by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 5, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
Series: Not of Works – A Series on the Gospel of Grace
Anchor Text: Galatians 1:6–9
One of the most dangerous distortions in Christendom today is the teaching that justification by faith is only “phase one”—that you’re declared righteous by grace, but you won’t receive final salvation unless you persevere in holiness, love, fruit, and obedience.
Many denominations—especially in America—preach some form of “final salvation.”
Over the years, I’ve met countless people who didn’t even realize they were trusting in a faith plus something gospel.
Whether it’s faith plus fruit, obedience, baptism, law-keeping, or perseverance, the result is the same:
They weren’t resting in faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross. And that’s what Paul calls another gospel, a false gospel.
It’s a clever lie.
It sounds spiritual.
It sounds serious.
But it’s another gospel—and Paul said anyone who preaches it is accursed.
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel—
which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you,
let him be accursed.”
—Galatians 1:6–8
❌ What Is “Final Salvation”?
The term doesn’t appear anywhere in Scripture.
It’s a theological invention used to describe an imagined second tier of salvation—a future reward based on works.
Here’s what this false gospel claims:
- You are justified by faith…
- But you are finally saved by a life of holiness, fruit, and obedience.
That’s not salvation. That’s probation.
And it puts the burden of heaven back on the shoulders of man.
✅ Justification Is Salvation
Paul doesn’t separate justification from salvation.
He doesn’t treat it as the start of a process with an uncertain outcome.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Romans 5:1
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
—Romans 4:5
The moment you believe the gospel—you’re saved.
Sealed. Forgiven. Righteous. Reconciled. Redeemed.
Not on probation. Not waiting for final approval.
🔥 The True Danger of “Final Salvation”
Here’s why this lie is so destructive:
- It places the assurance of salvation on your performance—not Christ’s finished work.
- It causes fear, confusion, and insecurity in the believer’s heart.
- It makes fruit and obedience conditions for salvation, not results of salvation.
- It shifts the glory from Christ to man.
- It’s exactly what the enemy wants: a Christless, cross-less gospel that sounds right but condemns.
And Paul saw it coming:
“Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”
—Galatians 3:3
🗝️ Key Takeaway
There is no such thing as “final salvation.”
You’re either saved or you’re not.
Salvation is not a reward for good behavior.
It’s a gift—purchased by the shed blood of Christ, received by faith alone.
Explore the Full Series
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 5, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
Series: Not of Works – A Series on the Gospel of Grace
Anchor Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
When the Bible warns us about “another gospel” in Galatians 1:6–9, it presupposes that there is one true gospel—and only one.
That gospel was not revealed during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
It was revealed later, by the risen, glorified Christ, directly to the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:11–12).
Paul calls it “my gospel” (Romans 2:16) and “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
So what is it?
✅ The Gospel Defined
Paul declares the gospel plainly in 1 Corinthians 15:
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
by which also you are saved…
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
and that He was buried,
and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
—1 Corinthians 15:1–4
But it’s not just that He died—it’s how He died and what His death accomplished.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
—Ephesians 1:7
It was the shedding of His blood—the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice—that satisfied God’s justice.
“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
—Hebrews 9:22
✝️ The Essential Components
- Christ died for our sins – as a blood sacrifice to pay our sin debt.
- He was buried – proving His death was real and complete.
- He rose again – the proof of our justification (Romans 4:25).
This is the finished work. Nothing more is needed.
Faith in His death, burial and resurrection is all that saves.
‘that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ‘
Romans 10:9
❌ What Paul’s Gospel Is Not
- It is not “believe and behave.”
- It is not “faith plus fruit.”
- It is not “start by grace, finish by effort.”
Those are counterfeit gospels—and Paul says those who preach them are accursed (Galatians 1:8–9).
⚖️ The Gospel You Believe Matters
Paul says in Romans 2:16 that God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ—according to his gospel. Not Peter’s gospel of the kingdom. Not a blended gospel.
Paul’s gospel of grace—centered on the cross, the blood, and the resurrection.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’
Romans 2:16
This is the gospel that saves today. The only gospel.
Anything more… or anything less… is another gospel.
