith alone (known also as Sola Fide, or “faith alone”), as the following verses clearly show:

“being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:24

“For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'” – Romans 4:3

“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” – Romans 4:5

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” – Romans 5:1

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” – Romans 5:9

“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” – Romans 11:6

The predominate voice speaking out against the word of God on the subject of justification by grace alone through faith alone, is the Roman Catholic church. In fact, the Roman Catholic church is so vehemently against what God so clearly teaches, that they have pronounced a curse against those who hold to this Scriptural teaching. At the Roman Catholic Council of Trent in 1546, the Roman church declared, “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema” (Council of Trent, Canons on Justification, Canon 9).

And, “If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema.” (Canon 14).

The term “anathema” us in these two declarations is a formal curse declared by the Pope or a Roman church council, indicating they hold a particular doctrine, and those who hold to it, to be an abomination and worthy of complete excommunication from the church. By declaring these curses against the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone, the Roman Catholic church has essentially declared a curse on Scripture, and by extension, God Himself as the author of Scripture.

In case you are thinking, hey, that curse was proclaimed in 1546, almost 500 years ago, surely they don't still believe that! The fact of the matter is, they do. The Roman Catholic church continues to this day to teach against the biblical doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone. In fact, many Roman Catholics who adhere to their church's doctrine of justification by faith plus works, almost always point to James 2:24 to support this false teaching.

James 2:24 reads, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” At first glance it appears the Roman Catholic teaching is correct. However, in order to come to that conclusion, one must take that passage completely by itself, removing it from its immediate context (the surrounding verses), as well as its extended context (other verses in the Bible that speak on the same subject). As we can clearly see by the numerous passages from Romans, Titus, and 1 Peter quoted above; the James 2:24 passage seems to be in contradiction to the extended context. To resolve this apparent contradiction, we need to look at the passages immediate context, specifically verses 14-26.

In verses 14-17 James asks, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Clearly, James is referring to a false faith that is completely devoid of substance; and more importantly, completely devoid of Christlikeness. That James is writing here to expose such a false faith is obvious when reading the rest of the immediate context, namely verses 18-26. And in verse 26 James concludes by saying, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James is not contradicting the statements of Peter and Paul noted above. No, he is actually supporting them by defining exactly what the faith they are referring to consists of. In other words, faith is not supplements by works as the Roman Catholic church and others claim; but rather, true faith is evidenced by good works. In fact, Paul also defines true faith in much the same way as James. In Acts 26:20, the Apostle writes, “but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” and in Ephesians 2:8-10 he writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Note that Paul emphasizes that faith is the “gift of God, NOT of works” and the reason this is, is so that no one is able to boast about their faith or their works. Note also that Paul also tells us the works which result from true faith were prepared by God for us to do “beforehand,” indicating they were determined by God from before the creation of the world.

In conclusion, the Scripture very clearly teaches that we are saved (and thus justified) by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ's all-sufficient sacrifice alone, and never of works; and that the resulting works are evidence of our salvation and justification. In other words, the good works of a true believer are the result of salvation and justification, but never the cause of salvation or justification.

One final note of clarification. There are many who take this issue and run in the exact opposite direction by saying once we are saved and justified, we can live in any manner we like, whether godly or sinfully. Some refer to this as “easy beleivism”. The actual term is “antonomianism,” and is a heretical belief the Apostle Paul addresses, and condemns, in Romans 6:1-2.

Facebook comments posted to my article “Is The Apocrypha Inspired Scripture?” have proved to be interesting to say the least. Especially when two irate female "apologists," one Roman Catholic and the other a self-professed “Antiochian Orthodox” (the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, not to be confused with the Greek Orthodox church), decided to weigh in and refute my article. Remember now, that the initial article is an argument against the inspiration of the Apocrypha, that consists not simply of my opinion, but historical fact to support my premise. The arguments that were meant to refute my article, however, by and large have nothing whatsoever to do with my premise, nor even with the Apocrypha at all! I'll let you read them and save my comments for the end of this article.

I'll list the Antiochian apologists arguments first (20), followed by the Roman Catholic apologists arguments (13).

A. Arguments Made By The Antiochian Orthodox “Apologist” As A Refutation Against My Article:

1. “The original KJV had the apocrypha. And- those were original and people keep changing things and that is why there are now 40,000 protestant denominations with 60% who don't even believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit or Satan. Cafeteria Christians.”

2. (She then posted the following link) Survey Finds Most American Christians Are Actually Heretics

3. “Let's take Judaism- if Jesus was Jewish as people claim, then why do Jews say there's no heaven/hell or they say that heaven and hell are not actual locations. They also don't believe in original sin.”

4. “There's not even such a thing as "sola scriptura" unless a person lives in a cave, never reads Christian authors outside of the Bible, never listens to their pastors (authorities) and never read any evangelical theologians (more authorities).”

5. “Do you read Christian authors, scholars, theologians, go to a church, have a pastor? If so, you are not Sola Scriptura, sir. Therefore, please stop lying.”

6. “And the apostolic churches had councils- not just one guy like Luther or Calvin who came up with something on their own without any oversight or checks and balances.”

