Self-Examination – The Grace of Testing Ourselves (Part 7)

Self-Examination – The Grace of Testing Ourselves (Part 7)

We’ve walked a measured path through Scripture’s sobering portrayals of proving and reprobation—a journey that began at the Scale of the Mind, where we saw the internal tension between approval and rejection playing out in the believer’s thought life. We paused to explore the Greek foundations of these terms in dokimazō and adokimos, finding that our spiritual health hinges on whether we’re proven true or found wanting. We then entered the Season of Probation, that God-given window where we are weighed—not for condemnation, but for correction.

The study led us next into the vital nature of Love That Discerns—a love that shields against deception by rooting itself in truth. From there, we heard God’s call to Be Renewed and Be Disciplined, recognizing that both renewal and loving chastening are God’s tools to prevent spiritual collapse. Then came the chilling descent traced in The Downward Spiral, where unchecked drift leads from disinterest to depravity. All of it has led here—not to a checkpoint, but to a conclusion, a call to pause, reflect, and weigh ourselves. Self-examination, then, is not an optional devotional practice, but the very grace that helps us avoid becoming reprobate.

But what is self-examination, really? It’s not morbid introspection or an exercise in self-loathing. It is the Spirit-led act of looking into the Word—God’s mirror—and inviting it to shine into our affections, convictions, and conduct. It is where conscience meets revelation, where we test not only our beliefs but the spiritual fruit that results from them.

Downward Spiral – From Disinterest to Depravity (Part 6)

Downward Spiral – From Disinterest to Depravity (Part 6)

In Part 1, we introduced the scale of the mind—caught between proving and reprobation. Part 2 explored the Greek roots of dokimazō and adokimos, revealing how testing leads to either approval or rejection. Part 3 reminded us that every believer lives in a season of probation—a time to respond to truth before the test ends. Part 4 showed that love is the key to discernment, enabling us to approve what is excellent. Part 5 called us to renewal and discipline—the means by which proving becomes possible and reprobation is resisted.

Now, in Part 6, we examine the tragic alternative: the downward spiral that leads from disinterest in truth to full-blown depravity. This is not a sudden collapse—it is a slow descent, marked by suppression, substitution, and eventual abandonment. It is the path of the reprobate mind, and it must be understood with urgency and clarity.

The Spiral Begins with Suppression

In Romans 1:18, Paul writes:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”

The spiral begins not with ignorance, but with suppression. The truth is known—through creation, conscience, and conviction—but it is held down, resisted, and replaced. This is the first step toward reprobation: the refusal to retain God in knowledge. It is not passive—it is wilful. The mind begins to drift, not because it lacks truth, but because it resists it.

Walking the Line Between Proving and Reprobation (Part 1)

Walking the Line Between Proving and Reprobation (Part 1)

Introduction to the Series

Many believers know they are called to follow God’s will—but few realize that Scripture presents this calling on a scale, a line of spiritual measure that runs between two vastly different minds: one that proves what is good and acceptable in God’s eyes, and one that becomes reprobate, rejected after failing the test. This article begins a crucial series exploring this forgotten scale of the mind, rooted in Paul’s epistles and illuminated through careful word study and real-life application.

Over the next few parts, we’ll uncover what it means to prove the will of God, how to recognize the drift toward spiritual disqualification, and how to realign the mind through intentional renewal. You’ll be equipped with the biblical insight and encouragement needed to stay sharp, faithful, and approved—not just in knowledge, but in daily walk and worship.

Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Walking in the light is not merely about avoiding sin—it is about actively discerning truth, judging God's will, and making decisions that reflect a heart devoted to Him. This process of judgment is not cold or mechanical; it is deeply rooted in love for God and His Word. When you love God, you desire to walk in His ways, and that desire compels you to search the Scriptures, seeking what pleases Him. It is in this pursuit that true spiritual maturity is cultivated.

Paul speaks of this transformation in Romans 12:2, urging believers: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The renewal of the mind is not a passive experience—it is an intentional, daily engagement with truth. To prove what is acceptable unto God means to test, discern, and judge rightly. This is the essence of walking in the Spirit: a life where every thought, every action, and every decision is weighed against the truth of God's Word.