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by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 2, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Being Filled with the Fruits of Righteousness
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
— Philippians 1:11
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians opens with one of the most powerful prayers in all of Scripture—a prayer rooted in thankfulness, joy, and the shared bond of the gospel. Paul is writing to a group of believers who were not only united in their love for him, but also standing firm in the gospel of grace. His prayer (Philippians 1:3–11) is rich with affection, confidence, and encouragement.
And verse 11 brings that prayer to its magnificent conclusion.
The Overflow of a Christ-Centered Life
Paul prays that the Philippians would be “filled with the fruits of righteousness.” This isn’t a call to religious activity or moral performance. These fruits are not human accomplishments—they are the visible evidence of a life rooted in Christ and yielded to the Spirit of God.
- “Being filled” implies abundance, completeness, and ongoing growth.
- “Fruits of righteousness” refer to the spiritual character and conduct that flows from a heart transformed by the gospel: humility, love, integrity, faithfulness, patience, purity, and truth.
These are not occasional actions, but the natural byproduct of Christ’s life within the believer.
By Jesus Christ—Not By Ourselves
Paul immediately qualifies the source: these fruits are “by Jesus Christ.” They do not come through self-effort or striving to follow religious rules. Righteousness is not something we produce; it is something we receive and then bear through the indwelling presence of Christ.
- Our righteousness is imputed (credited to us by faith) and then imparted (produced in us by Christ).
- As Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
- And by Jesus said “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
This is liberating truth! The same Jesus who saved us is the One who now lives in us, empowering us to bear the kind of fruit that pleases God.
To the Glory and Praise of God
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is not self-improvement or recognition. It’s this: “to the glory and praise of God.”
When we walk in love, truth, and righteousness—not in our strength, but in His—we become living testimonies of God’s power, grace, and faithfulness.
- Others see Christ in us.
- God is glorified.
- And the world gets a glimpse of the One who transforms lives by grace.
This is what Paul longed for in the Philippians—and it’s what God desires for every believer today.
A Word of Encouragement
If you’re in Christ, you have everything you need to live a life that bears righteous fruit. It’s not about trying harder. It’s about abiding deeper—resting in Christ, renewing your mind in His Word, and yielding daily to His Spirit.
Let your life be filled with the fruits of righteousness—not for your name, but for His glory.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 1, 2025 | Israel and Bible Prophecy |
Unbreakable: God’s Promises to Israel and the Coming Kingdom
For your encouragement and edification
‘“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?’
Numbers 23:19
God’s Covenants Are Unbreakable
At the heart of God’s relationship with Israel is the word “covenant.” It is one of the most powerful and binding terms in all of Scripture. A covenant is a divinely initiated agreement between God and man, in which God makes promises that are often accompanied by specific obligations. These are not mere contracts—they are sacred, binding commitments rooted in the character and faithfulness of God.
The Lord made six covenants with the nation of Israel:
- The Abrahamic Covenant – the foundational promise of a nation, land, and blessing to all nations (Genesis 12, 15, 17).
- The Mosaic Covenant – the giving of the Law at Sinai, conditional on obedience (Exodus 19–24).
- The Sabbatic Covenant – God’s promise of rest and blessing through observance of the Sabbath cycle, both weekly and in the land (Exodus 31:12–17; Leviticus 25–26).
- The Palestinian (Land) Covenant – a reaffirmation of the land promise, with blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience, but ultimate restoration guaranteed (Deuteronomy 29–30).
- The Davidic Covenant – the eternal promise of a king from David’s line to rule over Israel (2 Samuel 7).
- The New Covenant – a promise of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and God’s Spirit written on the hearts of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31–37; Ezekiel 36).
Why This Matters
For centuries, many have claimed that the Church has replaced Israel, and that these promises were either conditional or forfeited. But Scripture tells a different story. God is not finished with Israel. His covenants—some conditional, others unconditional—are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). What He began with Abraham, He will fulfill through Christ.