7. “The reason Luther said sola scriptura was not to be taken literally. It was because in his town, priests were doing stuff they shouldn't have been doing. That is all. He didn't intend to dump the Catholic Church. He was a Catholic monk.”

8. “By a COUNCIL of BISHOPS of various nations beyond race, ethnicities, and politics. They were Holy men who transcended all of that. It wasn't just one person who decided by ego or politics. Phiippians 1:1 Paul addresses his BISHOPS, deacons, and saints. Because the twelve were the first bishops.”

9. “St. Mark started the church in Alexandria, Egypt. St. Peter started the church in Antioch and Rome, St. Andrew started the church in Greece, St. Thomas started churches in Africa and India, St. James started the church in Jerusalem- those were the first bishops and each have their own lineage of bishops who carried on the teachings up to this day. This is called apostolic succession.”

10. “Armenia was the first country to have Christiniaty as the official state religion in 301 AD which was 24 years before the Council at Nicea. Ethiopia was the second with Phillip starting the church there.”

11. “Why in the world do protestants who put down apostolic churches even have a Bible when WE ARE THE ONES who compiled the Bible in the first place? Who took the papyri fragments, put them in order, put verse numbers on them, titled the books in the Bible?”

12. “I wish people who degrade the ancient churches would just throw their Bibles away. If not, they're being hypocrites.”

13. “Where did "The Bible" come from Robert Tuttle? Do you think that there were printing presses and everyone carried a Bible around in the early centuries? No one even OWNED a Bible. There was only oral tradition and the priests are the ones who taught people scripture. There were very few copies and only a few in each church. It's not like people could even read half the time. There were also illiterate people. Scripture was handed down through teaching, sermons, hymns, and prayers.”

14. “It cost an entire year's salary just to have one gospel copied because they had to hire scribes to do that. Then, they had to hire checkers to check and proofread the work of the scribes. Paper wasn't even invented. The process of taking reeds of papyrus plants and drying them and turning them into paper was a very long and laborious process. They also had to make ink. Or vellum which was made from the intestines of animals. They used that too.”

15. “And the liturgy was all part of the early Christians. Even evangelical websites mention that Liturgy, communion, baptism was very important.”

16. “Exodus mentions the statues they had in the temple with cherubim, seraphim, and palm trees. The temple did have statues. I'm Orthodox, so we dont' have statues but it's clear there were images even in the Jewish temples. The Dura Europa Synagogue-the oldest synagogue in existence in Syria has murals. Exodus also mentions what the priests wore. It goes into great detail about their robes, what fabric was used and so forth.”

17. “Jesus was a Jewish priest, Robert. the apostles also followed the steps.”

18. “Protestants don't even have a canon, do they? This is why you have people who don't even think the Holy Spirit exists and that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. smh”

19. “Where in Scipture does it say to have rock bands and rock concert lights and tele-evangelists? That's not sola scriptura, is it? There is no such thing as "sola scriptura." There are ancient theologians during the time of the apostles and there are modern ones which you follow. and no need for charities or deeds- that is not biblical at all. It is very clear in James that "Faith without works are dead." And it's clear by early pagan writings that Christians were involved in charities. This is what set them apart from any other.”

20. “Protestants are the ones who started Atlantic Slave Trade and invasions all over the place. They're the ones who killed millions of Catholics and Orthodox and they're the ones who control the world with U.S. and the European Constitutional monarchies. British enslaved Irish Catholics also. Where do you think the term "white trash" comes from? The biggest mass lynching in the U.S. were Italians in New Orleans. Why has the U.S. only had one Catholic president JFK- and look what happened to him? Orthodox and Catholics have Black saints. Do protestants? no.”

B. Arguments Made By The Roman Catholic “Apologist” As A Refutation Against My Article:
1. “who are YOU to decide differently? Who was Martin Luther to decide differently? What was considered Cannon was determined by councils like the council of Jerusalem not individuals. You have no say in the matter of what is or is not inspired scripture. You have no more authority to decide than Mormons who decided that the Book of Mormon is inspired.”

2. “I ask you again. Who are YOU to decided what is inspired and what isn't? The church decided in COUNCILS. What was determined inspired was NEVER by individuals. THIS is how things were decided.” (she then posted a link to Acts chapter 15 on the Bible Gateway website).

3. “The Church always decided things with councils not by individuals. This is our problem. You can not accept what the developing church decided.”

4. “The early church didn't even have a New Testament Robert.”

5. “Well, you are doing the same thing Martin Luther did by telling us what belongs or doesn't belong in scripture Robert. We are just telling you you have no authority to tell us what belongs in scripture and what doesn't. The CHURCH decided.”

6. “Jesus said "Upon this Rock I will BUILD my church". He intended to build it over time not in the first 3 centuries.”

7. “Robert. You have no authority to decide what is inspired and what isn't inspired or what books belong or don't belong in scripture . I don't either. THE CHURCH which the bible calls the PILLAR FOUNDATION OF TRUTH has already decided. 1 Timothy 3:15 'But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.'”

8. “AND, Stained Glass Windows and Statues to tell the stories of the bible and early Christianity because most Christians were illiterate before this century. You can thank the Catholic Church for preserving your bible for you Robert Tuttle or you wouldn't have one.”

