2013 Further Doctrinal Statements by Richard Rives…
As 2013 slowly draws to a close I have decided to post the following email messages that Richard rives sends out to those on his lists. The following statements are SOLELY from rives himself. I am not posting these with any changes made to any of them. I encourage ALL Christians that have found his teachings online to DO YOUR OWN research in order to decipher if he is speaking the truth or a false teacher.
As for myself… I have drawn my own conclusions from studying my Bible, versus his false teaching and I CANNOT in good conscience claim him to be Christian.
Please for YOUR OWN SOULS SAKE study your Bibles and read them carefully. I hope the Word will be far more clearer than any false teacher. Please use the information I have provided in my posts to help you make decisions to follow Christianity and not rives false religion.
This collection of teachings is from 2013 and is meant as a demonstration that rives philosophy is fraudulent and unchristian.
All email statements are posted here for educational purposes. I DONOT ENDORSE, SUPPORT, OR AGREE with rives doctrine or those who support him or of whom he supports!
(I have already pointed out the many flaws that richard rives teaches online… in case anyone is thinking that I am making these up please feel free to do your own research on this author.)
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“Do we make void the Law? by Richard Rives”
9-3-2013
“Justin Martyr lived during the second century A.D. He received his education in various schools of Greek philosophy, embracing the thoughts of Plato and Socrates. ”
” Later, after converting to Christianity, Justin continued to consider himself a philosopher and is thought to have been beheaded as a direct result of his philosophical confrontations with pagans.”
” In one of his works known as Dialogue with Trypho, Justin sets out to prove from scripture that Jesus is the Messiah. Then he goes one step further in an attempt to prove that Christianity is the new law for all men.”
” Trypho is presented as a Jewish man living in Corinth; and in his dialogue Justin arrogantly remarks that the Sabbath days were imposed on the Jews because of their sins and because of the hardness of their hearts. ”
” While encouraging Trypho to accept Christ, Justin tells him that the law is just for Jewish people and that the new covenant has not laws, commandments, or ordinances. He told Trypho that the seventh day Sabbath had been replaced by a perpetual Sabbath and that the Lord does not take pleasure in obedience to Sabbath observance.”
” Well as it turns out, Trypho was not buying. He responds by accusing Justin of inventing a Messiah and he told him that he should be keeping the Sabbath according to the commandment.”
” As we can see, Justin wanted Trypho to accept a Messiah that would lead his followers to disregard the commandments that had been entrusted to Israel. Justin presents Jesus as an antinomian Messiah, a savior opposed to the commandments of God, and there is no way Trypho could be persuaded to accept Him.”
” The problem was that Justin presented a gospel based on the tradition of men. Jesus never taught anyone to disregard those commandments. He plainly stated that He did not come to destroy the law or the prophets and reconfirmed the perpetual validity of the commandments stating that, until heaven and earth pass away, not even the slightest aspect of those commandments would change.”
” Today the same thing takes place each year. Thousands of well meaning Christians travel to Israel thinking that if they could just tell Jewish people about Jesus, then surely they would receive Him. The problem is that just as Justin Martyr, they present an antinomian Messiah – one who would disregard the fourth commandment regarding Sabbath observance.”
” On the other hand, a few believers, those who have the faith of Jesus and who keep the commandments of God, present the Biblical Messiah of Israel – the One who kept the commandments Himself and taught His disciples to do the same. “
” Because of that, Messianic fellowships are found all over Israel – Jews and Gentiles alike, saved by grace, who sincerely desire, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live a life in obedience to the commandments of our Creator.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts”
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“None Effect Through Tradition by Richard Rives”
“07-23-2013”
“Jesus was challenged by the religious leaders of His day. ”
” They questioned why those who followed Him did not adhere to their religious traditions.”
” Jesus responded with a question of His own, to which there was and is no good answer: “….Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” – Matthew 15:3″
” We find that their traditions were contrary to the commandments of God. Jesus told them that they had made them of none effect by way of their traditions.”
” He said that people were drawing nigh to Him with their mouth and honoring him with their lips; but that their hearts were far from Him. He said that while teaching for doctrines the commandments of men they were worshipping in vain.”
” The same thing goes on in our day and time. Traditions that have nothing to do with Jesus are presented as Christian precepts; when, in fact, they are contrary to the commandments of God. ”
” Many religious leaders would teach us that as believers we should not be concerned. They would tell us that the law has been nailed to the cross, as an attempt is once again made to make the commandments of our Creator of none effect by way of tradition.
Jesus called the religious leaders of His day blind leaders leading the blind. Each of us has to make a decision. Will we blindly follow the traditions of men or will we keep the commandments of God?”