This is not a burdensome task but a joyful pursuit. Philippians 1:9-10 reveals that our love for God should abound in knowledge and judgment, enabling us to approve things that are excellent. Love is not blind—it is discerning. A believer who truly loves God does not merely follow rules but seeks to understand His heart, to know His will, and to walk accordingly. This is the difference between legalism and a life led by the Spirit. The former obeys out of obligation; the latter obeys out of love and maturity.

The dispensation of God which is given to me for you

The dispensation of God which is given to me for you

The Mystery Revealed

"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints." (Colossians 1:25-26, KJV)

Throughout the ages, God has worked through distinct dispensations, each revealing His purpose at its appointed time. The passage above highlights an incredible truth—Paul was entrusted with a unique dispensation, one that had never before been revealed. It was a mystery, hidden from generations past, but now made manifest.

This means that the gospel and doctrine given to Paul were not simply a continuation of what had come before. They were not an extension of the kingdom promises given to Israel, nor were they a repackaging of the message preached by the twelve apostles. Paul received something entirely new—a gospel of grace that was distinct from Israel’s prophetic program.

A Brand-New Gospel and Doctrine

Many today fail to recognise the vital distinction between the earthly ministry of Jesus to Israel and the heavenly revelation of Christ to Paul. Jesus’ earthly ministry was directed to the Jews:

"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24, KJV)

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

In moments of provocation, how do we respond? Do we let our emotions dictate our actions, or do we submit ourselves to the authority of God's Word? Paul’s encounter with the high priest in Acts 23:2-5 offers a powerful example of humility, self-control, and unwavering reverence for Scripture—an attitude we should value and imitate.

Paul’s Immediate Reaction

When struck unjustly, Paul’s first response was sharp: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” (Acts 23:3). His words carried righteous indignation, exposing the hypocrisy of Ananias, who violated the law he claimed to uphold. Yet, when informed that he had spoken against the high priest, Paul did not defend his initial reaction or justify his anger. Instead, he immediately submitted to the truth of Scripture, quoting Exodus 22:28: “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

This swift correction is remarkable. Paul could have clung to his frustration, arguing that Ananias was corrupt and undeserving of honour. But he did not. His commitment to God’s Word outweighed his personal feelings, reminding us that Scripture, not emotion, must govern our responses.

What Lessons Can We Learn From This

May God Have Mercy on Your Soul: An Expression of Ignorance

May God Have Mercy on Your Soul: An Expression of Ignorance

As I watched a funeral on TV, I heard the minister say the following, "Rest in peace <person's name>, may God have mercy on your soul." Those words stuck with me and the more I thought about them, the more I was struck by the absolute ignorance embedded in this statement—an ignorance that disregards the foundational truth of the gospel and the finished work of the cross of Christ. It revealed how tradition and empty expressions continue to be spoken without thought, maintaining a cycle of religious negligence rather than biblical accuracy. This phrase, like others that I list at the end of the post**, have become a customary utterance, mindlessly repeated without questioning its meaning or validity in light of God’s revealed truth. Seeing this, I felt it necessary to bring attention to not only this statement but others also, that persist as vain customs, promoting human imagination rather than biblical reality. Words carry weight, and when they contradict the truth of Scripture, they must be identified and dismissed as meaningless rhetoric—mere traditions of men that veil the absolute authority of God’s Word. 

This article serves as a call to recognize such errors and return to the certainty of sound doctrine, particularly the gospel of God's grace as taught in Paul’s epistles.

The Hollow Tradition of a Fruitless Expression

"May God have mercy on your soul."

The importance and value of spending time in God's word

The importance and value of spending time in God's word

Friends, this world is a busy place with many distractions that have no value in the context of the spiritual and eternal things we have been called to. We are instructed to walk by faith, not by sight. Faith is the knowledge and spirit one gains when spending time in the written word of God, which as Jesus says, is God's Spirit and life, Jn.6:63. In addition, it is the truth and the wisdom of God, and the ONLY thing in this world that can help us escape the vanity and voidness of this shadow of reality.