9. “Bible's up until the printing press 1440 (which is the reason the bible spread to individuals) were like owning the hope diamond. They were EXPENSIVE and RARE. No one was trying to keep them from anyone, they were just hand-copied on papyrus. No one could afford one.”

10. “You think Jesus really meant to DUMP all of Judaism Robert?”

11. “You are ignoring Jesus.”

12. “We are posting INFORMATION that you clearly do not want to consider Robert. We are having a DISCUSSION which you clearly do not want to have with anyone who doesn't agree with you. Deaf ears.”

13. “Later Robert. You aren't interested in what anyone has to say besides yourself. That is what I have found about most protestants. It's all about ME not Jesus. You only care about your own thoughts. You have proven that over and over in these discussions. You like to hear yourself.”



Now please bear in mind that these comments were posted rapid fire, with virtually no response from me (not that I could get a word in edgewise had I felt inclined to try). I will not insult Roman Catholics or Antiochian Orthodox followers by stating or insinuating that all Roman Catholics or Antiochian Orthodox followers are as off-the-wall as these two ladies. I don't believe they are. But this does, I think, illustrate the denialism that exists within these two groups among some of their members.

Several years ago I engaged in a debate with a fellow, who, after the 16 hour debate stated, “You know Bob, you present a pretty convincing argument. You really know your stuff. But I have to say, I don't care what the truth is, I know what I believe.”
“I don't care what the truth is, I know what I believe.” I think if this fellow were to start his own religion, these two ladies would be among the first to sign up.

Roman Catholics insist the Apocrypha (which they refer to as the deuterocanonical books – the term literally means “second canon.”) is part of the inspired Scriptures, and that it always has been. They present several arguments to prove their point, the two most common are 1) the New Testament refers to the Apocrypha, and 2) the early church taught and believed the Apocrypha was part of the established and inspired canon of Scripture. Let's examine these two arguments in more detail.
In an online discussion with a Roman Catholic, he made the argument that since the Apocrypha is referenced in the New Testament, it is clearly part of the canon. He then presented 18 “examples” of alleged references to the Apocrypha in the New Testament which had apparently been copied from a Roman Catholic apologetic website which contained many more so-called examples. In order to give my Roman Catholic friend the benefit of the doubt, I read each presented passage from the New Testament, and each presented passage from the Apocrypha, in the context of the surrounding passages.

Here is that list, as presented by my Roman Catholic friend, with my comments following each passage:

1. “Matt. 2:16 - Herod's decree of slaying innocent children was prophesied in Wis. 11:7 - slaying the holy innocents.”

The Wisdom passage refers to the enemies of Israel killing their own children. This is not a prophesy of Herod killing the children in Israel.


2. “Matt. 6:19-20 - Jesus' statement about laying up for yourselves treasure in heaven follows Sirach 29:11 - lay up your treasure.”
The Sirach passage refers to being generous with your money, and using it to help the poor. There is no real comparison to Jesus' teaching in the Matthew passage.


3. “Matt.. 7:12 - Jesus' golden rule "do unto others" is the converse of Tobit 4:15 - what you hate, do not do to others.”
The Golden Rule, also known as the Law of Reciprocity, is found in almost every religious belief system. If you are going to link Matt. 7:12 to Tobit 4:15, then you also have to link it to just about every other religious belief system.


4. “Matt. 7:16,20 - Jesus' statement "you will know them by their fruits" follows Sirach 27:6 - the fruit discloses the cultivation.”
Again, this is a universal truism recognized by many different religious belief systems; and is not necessarily a connection between Jesus and apocrypha.


5. “Matt. 9:36 - the people were "like sheep without a shepherd" is same as Judith 11:19 - sheep without a shepherd.”
The context of these two verses shows they are not the same thing. In Matthew, Jesus is referring to those who are spiritually lost; while the Judith passage refers to a military attack against the Israelites.


6. “Matt. 11:25 - Jesus' description "Lord of heaven and earth" is the same as Tobit 7:18 - Lord of heaven and earth.”
The phrase “Lord of Heaven” is used numerous times in numerous texts, both biblical and non-biblical. For instance, it appears in Deuteronomy 10:14, which was written approximately 700 years before Tobit, therefore, there is more of a connection between Jesus' words in Matthew 11:25 and Deuteronomy 10:14, then there is between Matthew 11:25 and Tobit 7:18.


7. “Matt. 12:42 - Jesus refers to the wisdom of Solomon which was recorded and made part of the deuterocanonical books.”
The context of this passage clearly indicates Jesus was referring to the wisdom possessed by King Solomon, and not the apocryphal book “Wisdom of Solomon.”


8. “Matt. 16:18 - Jesus' reference to the "power of death" and "gates of Hades" references Wisdom 16:13.”
These two verses have nothing whatsoever in common. Matthew 16:18 states: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” and Wisdom 16:13 states: “You have power over life and death; you can bring a person to the brink of death and back again.” Clearly, the Matthew passage says nothing about the power of death, and Wisdom passage says nothing about the gates of Hades. While the Wisdom passage is referring to the Israelites wanderings in the wilderness, the Matthew passage is referring to the permanence of the Church. They are totally unrelated.


