Saving Grace

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These passages from Book of Isaiah, Psalms, and Book of Micah all deliver one unified message. God rejects prayers from people who live in violence. Sin and wrongdoing create separation from God, and leaders who abuse power or distort truth will be judged. Repent of these sins!

Isaiah 1:15

When you spread out your hands in prayer,

    I hide my eyes from you;

even when you offer many prayers,

    I am not listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

Psalm 11:5

The Lord examines the righteous,

    but the wicked, those who love violence,

    he hates with a passion.

Isaiah 59:2-3

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

2 Corinthians 5:10 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Matthew 10:28 

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Micah 3-12

Then I said,

“Listen, you leaders of Jacob,

    you rulers of Israel.

Should you not embrace justice,

     you who hate good and love evil;

who tear the skin from my people

    and the flesh from their bones;

 who eat my people’s flesh,

    strip off their skin

    and break their bones in pieces;

who chop them up like meat for the pan,

    like flesh for the pot?”

Then they will cry out to the Lord,

    but he will not answer them.

At that time he will hide his face from them

    because of the evil they have done.

This is what the Lord says:

“As for the prophets

    who lead my people astray,

they proclaim ‘peace’

    if they have something to eat,

but prepare to wage war against anyone

    who refuses to feed them.

Therefore night will come over you, without visions,

    and darkness, without divination.

The sun will set for the prophets,

    and the day will go dark for them.

The seers will be ashamed

    and the diviners disgraced.

They will all cover their faces

    because there is no answer from God.”

But as for me, I am filled with power,

    with the Spirit of the Lord,

    and with justice and might,

to declare to Jacob his transgression,

    to Israel his sin.

Hear this, you leaders of Jacob,

    you rulers of Israel,

who despise justice

    and distort all that is right;

who build Zion with bloodshed,

    and Jerusalem with wickedness.

Her leaders judge for a bribe,

    her priests teach for a price,

    and her prophets tell fortunes for money.

Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say,

    “Is not the Lord among us?

    No disaster will come upon us.”

Therefore because of you,

    Zion will be plowed like a field,

Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,

    the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

[savinggrace4u]

Seek God directly through Jesus Christ alone, pray sincerely, rely on the Holy Spirit, reject idols and give worship to God only. The Bible also warns to avoid deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition.

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

Revelation 19:10

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Hebrews 7:25

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Matthew 6:5-15

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Matthew 6:6-7

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Leviticus 19:4 

Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 26:1 l

“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God

Deuteronomy 27:15 

“‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen

Jonah 2:8 

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

Deuteronomy 5:8-9 

“‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Psalm 115:4-8 

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

[savinggrace4u]

The Bible is clear about integrity toward God’s word and commitment to Him. Believers are warned not add to, remove from, or selectively use God’s teachings. Doing so is treated as serious dishonesty—misrepresenting truth and putting oneself in spiritual danger. At the same time, believers are called to embrace the full message, not just the parts that are comfortable or convenient. We are also warned against having a shallow, half-committed faith while believing you’re spiritually secure.

Proverbs 30:6

Do not add to his words,

    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 3:15-17

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot.

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.

Because thou sayest, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing,” and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked,

Acts 20:27

 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.

[savinggrace4u]

Be unashamed of your faith in Jesus Christ. Stand firm in the gospel, even in the face of persecution, suffering, or opposition. Remain in God’s truth, resist deception, and trust that faithfulness will be rewarded with eternal life and honor before God.

Luke 12:9

But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.

1 Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Mark 8:38

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

2 Timothy 1:8

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Luke 9:26

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

1 John 2:18-27

Warnings Against Denying the Son

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

[savinggrace4u]

Faith in God must be alive and active, demonstrated through love, good works, repentance, and obedience. Loving God means following His commands. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith, but this faith transforms our hearts and our actions. The Christian life calls for a faith that transforms both the heart and the deeds, rooted in love for God and neighbor.

James 2:18-20

But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have actions.” Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions. You believe that there is one God. That’s fine! Even the demons believe that and tremble with fear. Do you want proof, you foolish person, that faith without actions is worthless?

Titus 1:16 

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

James 2:26

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

John 14:15 

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

James 2:24 

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Matthew 7:1-5 

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

1 Corinthians 13:2 

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

James 2:14-26

Faith Without Works Is Dead

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.