” “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” – Revelation 14:12″
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“Response Ability by Richard Rives”
“03-13-2013”
“The New Testament defines sin as the transgression of the law.”
” While it is true that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works of the law, the laws that our Creator wrote in stone – The Ten Commandments – have not been made void that grace may abound. ”
” In fact it is just the opposite. ”
” They are firmly established as principles that cannot and will not change. If those laws could have been changed our Savior would not have had to die.”
” Today, many people have been persuaded that we no longer have a responsibility to keep our Creators Commandments. Nothing could be further from the truth. ”
” While as repentant believers we are free from the law of sin and death, it is that freedom that makes us responsible for our actions. We are responsible for that which we have the freedom – the ability to respond to — response – ability.”
” According to the respected Oxford English Dictionary responsibility is defined as the state or fact of being responsible. ”
” The example given is Federalist paper number 63. In that paper, James Madison, who was instrumental in drafting the United States Constitution stated that Responsibility, in order to be reasonable, must be limited to objects within the power of the responsible party.”
” It is our responsibility to keep our Creator’s Commandments for by the power of the Holy Spirit it is within our ability to keep them. According to the Book of Hebrews, to wilfully practice sin, once we have that ability, is to despise the Spirit of Grace.”
” It is also by the power of the Holy Spirit that we have the ability to recognize our failures and if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even so, there is no provision in scripture for the willful practice of sin. We cannot intentionally disregard any of our Creator’s Commandments. ”
” According to the New Testament Book of Hebrews if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”
” By the power of the Holy Spirit we have not only the knowledge of the truth but also the ability to keep our Creators Commandments. Response – ability: as believers we have the ability. Because of that, we will be held accountable for our response.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“A Jealous God by Richard Rives”
“9-17-2013”
“In the year 313 A.D. Licinius and Constantine, co-rulers of the Roman Empire met near Milan. There they issued an edict known as the “Edict of Milan” or the “Edict of Toleration” making it legal to openly practice the Christian religion without molestation.”
” That edict gave not only Christians the right to practice their faith; but, for the sake of peace, it gave full authority for pagans to observe any religion which they might prefer. It speaks of worshipping the Supreme Deity, in order that …any Divinity whatsoever in the seat of the heavens may be kindly disposed to those living in the Roman Empire.”
” During that time period, the king of the Roman gods Jupiter appeared on the coins of Licinius. And while professing Christ the sun god Sol Invictus – the Invincible Sun appeared on the coins of Constantine. ”
” In a polytheistic empire of religious tolerance Jesus was just one more god – and by way of syncretism, a merging of different beliefs, elements of pagan sun worship were combined with the Biblically prescribed worship of the Creator, as defined by the first four commandments – resulting in a new definition of Christianity that has survived to present day.”
” Because of toleration, past and present, religious precepts that have nothing to do with Christ and everything to do with other gods can be found within traditional Christianity. ”
” Today, because of toleration, the intolerant commandments of our Creator are considered by many to be archaic, obsolete, nailed to the cross. Nothing could be further from the truth. ”
” It is by those commandments that the God of the Bible is identified. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” – 1 John 2:3-5″
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts”
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“Heirs According to the Promise by Richard Rives”
“9-24-2013”
“In the Old Testament book of Hosea we find a very interesting prophesy. People who were not considered the people of God would one day be called the sons of the living God.”
” Based on that scripture and the fact that most of the Jewish people in Jesus’ day rejected Him as Messiah, there are those who would attempt to persuade us that “The Church” has replaced “the Jews” as God’s chosen people. ”
” That idea is most commonly referred to as “Replacement Theology,” a confusing ideology that separates believers from Israel. ”
” It is a theology that creates two distinct groups of people, the children of Israel to whom the law was given and “the Church” to whom grace was given.”
” A careful examination of scripture reveals however that there was both law and grace in both the Old Testament and New Testaments. Without law there would be no need for grace.”
” The first believers-the first church members, if you will, were Jewish people. The Book of Acts informs us that thousands of Jews became believers and that they were all zealous of the law. They believed in Jesus and never once had the idea that their belief would in any way oppose the commandments of God.”
” It was only later that the Gentiles, or nations, were incorporated into the assembly of believers – a part of The Israel of God – neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female – all one in Christ Jesus – Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. ”
” At that time, just as Hosea had prophesied, people who were not considered to be the people of God began to be called the sons of the living God.”