9. “Matt. 22:25; Mark 12:20; Luke 20:29 - Gospel writers refer to the canonicity of Tobit 3:8 and 7:11 regarding the seven brothers.”
While the two stories are similar, Tobit presents the story as a factual event; whereas in the gospels, the context indicates the Pharisees are presenting a hypothetical situation in an attempt to trap Jesus. If the Pharisees were presenting Jesus with an historical event, they more than likely would have used the actual names “Sarah” and “Raguel.” There is little doubt the Pharisees were acquainted with the Book of Tobit, but their use of a similar story indicates they did not take it as Scripture. Therefore, the Gospel writers were not referring to the canonicity of Tobit.


10. “Matt. 24:15 - the "desolating sacrilege" Jesus refers to is also taken from 1 Macc. 1:54 and 2 Macc. 8:17.”
The passages in 1 & 2 Maccabees refer to an historical event that had already taken place. The Matthew passage, however, refers to a future event that had not yet taken place, as the context clearly shows. They do not refer to the same event, and therefore Jesus is not quoting the Maccabees passages.


11. “Matt. 24:16 - let those "flee to the mountains" is taken from 1 Macc. 2:28.”
Again, the Maccabees passage is referring to an historical event that had already taken place, while the Matthew passage refers to a future event that has yet to occur. Two different events separated by thousands of years. Therefore, the Matthew passage is not taken from the Maccabees passage.


12. “Matt. 27:43 - if He is God's Son, let God deliver him from His adversaries follows Wisdom 2:18.”
These are two completely different events that have nothing in common, including the language. The Wisdom 2:18 passage refers to unrighteous people (plural) planning to attack the righteous people (plural), and the unrighteous say, “If the righteous really are God's children, God will save them from their enemies.” The Matthew passage refers to the crucifixion of Jesus (a solitary individual), and the Chief Priests, Scribes and elders say “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Clearly, these two very different passages have nothing in common.


13. “Mark 4:5,16-17 - Jesus' description of seeds falling on rocky ground and having no root follows Sirach 40:15.”
Once again, these are two very different scenarios and lessons that have nothing in common whatsoever. The Sirach passage, properly taken in context (verses 12-17) refers to the temporariness of gain achieved through dishonest, wicked or ungodly methods; and the permanence of that which is achieved through loyalty, honesty, kindness and charity. It is dealing with human interactions with one another. The Mark passage, however, refers to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation of those who accept Christ compared to the temporary spirituality of those who reject Him.


14. “Mark 9:48 - description of hell where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched references Judith 16:17.”
Actually, the Mark passage, and also the Judith passage (written in the late 2nd century or early 1st century B.C.) as well, references Isaiah 66:24 (which was written approximately 600 years before Judith, and approximately 100 years before Jesus quoted it).


15. “Luke 1:42 - Elizabeth's declaration of Mary's blessedness above all women follows Uzziah's declaration in Judith 13:18.”
Elizabeth, in the Luke passage tells Mary, “Blessed are you among women.” She did not say that Mary was blessed “above all women,” just blessed “among” women. This is quite different from Uzziah stating that Judith was blessed “more than any other woman on earth.” The difference, in case you did not catch it, is, Mary is simply blessed among women, while Judith is blessed “more” than “any other woman on earth.” Apparently Judith received a far greater blessing than Mary did if one were to accept the apocryphal book of Judith as canonical as the Roman Catholics do.


16. “Luke 1:52 - Mary's magnificat addressing the mighty falling from their thrones and replaced by lowly follows Sirach 10:14.”
The context of these two passages reveal different meanings entirely. While in Luke 1:52 Mary is praising the Lord and reciting His magnificent works including overthrowing mighty rulers and exalting the lowly and humble; the Sirach passage refers to pride and how it leads to destruction, including causing the Lord to remove prideful rulers and replacing them with humble rulers. In fact, the Sirach passage is expounding on Proverbs 16:18, which was written 700 years before Sirach.


17. “Luke 2:29 - Simeon's declaration that he is ready to die after seeing the Child Jesus follows Tobit 11:9.”
Considering that Joseph was a type of Christ, a shadow of the real Christ, it is more logical to say that Simeon's declaration, as well as Anna's statement in Tobit 11:9, follow Jacob's two declarations in Genesis 45:28 and Genesis 46:30, regarding his meeting Joseph after 22 long years during which Jacob believed Joseph was dead where Jacob said he was then ready to die.


18. “Luke 13:29 - the Lord's description of men coming from east and west to rejoice in God follows Baruch 4:37.”
Again, these two passages refer to two very different events. The Baruch passage refers to the Jew's who have been dispersed throughout the world returning to Jerusalem; and the Luke passage refers to those who have come to Christ for salvation around the world, all coming together, from all points in the world, in heaven where they will live forever.

While many of these passages could, if all hermeneutical principles are abandoned, seem similar; to say they are closely related is akin to saying Bible and the Tripitaka, The sacred book of Buddhism, are closely related because they both contain references to earthquakes.