 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

John 3:36 

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Luke 13:3 

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Romans 10:9

 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Galatians 2:21 

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Isaiah 1:16 

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,

3 John 1:11 

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Mark 16:16 

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

John 3:16-18 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

1 John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 21:8 

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Ephesians 5:5 

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God

Galatians 5: 16-26

Keep in Step with the Spirit

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

2 Thessalonians 1: 5-12

The Judgment at Christ's Coming

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Acts 2:38 

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:9 

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Luke 6:46-49 

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 l

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

John 13:34-35 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Luke 6:27 

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Matthew 6:14-15 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

[savinggrace4u]

A real relationship with God is shown by a life of genuine love—expressed through kindness, self-control, forgiveness, and rejection of harm, and division. The message of scripture is clear reject harshness, selfishness, and division, and instead live with love, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and self-control. True faith is revealed in relationships. The Bible describes love as a selfless, patient, and kind way of living that puts others first. It is not driven by anger, pride, or selfishness, but by forgiveness, humility, and truth. Rather than just a feeling, love is shown through consistent actions and enduring commitment to care for others.

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Romans 12:9 

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Romans 13:10 

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Mark 12: 28-31

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:24 

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,

Colossians 3:19 

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Exodus 22:22 

You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

1 Corinthians 13:2 

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Leviticus 19:18 

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:2 

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

Ephesians 4:32 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Galatians 5:22-23 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Colossians 3:8 

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Psalm 27:10 

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in

Ephesians 4:31 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Galatians 5:19-21 

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Psalm 11:5 

The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

Proverbs 10:11 

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Ephesians 4:31 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Matthew 5:21-22 

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

1 Timothy 5:8

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Luke 17:3 

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him

Hebrews 12:14 

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Titus 3:10-11 

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

[savinggrace4u]

The Bible teaches that believers should recognize and reject evil, pursue what is good, live with genuine love, and stand for the truth while remaining humble and compassionate. We are warned against calling evil good, and we must encourage people to repent and cleanse their lives of sin. The Bible instructs believers to expose wrongdoing while restoring others gently. We must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute believers.

Proverbs 17:15

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous

    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good

    and good evil,

who put darkness for light

    and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet

    and sweet for bitter.

Isaiah 1:16 

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,

Ephesians 5:11-12

Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them, for it is shameful even to speak of the things these people do in secret.

Matthew 5:44 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:9 

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

3 John 1:11 

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Revelation 2:2-5

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 

Psalm 101:3

 and will never tolerate evil. I hate the actions of those who turn away from God; I will have nothing to do with them.

Romans 12: 21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:33 

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Isaiah 1:16 

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil

Psalm 5:4 

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.

1 Timothy 5:8 

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever

Matthew 5:9 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Galatians 6:1 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

1 Peter 3:11 

Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

2 Timothy 2:22 

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Ephesians 6:12 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places

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The Bible warns that the love of money, and worldly desires lead people away from God and into spiritual blindness. A person cannot serve both God and wealth, and chasing material success while ignoring righteousness can cost someone their soul. The world is influenced by deception and evil, so believers must stay watchful, reject darkness, and expose wrongdoing. Believers are called to pursue righteousness, love, generosity toward the poor, and truth, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Mark 10:25 

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Luke 16:13 

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money

1 John 2:15 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 Timothy 6:9-12 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Luke 12:15-21

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Ephesians 5:11 

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Proverbs 28:13 

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Matthew 23:25 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

1 John 2:11 

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Isaiah 5:20 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Ephesians 5:11

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

2 Corinthians 4:4

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

1 John 5:19 

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Leviticus 5:1

‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 John 2:9 

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

Matthew 6:19-21 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

Proverbs 10:2 

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death

Mark 8:36 

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

Isaiah 32:7 

As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right

Proverbs 29:7 

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 14:31 

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 28:26-27

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;

But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;

But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Ecclesiastes 7:7 

Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Isaiah 10:1 

Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

[savinggrace4u]

The Bible teaches that true faith in God is shown through love, and righteous actions. Believers are called to love even their enemies, respond to evil with good, and help those in need. God values genuine compassion and obedience rather than outward appearances or empty religious words, warning against hypocrisy. A true follower of God lives with love, mercy, humility, and integrity. God warns against pride, vengeance, and evil. The Bible warns that if we do not forgive others we will not be forgiven. Faith that does not produce loving actions is empty.

Matthew 5:9 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Luke 6:27 

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Luke 6:35 

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil

1 Peter 3:9 

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Romans 12:14-21 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Proverbs 25:21 

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

1 Corinthians 16:14 

Let all that you do be done in love.

Romans 12:21 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 2:15

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Matthew 23:27-28

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Luke 18:9-14

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

2 Peter 2-3

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Romans 1:28

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Proverbs 6:16 - 6:19

There are six things which God hates,

Even seven which are an abomination to Him:

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that devises wicked thoughts,

Feet that hasten to run to evil,

A false witness who breathes out lies,

And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

1 Timothy 6:18

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 2:15-16

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

Isaiah 5:20 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Proverbs 28:27 

Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Proverbs 14:31

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Matthew 6:14-15 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1 Peter 3:9 

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Ephesians 4:32 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you

[savinggrace4u]

The Bible is clear that believers should not follow the values and desires of the world, because the world is influenced by deception and evil. Satan blinds people from seeing the truth, and false teachers can mislead many. Christians must practice discernment, avoid evil, and resist the desires of the flesh. True faith is shown not just by words but by doing God’s will and living according to his commands.

