Introduction
In all of the King James Bible (the “Bible”), the term “Christian” is used twice (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16) and the plural “Christians” is used just once (Acts 11:16). The term “disciple” or “disciples” is used two hundred twenty six(226) times in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John alone. Jesus used the term “disciple” instead of “Christian”, and Peter used the term “Christian” as a euphemism for “disciple”. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1Peter 4:16. (A “euphemism” is defined as: “the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.” For example,“to pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”)
Why? The first disciples of Jesus were the first Christians! …And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. See, Acts 11:16 above. The term“Christian(s)” is a term coined by man, and the term “disciple(s)” is a term used to define the true followers of Jesus the Christ. ALL self-professing “Christians”today are supposed to be disciples of Jesus! Still, most self-professing Christians profess to have a clear understanding of what a “Christian” is supposed to be and how “Christians” are supposed to behave, but a relative few have a clear understanding of what a disciple of Jesus is or how His disciples are supposed to behave.
For example, despite what the Christmas cards and a “Christian” may say, Jesus did not come to send peace on earth. Jesus came to divide! Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36. The New Testament is a testament to the division Jesus spoke of. Some people will live by it and others will not.
Accordingly, if we are to believe the Bible contains the living Word of God for all of mankind, and the New (current) Covenant for salvation (“eternal life”) is set forth in the New Testament thereof, a careful reconciliation of the New
Testament only by what it says is required for a correct understanding of the promise of salvation explained in it. In short, all meanings presented in the New Testament must come from the context and definitions already provided in it. Otherwise, if the New Covenant for salvation can be construed using the doctrines, teachings, and interpretations of mankind, salvation could be attained in a variety of ways defined by man and contrary to the will/intent of God which is not possible.
EVERYTHING written in this book is extracted from the literal language of the scriptures contained in the King James Bible (“the Bible”) with specific emphasis on the New Covenant (New Testament) of salvation. This work is not an interpretation or a translation of the Word, and there are no hidden, secret, seminary meanings that come out of another book.
With God’s love,
Ricky
P.S. Please see the last section of this book for some examples of why the King James Bible is the only reliable written record of the Word of God today.
(As you proceed through this work, each Foundational Truth element is relied on heavily in the later sections. PLEASE carefully consider each of them even if they seem familiar to you.)