The Roman Catholic church claims the apocrypha was not “added” to the Bible in 1546, that it has always been considered Scripture, albeit “unofficially;” and that the early church both taught and believed the Apocrypha was, or should be, part of the inspired canon. But is their claim true? Well, somewhat, but not exactly. In 1546 the Roman Catholic church was using Jerome's Latin Vulgate, and had been for some time; and the Vulgate did include the Apocrypha. However, it should be understood that Jerome did not believe the Apocrypha was inspired, and he objected to its inclusion. A debate ensued with the church, and he was overruled. The Apocrypha was included in the Vulgate, but only with Jerome's strong objections.

As it turns out, Jerome was not the only early theologian who firmly believed the Apocrypha was of doubtful origin and anything but inspired. In fact, the Church itself did not accept the Apocrypha as Scripture, as evidenced by the Fourth General Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D., and the earlier Council of Laodicea in 367 A.D. Both councils gave lists of the recognized books of the Bible, and neither one included the Apocrypha.
Certainly there were some early church fathers who accepted either part of all of the Apocryphal books, but they were just as certainly in the minority, as their writings clearly show:
From Julius Africanus (160-240) we read:

"In your sacred discussion with Agnomon you referred to that prophecy of Daniel which is related of his youth. This at that time, as was meet, I accepted as genuine. Now, however, I cannot understand how it escaped you that this part of the book is spurious. For, in sooth, this section, although apart from this it is elegantly written, is plainly a more modern forgery. There are many proofs of this . . . But a more fatal objection is, that this section, along with the other two at the end of it, is not contained in the Daniel received among the Jews." (Julius Africanus, A Letter to Origen from Africanus About the History of Susanna)
Origen (AD 200), stated:
“It should be observed that the collective books, as handed down by the Hebrews, are twenty-two, according to the number of letters in their alphabet. These twenty-two books, according to the Hebrews, are as follows (he then lists the books as we know them from the Hebrew Bible.)” Origen goes on to write, “Separate from these are the Maccabees.” [Bibliotheca Sacra, p. 296]
And from Athanasius (300?-375) we read:
“But since we have made mention of heretics as dead, but of ourselves as possessing the Divine Scriptures for salvation; and since I fear lest, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, some few of the simple should be beguiled from their simplicity and purity, by the subtility of certain men, and should henceforth read other books--those called apocryphal--led astray by the similarity of their names with the true books; I beseech you to bear patiently, if I also write, by way of remembrance, of matters with which you are acquainted, influenced by the need and advantage of the Church . . . 3. In proceeding to make mention of these things, I shall adopt, to commend my undertaking, the pattern of Luke the Evangelist, saying on my own account: 'Forasmuch as some have taken in hand,' to reduce into order for themselves the books termed apocryphal, and to mix them up with the divinely inspired Scripture, concerning which we have been fully persuaded, as they who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, delivered to the fathers; it seemed good to me also, having been urged thereto by true brethren, and having learned from the beginning, to set before you the books included in the Canon, and handed down, and accredited as Divine; to the end that any one who has fallen into error may condemn those who have led him astray; and that he who has continued stedfast in purity may again rejoice, having these things brought to his remembrance . . . 4 There are, then, of the Old Testament, twenty-two books in number; for, as I have heard, it is handed down that this is the number of the letters among the Hebrews; their respective order and names being as follows. The first is Genesis, then Exodus, next Leviticus, after that Numbers, and then Deuteronomy. Following these there is Joshua, the son of Nun, then Judges, then Ruth. And again, after these four books of Kings, the first and second being reckoned as one book, and so likewise the third and fourth as one book. And again, the first and second of the Chronicles are reckoned as one book. Again Ezra, the first and second(4a) are similarly one book. After these there is the book of Psalms, then the Proverbs, next Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Job follows, then the Prophets, the twelve being reckoned as one book. Then Isaiah, one book, then Jeremiah with Baruch, Lamentations, and[5] the epistle, one book; afterwards, Ezekiel and Daniel, each one book. Thus far constitutes the Old Testament.  5 Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament.. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven, viz. of James, one; of Peter, two; of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen Epistles of Paul, written in this order. The first, to the Romans; then two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians; then to the Philippians; then to the Colossians; after these, two to the Thessalonians, and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John.” (Festal Letter 39:4-5)
Jerome (347-420) wrote:
"As, then, the Church reads Judith, Tobit, and the books of Maccabees, but does not admit them among the canonical Scriptures, so let it read these two volumes for the edification of the people, not to give authority to doctrines of the Church."--(Jerome, Prefaces to the Books of the Vulgate Version of the Old Testament, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs).
From the writings of Epiphanius (AD 360):
Epiphanius rejected all the Apocrypha. After listing the 22 books of the Hebrew Bible in his writings, he mentions the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach by name and says of them, “These indeed are useful books and profitable, but they are not placed in the number of the canonical.” [Bibliotheca Sacra, p. 300].
Ruffinus (AD 400), the translator of Origen's writings, said:
“These are they which the Fathers concluded within the canon; of which they would have the assertions of our faith to consist. But we must know that there are other books, which are not called canonical, but ecclesiastical, by the ancients; such as the Wisdom, which is called of Solomon, and another Wisdom, which is called of the Son of Sirach; which book among the Latins is called by the general term 'Ecclesiasticus,' by which word, no the author of the book, but the quality of the writing is designated. of the same order is the little book of Tobit, also Judith and the books of Maccabees.” [Bibliotheca Sacra, p. 304-305].
It should also be pointed out that several extant early writings of both Jews and Christians mention the Old Testament repeatedly, but never mention the Apocrypha as inspired. For instance:
Philo, an Alexandrian Jewish teacher who lived from 20 B.C. to 40 A.D., quoted extensively in his writings from virtually every canonical Old Testament book, but he never once quoted the Apocrypha as inspired.