” According to historians and as defined by Revelation 14:12 they believed in the saving grace of Jesus while at the same time they kept the commandments of God. Law and Grace. Let us consider the words of the apostle Paul. “Do we make void the law that grace may abound. God forbid!”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“Obedience Unto Righteousness or Sin Unto Death by Richard Rives”
“10-01-2013”
“Churches of all denominations are filled with good people who have been persuaded that God no longer cares about the legal system that HE established for HIS chosen people. ”
” Theologians have convinced them that they can now choose for themselves what is right and wrong. That is what Satan told Adam and Eve, but that is not what we find in the Old Testament or the New.”
” In the Book of Numbers – Chapter 15 the sacrificial system of atonement is explained in detail. Those who sinned in ignorance could offer a sacrifice for a sin offering. ”
” That provision for atonement pertained not only to those born among the children of Israel, but also to those who were considered strangers living among them.”
” On the other hand, those who sinned presumptuously were in big trouble. We are told that those who did so reproached the LORD.”
” Presumptuous sin was considered to be an act of contempt, and that person was to be utterly cut off. Scripture tells us why in no uncertain terms: “Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.” – Numbers 15:31″
” For those who would question the true intent of what we read, a vivid example immediately follows.”
“And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.” – Numbers 15:32-36″
“As we see, there was no provision for presumptuous sin in the Old Testament. Neither is there provision for presumptuous in the New.”
” In reference to New Testament believers Hebrews 10:26 informs us that there is NO MORE SACRIFICE for those who sin wilfully after they have received the knowledge of the truth. But a CERTAIN fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”
” In the book of Romans chapter 6, once again speaking to believers, the Apostle Paul questions whether grace is a means by which the laws of our Creator may be disregarded. His conclusion, God forbid! ”
” In direct reference to THE LAW, Paul asks believers whom they will serve – and speaks of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness.”
” What then? shall WE sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? Each of us must make that decision. Choose you this day whom YOU will serve.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
“Justified By Faith by Richard Rives”
“10-08-2013”
“The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, tells us that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth; – that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Paul, in no way indicates that the law is no longer valid; just the opposite. ”
” He questions: “Do we then make void the law through faith? Answering: God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” – Romans 3:31″
” While it is true that legal matters can become very confusing, it must be remembered that God’s laws are plain and simple. They can be written in one paragraph, memorized by the smallest child, and as the Bible states, are not grievous.”
” It is not left up to us to decide what is right and wrong – that is what Satan wants us to believe. The Ten Commandments are not suggestions. They define what is right and what is wrong in no uncertain terms.”
” In an age when many turn the grace of God into lasciviousness, there are those, professing themselves to be wise, who attempt to persuade us that the laws of God are now void and of no value. ”
” Such persuasion can be described in no better way than what the Bible calls vain deceit. Jesus Christ, our Creator, the law giver, and our Savior, said that until heaven and earth pass away, not even the slightest thing concerning the law will change. ”
” We are told that sin is the transgression of the law and that Christ died for the remission of sins. In fact, if any of the commandments could have been changed, sin could have been redefined, and He would not have had to die.”
” Not only did Jesus lay down His life, shedding His own blood to pay the penalty for our sins; but He continues to do even more. He sends the Holy Spirit of promise to believers, the earnest of our salvation, to empower us to live according to His commandments. ”
” The book of Hebrews informs us that those who willfully practice sin, the transgression of the law, count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing. We are told that they do despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“None Righteous No Not One by Richard Rives”
“10-16-2013”
“It is not left up to us to decide what is right and wrong – that is what Satan wants us to believe. ”
“The Ten Commandments are not suggestions. ”
” They define what is right and what is wrong in no uncertain terms, and sin is defined in the New Testament as the transgression of the law”
” The Bible tells us that if we sin wilfully, once we have come to the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sin – certain judgment – and ultimate destruction. When I say that, some people get all upset; and that’s understandable. I can hear it now – Everyone sins!”
” They fail to consider the fact that I did not say that. That is what the Bible says. But that is not the only thing that it says. It tells us that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ”
” There is no law that can be kept in order to establish ones own righteousness; for “There is none righteous – no – not one.” No man has ever fulfilled the righteous obligations of the law to the point that he has not known sin.”
” Even so, it has been the goal of Satan, since the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, to get mankind to practice sin by breaking God’s rules and regulations, which results in death. It worked then and it continues to work today.”
” If the servants of Satan, by way of confusion, can persuade us that God’s laws are invalid, then sin, which is the transgression of our Creators laws, would never be confessed. It is not true that we as believers are free from the law. We are free from the law of sin and death.”