1 John 2:15-17 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

2 Corinthians 4:4 

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Matthew 24:23-25

Then if any man shall say unto you, ‘Lo, here is Christ,’ or ‘there,’ believe it not.

For there shall arise false christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.

Revelation 17:5 

And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.

Matthew 7:15

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 

Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Corinthians 3:19 

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness,

Galatians 5:17 

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 3:23 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Matthew 7:21 

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

[savinggrace4u]

Many who profess Christ still carry bitterness, anger, and resentment in their hearts. Compassion is replaced with criticism, forgiveness with grudges, humility with self-righteousness. Many are often quicker to judge than to forgive, quicker to condemn than to restore. This is not the way of Christ. We are called to put away hardness of heart. Cruelty, harshness, and pride do not reflect the character of the One we follow. The life of a believer is meant to be marked by tenderness, mercy, patience, and love. Yes, correction is necessary. Sin should not be ignored, and truth should not be compromised. But correction must flow from humility, not superiority; from love, not anger. Its aim must always be restoration, never humiliation. We must examine our own hearts before addressing the faults of others. The Christian life is defined by forgiveness over resentment, mercy over judgment, gentleness over harshness, and love over all. If we have been forgiven, we must forgive much. If we have received mercy, we must extend mercy.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

James 1:20

because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Matthew 5:43-6:18

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Luke 17:3-4 

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.

Galatians 6:1

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 7:5

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Colossians 3:8

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Luke 6:36-37

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Galatians 6:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Matthew 7:1-2

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

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Across these passages, Scripture warns that spiritual deception is real, powerful, and often disguised as truth. In Matthew 4:5–7, Satan quotes Scripture in an attempt to tempt Jesus, showing that scripture can be misused. Jesus responds by rightly interpreting and obeying God’s Word, modeling faithful submission rather than manipulation. Satan and demons demonstrate knowledge of theology without faithful obedience, while Jesus models faithful obedience grounded in rightly understood Scripture. In Gospel of Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus Christ is teaching that words and religious actions alone are not enough — what matters is truly doing God’s will and having a real relationship with Him.

Matthew 4:5-7

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ”

James 2:19

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

1 John 4:1

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Peter 2:1-3

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping

Matthew 24:24 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Revelation 16:13 

And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.

Revelation 13:11 

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.

Revelation 19:20 

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

[savinggrace4u]

God commands generosity, blesses those who give, condemns those who ignore or oppress the poor, and defines righteousness by how one treats the vulnerable. As a believer, you are commanded to help those less fortunate than yourself. Proverbs teaches that whoever gives to the poor will be blessed, but he who denies them help will be cursed. Examine your behavior closely: are you helping those in need or oppressing them? Repent if you are participating in any activity that harms the poor or needy.

John 3:17

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Proverbs 28:27 

Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Deuteronomy 15:11 

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Proverbs 29:7 

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge

Luke 3:11

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

Proverbs 14:31

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,

but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Psalm 82:3

Defend the weak and the fatherless;

uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Proverbs 22:9

The generous will themselves be blessed,

for they share their food with the poor.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy

[savinggrace4u]

To all those who follow the teachings of the Bible, participation in events rooted in ancient pagan worship presents serious spiritual concerns. The Bible consistently warns against idolatry, pagan rituals, and adopting the religious customs of other nations. From the Ten Commandments onward, God commands His people to worship Him alone: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). The New Testament, urges believers to “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). Engaging in practices that honor other deities directly contradicts this foundational command. The ancient Olympic Games, were sacred festivals held in honor of Zeus, the chief deity of the Greek pantheon. For believers seeking to honor God fully, participation in the Olympics—past or present—entangles them with practices the Bible condemns. The Bible explicitly forbids adopting the customs of other nations.

Exodus 20:3 

“You shall have no other gods before me.

1 Corinthians 10:14 

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Isaiah 5:20 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Leviticus 18:3 

You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer  or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.

Jeremiah 10:2-5 

Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.

Religious Elements of the Ancient Olympic Games

The ancient Olympic Games, established in 776 BCE at Olympia in the Peloponnese, were fundamentally intertwined with Greek religious life. Far from being simply an athletic festival, the Games were a sacred celebration conducted within a large religious sanctuary and held in honor of Zeus, the chief deity of the Greek pantheon.

Olympia itself was a sanctuary site dominated by monumental temples and altars dedicated to the gods, most notably the Temple of Zeus, where a monumental cult statue once presided over the sacred precinct. The timing and observance of the Games reflected their central religious purpose: they were quadrennial rites integrated into the Greek calendar and so prominent that time was measured in four-year intervals called Olympiads.