Melito of Sardis, (died c. 180) was the bishop of Sardis near Smyrna in western Anatolia, and a great authority in early Christianity. He wrote, “I accordingly went to the East, and, coming to the very place where these things were preached and transacted, I have accurately learned the books of the Old Testament. Their names are as follows: five books of Moses, to wit, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Joshua Nave, Judges, Ruth. Four books of Kings [two of Samuel and two of Kings], two of Paralipomenon [Chronicles]. The Psalms of David, the Proverbs of Solomon (which is also Wisdom), Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Job. Of the prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah; and of the twelve prophets, one book; Daniel, Ezekiel, Esdras" [including also Nehemiah, and perhaps Esther]." [Bibliotheca Sacra, p. 294]. Although he was most certainly aware of the Apocrypha, he did not list the Apocryphal books as part of the Old Testament canon.

Gregory of Nazianzus, the 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, and considered one of the great theologians of the early church, set forth the books of the Bible in a poem. He lists the standard twenty-two Old Testament books, and then writes there are other books which he states are “separate from these” and “not among the genuine.” Clearly he was well acquainted with the Apocrypha, yet did not consider it to be part of the Old Testament canon, thereby not including them with the established Hebrew canon.

While the Apocrypha is included in the Codex Sinaticus which dates to about 350 A.D., we must remember that Sinaticus is not a Bible, but rather a book which contains the Bible, as well as containing other ecclesiastical writings such as The Shepherd of Hermas and the Epistle of Barnabas, neither of which are considered canonical. And let us not forget the oldest extant established canon, the Muratorian Canon (170 A.D.). It too does not include the Apocrypha.
Finally, I feel compelled to include a note from Flavius Josephus (37 A.D.-100 A.D.), the Jewish scholar and historian, who wrote: “From Artexerxes to our own time the complete history has been written but has not been deemed worthy of equal credit with the earlier records because of the failure of the exact succession of the prophets. ... We have not an innumerable multitude of books among us, disagreeing from and contradicting one another, but only twenty-two books, which contain the records of all the past times; which are justly believed to be divine ...” (Flavius Josephus, Against Apion, I.8). As you can clearly see, Josephus only counts the twenty-two books of the Hebrew Old Testament as divine. He does not include the Apocrypha.
It should be obvious by now that the general consensus amongst the early church fathers was that the Apocrypha was not part of the Old Testament canon, and not considered inspired. Jesus and the New Testament writers never quoted the Apocrypha, and the Hebrew Old Testament never included the Apocrypha, and for good reason as we will soon see.
Scripture makes it very clear that God does not make mistakes. Our Lord does not have “oops moments.” Therefore, if something written is credited to Him as inspired writings, it obviously cannot contain error. The Apocrypha, while useful as history, contains numerous errors and passages that are contrary to established Scripture. This fact alone warrants exclusion from the inspired inerrant and infallible canon of Scripture. What follows are a few examples of the numerous errors, contradictions, and false teachings found in the Apocrypha.
Contradictions to Established Scripture:

1. Scripture teaches God spoke the creation into existence (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9; Hebrews 11:3).
The Apocrypha teaches God created the world out of “formless matter” (Wisdom of Solomon 11:17).
2. Scripture teaches that our soul is formed with us at the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13-16; Zechariah 12:1)
The Apocrypha teaches the false doctrine of the reincarnation of the soul, which states the kind of body one has now is determined by the character of his or her soul in a previous life. Wisdom of Solomon 8:19-20 states, “Now I was a goodly child, and a good soul fell to my lot; Nay rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.”
3. Scripture teaches that man dies only once, and then faces judgment (Hebrews 9:27). “The soul who sins is the one who will die. . . . The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20); and once dead, there is no remedy for sin. The one who dies in their sin will enter Hades where they will await the final judgment and being cast into the Lake of Fire (Luke 16:19-31).
The Apocrypha teaches the false doctrine that prayer may be made for the dead: “Wherefore he made the propitiation for them that had died, that they might be released from their sins” (2 Maccabees 12:43-45). This is a false teaching that is contrary to Scripture.
4. Scripture teaches we are saved by grace, through faith, and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-10); and the only way to heaven is through Jesus – publicly confessing Him and believing in ones heart that He was raised from the dead (John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10).
The Apocrypha falsely teaches that one may atone for his sins by the giving of alms: “It is better to give alms than to lay up gold: alms doth deliver from death, and it shall purge away all sin” (Tobit 12:9; 2 Maccabees 12:43-45).
5. Scripture teaches that suicide is equal to murder – self-murder. It usurps God's authority, because only God has the authority to determine how and when a person should die. “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15). Only God can give or take away life (Job 1:21) and no man or woman should presume to take God's authority upon themselves to end their life.
The Apocrypha, however, teaches that suicide can be a noble and manly act. 2 Maccabees 14:41-43 teaches that Razis chose to die “nobly” by committing the “manful” act of suicide in the middle of a crowd.
6. Scripture teaches, in both the Old and New Testaments, that all forms of witchcraft and sorcery, including the casting of magical spells, are condemned as sinful acts (Deuteronomy 18:10–16; Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:27; Malachi 3:5; Acts 13:8–10; Revelation 18:23; 21:8; see also Revelation 22:15).
The Apocrypha, however, condones the use of magical spells, specifically the smoke from a smoldering fish heart, to drive away demons (Tobit 6:1-17)
7. Scripture teaches that the murder of the men of Shechem was an act of violence born out of anger, and it was rightly condemned (Genesis 34, cf. 49:6-7).
The Apocrypha falsely teaches the murder of the men of Shechem was to be commended, and is described as an act of God (Judith 9:2-9)