I'm not trying to be poetic or dramatic. I am absolutely serious. If we deny ourselves time in our God-given doctrine, Romans to Philemon, our minds veer quickly back into carnal behaviours which is at enmity with God. We deny ourselves the strength and fortitude of a sound mind, we deny ourselves the peace and comfort of God's promises, and we deny ourselves the knowledge of God's will and the opportunity to walk in the spirit and power that God affords us through that knowledge.

This is a simple reminder and heartful encouragement, to use the opportunities you have to spend time in God's word, and fill your spirit with the nourishment it needs, not only to take hold of this temporary day, but to prepare oneself for the reality of an eternal life in the ages to come, where those with a renewed mind and transformed heart in the word and will of God, will share in increasing reward and glory in the government of the heavens under Christ. Paul emphasises the benefits of knowing and living by God's word by writing the following to Timothy,

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.", 1Tim.4:8.

Allow me to inspire you by this list of 10 passages from Paul's epistles that encourage the validity of a steady intake of God's spirit and truth and to keep your minds on things of greater value and purpose than what this world has to offer.

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #3)

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #3)

This post is written for the sole purpose of illustrating the ignorance of sound doctrine on social media these days. My aim is to emphasize the absolute necessity of studying the Bible for oneself and seeking answers from the source instead of relying on imaginations or opinions given by people, who may be sincere, but are as ignorant as the one who asked the question to start with. 

So, let's begin by stating the question that was asked in the beginning of a social media thread,

QUESTION: "How can Christians catch the Spirit?"

Below is the third of a few answers that were supplied to this question on social media. They appear to be sincere but are unfortunately completely false or have parts that are from the imaginations of men who have not sought out the truth in the Word of God. After this 'answer', and a few more that I will write about later, I add comments as to why the answer is wrong and what the Word of God actually says about it.

False Imagination #3

To catch the Spirit we need to know what are the commandments that Jesus gave? They are in Matthew 5:3–16 plus the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36–40). Strive to master all of the provisions in the Sermon on the Mount because as you do you will draw closer to God and feel His Spirit more abundantly in your life.

My comments:

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #2)

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #2)

This post is written for the sole purpose of illustrating the ignorance of sound doctrine on social media these days. My aim is to emphasize the absolute necessity of studying the Bible for oneself and seeking answers from the source instead of relying on imaginations or opinions given by people, who may be sincere, but are as ignorant as the one who asked the question to start with. 

So, let's begin by stating the question that was asked in the beginning of the thread,

QUESTION: "How can Christians catch the Spirit?"

Below is the second of a few answers that were supplied to this question on social media. They appear to be sincere but are unfortunately completely false or have parts that are from the imaginations of men who have not sought out the truth in the Word of God. After this 'answer', and a few more that I will write about later, I add comments as to why the answer is wrong and what the Word of God actually says about it.

False Imagination #2

You will get the Holy Spirit if and when God Almighty chooses to grant it to you. The fact is most do NOT receive the grant of Holy Spirit, but that is NOT a bad thing.

Born again (baptized/anointed) by Holy Spirit is reserved for just a very few here on earth. This anointing or appointing only is for those who have been selected from among humans by God Almighty HIMSELF to serve in heaven as kings and priest alongside Jesus Christ. They receive a gift of Holy Spirit that assures them that they are HIS adopted children. The number of these is exactly 144,000, no more, no less.

My comments:

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #1)

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #1)

This post is written for the sole purpose of illustrating the ignorance of sound doctrine on social media these days. My aim is to emphasize the absolute necessity of studying the Bible for oneself and seeking answers from the source instead of relying on imaginations or opinions given by people, who may be sincere, but are as ignorant as the one who asked the question to start with. 

So, let's begin by stating the question that was asked in the beginning of the thread,

QUESTION: "How can Christians catch the Spirit?"