“There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:1-7″
” Let us not forget that by the law is the knowledge of sin; and that Satan – our adversary – as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour. ”
” By way of confusion and deception he wants us to disregard our Creators commandments. He wants to be your god.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“If We Confess Our Sins by Richard Rives”
“11-6-2013”
“Most often we hear that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins – past – present – and future. While that can be true – it is very misleading, for there is no provision for the willful, on purpose, and continual practice of sin. We must turn from our sins. ”
” Romans 3:25 tells us that Christ Jesus was “set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”
” Scripture plainly states that Jesus paid the penalty for “sins that are past.” So how is it possible for present and future sins to be forgiven? The answer is found in the book of 1 John: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ”
” The problem is that, according to recent surveys, about half of those who profess Christ believe that there is no such thing as moral absolutes – and if there are no moral absolutes then there is no such thing as right and wrong – and if there is no such thing as right and wrong then who decides what constitutes sin. ”
” How can we confess our sins if we are not really sure what they are? ”
“For those who believe the words of scripture the book of 1 John once again provides the answer: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ”
” Our Creator has written ten easy to understand commandments in stone. They are recorded in the Book of Exodus Chapter 20. When any of those commandments are broken – that constitutes sin. ”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ”
” Can you list the Ten Commandments in any order? ”
“Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“Hold Fast by Richard Rives”
“11-27-2013”
“At the time of Messiah, we find Rome ruling the world in an environment of Hellenistic, or pagan Greek culture. As if that was not bad enough, scripture informs us that corrupt religious leaders were teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.”
” In spite of Biblical warnings that we should learn from the errors of the past, it seems that nothing has really changed. Today, just as before, we find the world dominated by secular culture, and many religious leaders still present the commandments of men in place of the commandments of God. ”
” As a result, things that never had anything to do with Christ and everything to do with the worship of other gods are proclaimed to be Christian in Nature – precepts that are in direct violation of the Ten Commandments.”
” Many Christian leaders would lead us to believe that we have no responsibility to the laws of our Creator. They would tell us that’s Old Testament stuff – that now it’s all about grace – that the law has been nailed to the cross. ”
” Many would attempt to persuade us that it is perfectly acceptable to associate anything we want with the worship of the God of the Bible – and call it Christianity.”
” That is simply not true. That idea is found nowhere in scripture, but rather within the minds of delusional men that hate the thought that we have a responsibility to abide by our Creator’s Commandments.”
” Beware lest those philosophers spoil you by way of their vain and deceitful traditions which would lead us away from the truth that sin is still defined as the transgression of the law. ”
” The God who wrote the Commandments in stone is the God of the Old and the New Testaments and He has not changed His mind. ”
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” – John 1:10-12″
” Yeshua of Nazareth – Jesus Christ – the Creator, said that those who love Him should demonstrate that by keeping His commandments.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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“Americas Behavior Has Spiritual Consequences by Richard Rives”
“12-24-2013”
“The New Testament Book of 1 Corinthians tells us that the things we read in the Old Testament were written for our admonition – – to warn us about the consequence our behavior. Let us consider an account recorded in the Book of 2 Chronicles:”
” In Chapter 24, we learn that: the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.”
” We are told that they “left the house of the LORD God and served idols” in violation of the commandments they had been given. Even though God had sent them prophets to bring them back to the LORD they absolutely refused to keep His commandments.”
” They would not listen and could not believe that God would ever do anything about it.”
” As you can imagine, those to whom Zechariah was speaking did not like what they were hearing. How did they reward the messenger of God for telling them the truth? “They conspired against him, and stoned him with stones.”
” At the end of that year a small Aramean army came and defeated the Israelites, even though they far outnumbered the Syrians. ”
” Just as Zechariah had warned them, because they would not keep the commandments of God, the LORD had forsaken them. On their own, there was no way to prosper.”
” Today we hear a great deal of complaining about the things that we see taking place in the world around us. Most people just want to talk about it; while only a few would actually like to do something. ”
” Among that few, very few realize that only way to prosper is to return to the commandments of our Creator – commandments which, for the most part, have been forsaken – removed from our schools and public buildings, and glossed over by the majority of our churches. ”
” Just as in the Garden of Eden people are persuaded that they can do that which is right in their own eyes – that rather than abide by God’s commandments they can be as God and decide what is good and what is evil.”
” The things we read in the Old Testament WERE written for our admonition and God is not a respecter of persons. ”
” Are we in arrogance to believe that we, as a nation, can continue to forsake the commandments of our Creator without the eventuality of being forsaken ourselves? The commandments that He wrote in stone are sure – they stand fast forever – and it is in our best interest to keep them.”
” Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints; I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.”
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It is my hope that my Fellow Christians can see by the various teachings rives has sent out that there is something seriously wrong with his claims and philosophy. Again PLEASE STUDY YOUR Bibles because they alone stand for the Truth and not rives or those who follow man made philosophies like him.
The_Skeptical_Christian 