Contradictions and Errors withing the Apocrypha:

1. Scripture: Nebuchadnezzar burned Jerusalem on the tenth day, fifth month, of the nineteenth year of his reign. Soon after Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch were taken into Egypt (Jeremiah 43:6-7; 52:12-13).
Apocrypha: While Jeremiah and Baruch were taken into Egypt, Baruch was simultaneously in Babylon (Baruch 1:1-2)
Either Baruch had some mystical power that enabled him to be in two places at the same time, or there is an obvious error here.
2. Antiochus Epiphanes and his company were murdered by Nanaea's priests, being “cut to pieces in the temple of Nanaea by the treachery of Nanaea's priests” (2 Maccabees 1:13-16). Yet eight chapters later we read that Antiochus Epiphanes was “taken with a noisome sickness” and “ended his life among the mountains by a most piteous fate in a strange land” (2 Maccabees 9:19-29).
Antiochus Epiphanes was first murdered by being cut into little pieces, and then he died a second time of a strange illness.
3. Tobit was present when King Jeroboam set up the golden calves, which happened during Jeroboam's 22-year reign from 990-968 B.C. Tobit was also part of the Assyrian captivity which occurred in 722 B.C. (Tobit 1:1-6). Since he went to worship God in the Temple during the golden calf worship set up by Jeroboam, he had to have been at least 13-years old at that time. Putting this at the end of Jeroboam's reign in 968 B.C., he would have been 259 years old at the beginning of the Assyrian captivity. Except that Tobit died at 102 years of age (Tobit 14:2). An error of at least 157 years!
4. Scripture teaches that Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. (Daniel, chapters 1-4).
The Apocrypha teaches that Nebuchadnezzar was king of Assyria (Judith 1:5).
5. Scripture teaches the Jews would serve in Babylon for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11).
The Apocrypha teaches the Jews would serve in Babylon for seven generations (approximately 140 years) (Baruch 6:2).
Clearly, due to the historical and doctrinal errors and contradictions within the Apocrypha; as well as the lack of substantive historical acceptance within the early church of the Apocrypha as inspired; the apocryphal books must be viewed as fallible historical and religious documents, but never as the inspired, inerrant, infallible and authoritative Word of God.

Eastern Lightning (aka: “The Church of Almighty God,” “Church of the Gospel's Kingdom,”) began in China, in 1989, and has spread to Hong Kong, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Australia, Europe, Canada and the United States. The group operates numerous websites (I have located 17 thus far) titled “Holy Spirit Speaks,” “Hidden Advent,” “Heart Hymn,” “Find Shepherd,” “Rainbow Token,” “Find Shepherd,” and other names as well. They also have a presence on several social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and others. Considering the individuals using these accounts under a single name are often monitoring their accounts 24/7, and reply almost immediately regardless of the time of day, I strongly suspect they are actually dummy accounts that are set up under a single name, but are actually monitored by various group members all pretending to be the person to whom the account is registered. They tend to monitor and religious themed social media groups and target those within those groups whom they feel can be manipulated to either join them, or help promote the group by sharing their social media posts around the web, or both.

The group was founded by a man named Zhao Weishan, who claims God spoke to him personally, telling him that He has returned in the form of a middle-aged Chinese woman who goes by the name “Deng.” The womans actual name is Yang Xiangbin. Eastern Lightning followers believe she is the Christ for the current age. According to Zhao, God first appeared as Yahweh during Old Testament times, then a second time as Jesus (during New Testament times), and has appeared for the third and final time as Deng. Zhao teaches that Deng has ushered in the “Kingdom of Judgment” and she will judge all nations and people, and all that do not accept her as the Christ for the current age will perish into eternal damnation, while her followers will rise bodily into the air where they will spend eternity with her in paradise.

The group has published several books, including The Lightning Comes from the East, The Holy Spirit Speaks to All the Churches, God’s Work through His Secret Appearing, and The Word Appears in the Flesh. The last is considered holy scripture by the group. Zhao teaches the Bible is outdated and useless, and claims The Word Appears in the Flesh is the current word of God, supplanting the Bible.