Below is the first of a few answers that were supplied to this question on social media. They appear to be sincere but are unfortunately completely false or have parts that are from the imaginations of men who have not sought out the truth in the Word of God. After this 'answer', and a few more that I will write about later, I add comments as to why the answer is wrong and what the Word of God actually says about it.

False Imagination #1

If you are a Christian and accept Christ, the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost is in you. To activate it, you need to do one very important thing: Let the Holy Spirit decide certain life decisions for you. To tell if the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, you will feel some things feel “right”, or some things feel “wrong”. Society sometimes calls it a “gut instinct”. However, in this case, you will feel in your intuition that some things are what God wants you to do, while some just feel off.

My comments:

Be careful of bad understanding and bad advice concerning our grace doctrine

Be careful of bad understanding and bad advice concerning our grace doctrine

The following post is in response to a comment made on one of my posts in this lesson series concerning the process of salvation. A comment like this is a good illustration of the lack of good biblical knowledge and understanding concerning our grace doctrine today. These types of comments, although they have a measure of truth, are also harmful, as they can make people ignorant of truth and rob them of knowledge and inheritance. 

In my reply, I will prove that there is more to salvation than just what this comment suggests. If you truly believe that the Bible is God’s words and instruction to us, and if you truly believe that God has done much more for you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ than ‘just saving you from hell’, then I appeal to you to read my rely and go and do a study on Romans and Ephesians that clearly shows the value and greater truth of salvation than just the first step of escaping the flames. God has SO MUCH MORE for you if you simply turn to His word, read it, and believe it.

Social media comment on one of my posts:

SALVATION IS A GIFT – NOT PROGRESSIVE

My response to the above comment:

Rejection of the authority and ministry of the Apostle Paul

Educating you through comparing false doctrines and unbelief with truth and faith

It is heart-wrenching to see the lack of knowledge and understanding of God's Word. The New Testament is short enough to be read over a few days, and its content is not difficult to understand. The problem is that people are either so brainwashed in bad teachings or so rigid in the doctrines they have been exposed to that they refuse to see the truth that is so plainly set out before them, or they claim to be believers but do not really believe that the Bible is God's words. If one does not TRULY believe that the Bible is God's words, then twisting them, adding to them, or scrapping parts of the scripture to make it say what one wants is the order of the day.

It is my heartfelt pray that people will come back to believing that the King James Bible is TRULY God's words and that is they simply read the book without preconceived notions or prejudice, but rather with humility and with a heart that wants to hear what God says, then they will come to see the truth and discover the glories, the wonders, and the majesty in the Word of God.

The following is documented for your learning. There are many who are still in darkness of the truth and do not even know it. Please recognize the false doctrines they proclaim; learn what language they speak and educate yourself to avoid falling into these traps. 

That FORM of Doctrine (Part 1- Form)

That FORM of Doctrine (Part 1 - Form)

Start this lesson series at with the Introduction here.

The term "form of doctrine" describes the particular way biblical teachings are structured and presented. Romans 6:17 emphasizes this, where Paul speaks of believers obeying “that form of doctrine” to which they were committed. "Form" here means a set pattern that informs and directs a believer's faith and actions. 

This doctrine involves fundamental biblical concepts, including the nature of God, the work of Jesus Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the path to salvation. These teachings are organized systematically, offering a clear blueprint for understanding and applying the Christian faith. In essence, the form of doctrine serves as a guide, helping believers align their lives with biblical truths and principles.

Have a look at the scriptures below, taking note of the highlighted words. One cannot deny that there is a very specific structure (or arrangement, or shape), to it and that Paul's 'form of doctrine' is highly specialized, requiring study and training to fully master it.

I cannot believe all the Bible because man compiled the canon of scripture

I cannot believe all the Bible because man compiled the canon of scripture

SOCIAL MEDIA CONVERSATION concerning this post:

https://thebigpictureviews.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-bible-should-be-understood-not-used.html

COMMENT:

I say this with love and respect...