Participation and ritual practice at the Games further underscored their religious character. Athletes, trainers, and officials traditionally began the festival with oaths and sacrifices before the gods, especially Zeus, seeking divine favor and legitimizing the competitions within a sacred framework. Moreover, religious observances such as animal sacrifices, processions, and offerings were integral to the festivities, binding athletic achievement to piety and communal worship. Although victory wreaths, not material prizes, were awarded to winners, these crowns symbolized honor not only among Greeks but also in the eyes of the gods. The sacred nature of the festival also had broader cultural and diplomatic dimensions. During the Olympic period, a formal truce (Ekecheiria) was observed across the Greek world to ensure safe passage for participants and spectators, indicating the festival’s quasi-sacred authority and its role in promoting peace, even amidst pervasive inter-polis conflict.

Though the Games later evolved and secularized in various respects, their origins and enduring legacy remain rooted in ancient Greek religious practice, illustrating how athletic competition in antiquity was inseparable from cultic dedication to the gods.

Work Cited

“Ancient Olympic Games.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/sports/ancient-Olympic-Games. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

“Olympic Games.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

[savinggrace4u]

Across Scripture, we are consistently warned that evil often appears righteous, uses impressive displays to deceive, and influences many. Leaders and prophets who seem holy—like the beasts in Revelation 13, Jezebel in Revelation 2:20,—may secretly promote idolatry, immorality, or blasphemy. These deceivers perform signs and wonders to gain trust and manipulate others. The world may be enticed to follow them, even adopting their teachings. Matthew 24:23-25 warns us that "they shall deceive the very elect."

Revelation 13

And I stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

And I saw that one of his heads was, as it were, wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered after the beast.

And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

And there was given unto him a mouth, speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.

If any man have an ear, let him hear:

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity. He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him; and he causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword and lived.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause to be killed as many as would not worship the image of the beast.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads,

that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Here is wisdom: Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.

Revelation 2:2 

“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

Revelation 2:20 

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Matthew 24:23-25

Then if any man shall say unto you, ‘Lo, here is Christ,’ or ‘there,’ believe it not.

For there shall arise false christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Matthew 7:15 

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Timothy 4:3 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

Jeremiah 23:16 

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.

Jeremiah 14:14 

And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.

Mark 13:22 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect

[savinggrace4u]

There is no neutral middle ground. You either walk in step with the Spirit, or you drift toward the works of the flesh and the devil. Following God is not merely the absence of bad behavior; it is an active resistance to evil through love, forgiveness, self-control, truth, and grace. Believers are called to imitate God, not react from the flesh. That is why judgment, revenge, corrupt speech, and hypocrisy are consistently rejected.

Galatians 5:22-25 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Matthew 5:44-45 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Romans 12:17-21

 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

3 John 1:11 

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God

1 John 3:8 

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Romans 12:9 

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good

1 John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:1 

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

James 1:13 

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Ephesians 6:13 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 4:29 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Romans 8:7 

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 12:21 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 11:27 

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it

Luke 6:37 

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Psalm 89:14-15 

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

[savinggrace4u]

God condemns witchcraft because it is dangerous to the person practicing it and to those around them. It offers a counterfeit spirituality—power without obedience, knowledge without truth, and control without relationship—drawing people away from Him and ultimately harming them.

It is deceptive and dangerous. The gods of the Gentiles are demons. Follow God and protect yourself from evil. Witchcraft lets evil into your life. People, knowingly or unknowingly, form dangerous partnerships with evil spirits. Demons seek to pervert all that is good. Resist the devil and cling to what is good. Witchcraft enslaves those who practice it and those who interact with it. The power it grants is a illusion. Serve God repent of evil. Hecate is the ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft, magic, and crossroads. No good deity would hold the following titles that Hecate has. Witchcraft is from the Devil.

Antania ‘Enemy of Mankind'

Drakaina ‘Serpent’, ‘Dragon’

Phôsphoros ‘Light-bringer’

Oletis ‘Destroyer’

Thanatêgos ‘Death-Bringer’

Phthorênês ‘Ruin-Bringer’, ‘Corruptor’

Witchcraft

Psalm 95:5 

For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, but the Lord made the heavens.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

Leviticus 19:31 

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 20:6 

“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.

1 Samuel 15:23 

For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”

Revelation 22:15 

Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Isaiah 8:19 

And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?

Acts 19:19 

And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Micah 5:12 

And I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes;

1 Chronicles 10:13-14 

So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

Galatians 5: 19-21

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 19:26 

“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.

Revelation 18:23 

And the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.

1 Chronicles 10:13 

So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.

Isaiah 19:3 

And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers;

Ezekiel 13:20 

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against your magic bands with which you hunt the souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms, and I will let the souls whom you hunt go free, the souls like birds.

Acts 8:9-13 

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.