In their online presence they appear to be warm, friendly, and engaging; and they post Christian sounding videos and comments (which are often long), usually focusing on doing good, looking for Christ's return, living for God, etc. These are often prefaced with “Dear Brother and Sister,” and will contain numerous biblical passages and verses, as well as comments such as God sees man being controlled by Satan; this causes God pain; do you want to cause God pain; etc. These are all designed to manipulate the Christian into standing with them against the sin of the world. This is known in the group as “Paving the Way,” and is part of the Eastern Lightning recruitment methods.

Unlike many pseudo-Christian cults, Eastern Lightning tends to target Christians exclusively, and will not attempt to recruit people from non-Christian religious groups such as Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc; nor will generally try to recruit unbelievers. If they are unable to quickly recruit someone they have targeted, they will attempt to befriend their target, and get them to share the groups recruitment posts around the web. Many Christians have unwittingly helped Eastern Lightning by sharing their social media posts, comments, and videos; thus helping extend the groups influence around the world.

As with most cults, the social media presence created by Eastern Lightning belies the truth about them. Over the past approximately three decades of the groups existence, Eastern Lightning has been involved in numerous illegal, and quite often violent, incidents. To list just a few:

1. In 1998 Eastern Lightning members instigated eight riots that lasted for up to twelve days. During those riots Eastern Lightning members are alleged to have broken the arms and legs of several people, as well as cutting off their ears.

2. In 2002, Eastern Lightning reportedly posed as representatives of a theological institute in Singapore, in order to kidnap 34 Christian leaders, which they held captive for two months while trying to convert them.

3. In 2010 Eastern Lightning members murdered an elementary school student, a young boy, because one of his relatives wanted to leave Eastern Lightning.

4. In 2012 it was discovered that Eastern Lightning was behind 40 separate riots. Also that same year, an Eastern Lightning member who was motivated by your groups doomsday prophecies, stabbed and elderly woman and 23 students at a school in Henan.

5. In 2013, Eastern Lightning members ripped out the eyes of a young boy simply because his family tried to leave your group.

6. In 2014, six members of Eastern Lightning attacked and viciously stomped to death a young woman at a McDonald's restaurant for refusing to give them her telephone number. The lead attacker later said he “felt great” about the murder.

Additionally, there have been numerous reports coming from those who have escaped Eastern Lightning, of members being imprisoned, beaten, blackmailed, tortured, and poisoned for attempting to leave the group, and often for just talking about leaving or criticizing the group.

It is vitally important that Christians understand that Eastern Lightning is not, I repeat, not, a Christian organization. A quick examination of their beliefs bears this out. Among other decidedly unchristian beliefs, the group teaches:

1. Jesus Christ is a created being. (This is contrary to the Bible which teaches the Jesus actually is God, see John 1:1 and more.)

2. The Trinity is a false doctrine. (again, this is contrary to the numerous Bible passages that teach God is a Triune God, consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.)

3. The Bible is outdated and not authoritative, and has been replaced by a new third testament, titled “The Word Appears in the Flesh.” (The Bible, however, teaches that the Word of the Lord endures forever – 1 Peter 1:25, so there is no need for a third testament. Additionally, Scripture warns repeatedly not to add to it, and doing so can result in eternal damnation in hell; see: Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Deuteronomy 12:32. cf.: Matthew 22:29. Additionally, note 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”. See also Galatians 1:8-9, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”)

4. Jesus was the Christ for the previous kingdom, the kingdom of grace. He is dead, did not rise from the dead, and is not returning. (Again, this is contrary to biblical teachings which clearly states that belief in the resurrection of Jesus is a requirement for salvation; see Romans 10:9-10)

5. God has returned for this kingdom age, the “Christ for this age,” which is the age of judgment (the Eastern Lightning website states), and God has returned as a Chinese woman named Deng. (Scripture, however, states: “...If anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” – Mt. 24:23-27. And again, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”)
6. Those who chose to follow this new Christ will ascend with her into heaven at the coming apocalypse. (note the Bible's response to number 5)

Clearly, Eastern Lightning, aka Church of the Almighty God, is not a Christian church. To be generous, extremely generous, I would say it is a pseudo-Christian group at best. At worst, it is a violent non-Christian cult.

I would encourage all who have been deceived by Eastern Lightning, and have found themselves engaged in a friendly relationship with Eastern Lightning members – even if only in an online setting – to remember the words of God in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'

“Therefore, 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.'”

And also the admonition of Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

If you, who are reading this, happens to be a member of the Eastern Lightning, I would strongly encourage you to leave Eastern Lightning as soon as possible. Get as far away from it as possible, and turn to the true Messiah, Jesus Christ; for salvation is found in no one else, and by no other path. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Unless you turn to Him and follow Him, you will die in your sins and suffer eternal damnation in hell – John 8:24).

The Bible says that we are all sinners (Rom. 3:23). This means that we have all offended God. We have all broken His law. Therefore, we are guilty of having sinned. Because of this, we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:2), are dead in our sins (Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:3), cannot please God (Rom. 3:10-11), and will suffer damnation (2 Thess.1:9). The only way to escape this judgment is by receiving Christ – seek Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you for your sins. Repent of your sin (turn away from, and stay turned away from sin), and trust in what Jesus did for you on the cross (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Pet.2:24).


All Scripture, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version® (NKJV). Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All images courtesy of The Church of Almighty God (Eastern Lightning) websites.