This translation knocked the wind out my sails

This translation knocked the wind out my sails

Browsing YouTube recently, I saw this video in my feed. (See image above). I immediately noticed the caption showing 2Corinthians 5:14-17, one of my original 'go to' verse references for teaching and encouraging the study of the Bible rightly divided. I thought, WOW!!! I have never seen or heard of many preachers who teach this passage, because it is very controversial. I wanted to know what this preacher was going to say about it, and how he was going to teach it. Without even reading the actual verse onscreen, I clicked the video and found the location of the sermon where the preacher started with this verse.

Then, as he started to read the verse to the congregation, all my excitement and anticipation came crashing down. My first thought was, what is he reading? I don't recognize anything that was coming out of his mouth. Then I read the caption on the screen and thought, "what philosophy book did this come from?" That passage is not even CLOSE to the verses I am familiar with in my King James Bible. Not even the message, or meaning, of these verses' lines up with what my KJV says. I am aware that modern Bible translations are corrupt, but this translation knocked the wind out my sails. I was shocked!!! 

How do I know if a Bible verse or passage applies to me today?

How do I know if a Bible verse or passage applies to me today?

QUESTION:

Is 1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ trans-dispensational?

ANSWER:

Before we evaluate the requested passage, let me first explain the term ‘trans-dispensational” and then provide a few examples of verses that are trans-dispensational and compare them with others that are not. I aim to provide some insights into how we can determine one from the other.

The term "trans-dispensational" refers to a concept that transcends the different dispensations, or periods of time, throughout bible history. Dispensationalism is a framework for interpreting the Bible that sees God's work and purpose as being carried out in different ways during different ages. A trans-dispensational verse, therefore, would be one that holds true and is applicable across all these dispensations, reflecting a principle or truth that is consistent throughout the entirety of Scripture, regardless of the specific time period or dispensation it addresses.

With this understanding, let’s now have a look at some verse examples and see if we can pick up some trends or insights into how to identify trans-dispensational verses from those that are not.

THE WORDS OF GOD: KJB or Modern Bibles?

THE WORDS OF GOD: KJB or Modern Bibles?

This EXCELLENT video shows the difference between the King James Bible versus modern translations. It is SHOCKING when one sees the changes that have been made to corrupt the modern translations and it is PROOF that the KJV is ‘THE’ Bible for us in the English language.

See this video for yourself:

THE WORDS OF GOD: KJB or Modern Bibles? (youtube.com)

_________________

For additional reading, also see:

https://thebigpicturelink.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-king-james-bible-purified-seven.html

What if I believe in The Lord God but not Jesus? Jesus was a messenger. A prophet in my belief.

QUESTION:

What if I believe in The Lord God but not Jesus? Jesus was a messenger. A prophet in my belief.

ANSWER:

The message and focus of the grace gospel, which is the only gospel by which we can be saved today, proclaims the cross of Christ, see 1Cor 15:1–4. The focus is on what Jesus Christ did for us. It does not focus on His identity, which is of great importance in the Kingdom gospel.

However, I must add that if you are going to believe in the cross work of Christ; that His death is for the forgiveness of our sins, and His resurrection is for our justification before God, then it goes hand in hand that this sinless and utterly righteous life that Jesus lived is proof of His deity.

It’s not really viable to separate His deity from the cross. No man can die for my sins because all men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. How can a sinner die for my sins??

Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program

Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program.

QUESTION:

You speak much about forgiveness, but what about repentance? I checked in the scripture and find most of it in the Gospels, Acts and Revelation, but also one in 2Cor 7:9-10 and another in 2Tim 2:25. So there is not much about repentance in Paul's writing. It looks like repentance for Jews is something they need to do, but for us, we just acknowledge that the body can fall in weakness, but the spirit is willing. Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program. TX.

ANSWER:

Thank you for your question.

Let’s define the proper meaning of the word ‘repentance’. It is to have a change of mind that takes action to correct one’s sins or errors after being exposed to truth. Repentance is not about emotions or feelings. It concerns the mind; it concerns making corrective choices to bring wayward thinking and actions back to a conforming of truth.