This series will walk through each of these six covenants, showing from Scripture how they unfold, where they stand today, and how they point to the future literal Kingdom of God on earth. We will also examine how the prophets, Jesus, Paul, and the book of Revelation all confirm that God’s promises to Israel remain intact—and unfulfilled in their fullness—awaiting a future glorious fulfillment.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 29, 2025 | Devotionals |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
God’s Plan Through Israel and the Church – Part 8
Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
Romans 15:8
Jesus came to fulfill the promises made to the fathers and offer the Kingdom to Israel. He came as the promised Messiah—performing miracles, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and confirming that the time had come.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
— Matthew 4:17
The majority of Christendom, whether Church members or not, assume that the opening of Matthew Chapter 1 marks the start of Christianity. That the Lord Jesus has arrived to start the Church, this is a misconception. At this point, the narrative remains an extension of God’s covenant with Israel, rooted in Old Testament promises. In Luke Chapter 1, as the angel’s announcement to Mary reveals, Jesus enters the scene not primarily to proclaim His death on the cross for the world’s sins—though that is undoubtedly part of God’s plan—but to fulfill the promises made to Israel. With 2 exceptions, the context of the Four Gospels is distinctly Jewish, and language and the context make it undeniable.
It’s also important to recognize that these events unfold under the Law. The Temple is still active, sacrifices continue, and even those who become followers of Christ (those who believed that Jesus was indeed Israel’s promised Messiah, the Son of God) retain their Jewish practices. Jesus does not rebuke them for this, quite the opposite. The Lord Jesus doesn’t tell them that they are Law no longer under the law—that’s a revelation that comes many years later (around 14 years later) through Paul. This reflects the Bible’s progressive revelation: God doesn’t disclose everything at once. And why it is so important to study the Bible in time, not getting ahead of events as they unfold. While prophecy abounds in the Old Testament, some truths remain hidden until God chooses to unveil them. In Luke Chapter 1, the angel’s announcement to Mary sets the stage for Christ’s first advent, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.
Take time to read the passages below carefully—and pay close attention to the language. Read these verses in real time, as if the events are unfolding before your eyes. This will help you see clearly that the angel is announcing the imminent birth of Israel’s promised Messiah—the One who will crush Israel’s enemies and establish the promised kingdom, ruling and reigning from David’s throne in Jerusalem, on Mount Zion.
‘Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus . He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”’
Luke 1:30-33
The following passages make it even clearer that Christ’s first advent was to fulfill the covenant promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. In Luke 1:67–75, we find Zacharias—John the Baptist’s father and a priest—speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And what does he proclaim?
In the opening words of what many call the “New Testament,” Zacharias praises and exalts the Lord God of Israel. But notice what he emphasizes—not primarily salvation from sin (though that is part of the overall plan)—but deliverance from Israel’s enemies.
What enemies?
The same enemies that surround Israel today.
Read these verses carefully. Pay attention to the language. You don’t need to be a seminary graduate—just read the plain text. And do this: read the verses in real time, as if you’re watching the events unfold in the present moment. When you do, it becomes unmistakably clear:
- This passage is about Israel.
- It’s about the redemption of Israel.
- It’s about the fulfillment of the covenant God made with the patriarchs.
Luke 1:67-75
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
Israel’s Rejection Was Foreknown
From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders. They questioned His authority, rejected His miracles, and attributed His works to Satan (Matthew 12:24).
This accusation marked a national turning point. From that moment, Jesus began to speak in parables and focus more on preparing His disciples for what was to come.
Betrayed by His Own
Though multitudes followed Him for miracles, the nation as a whole did not believe that He was indeed the Israel’s Messiah. When given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, they chose a murderer.
“We have no king but Caesar!”
— John 19:15
The Cross Was Not the End of the Offer
Even after the crucifixion, in the early chapters of Acts, God offered Israel the Kingdom again—through Peter and the apostles:
“Repent therefore and be converted… that He may send Jesus Christ… whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration…”
— Acts 3:19–21
But once again, the leaders rejected the message. The final act of national rejection came in Acts 7, with the stoning of Stephen.
Why This Matters
Jesus was the promised King. The Kingdom was offered. But Israel—as a nation—rejected it. They crucified their Messiah and refused to repent, even after the resurrection.
This doesn’t mean God’s promises failed. It simply means the prophetic program was paused—and something brand new was about to be revealed.