For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf. (vv. 13-15)

There are good doctrines and bad doctrines. Good doctrines strengthen our understanding of God and help us avoid meaningless arguments. Bad doctrines lead to confusion and eventually to a misunderstanding of God. Since the knowledge of God is closely related to our righteousness, bad doctrines mean unrighteousness. We all know that the unrighteous are not saved. By this, I am not saying that those who study Christian doctrines diligently will be saved. Rather, those who are elected (saved) know what is right and what is wrong.

Many theologians and ministers follow doctrines that proclaim universal salvation or salvation by works. They often quote Paul’s words, but their teachings are full of paradox. They want to believe something that is not true. When other Bible verses say things that differ from what they assert, they simply ignore them. They try to please others, meaning they seek money and fame. We should always be on high alert when they speak falsely about God.

Paul used metaphors here and there to make his message easier for readers to understand. As a highly learned man, his letters have a logical flow. However, it is not easy to grasp the whole picture if one does not know what the entire Bible teaches. Paul’s message is simple: those who are united with Christ died with Him and were resurrected with Him. This applies not only to those who participated in the Lord’s Supper, but to those who are spiritually united with Him by the Holy Spirit and have new life. Physically attending the Lord’s Supper does not, by itself, mean anything. Judas Iscariot participated in the Lord’s Supper but was rejected.

The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. (Matthew 26:24)

We know that some are saved and others are rejected by God. We do not know who is truly saved, but we know that God loves those who are humble. We know that there is nothing good in us that deserves the Kingdom of God. We struggle and stumble every day as we carry our own cross. God’s words sustain us, and we trust entirely in His guidance. God does not reject such people, and they are humble because of the Spirit.

For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge. (vv. 4-5)

Those who receive praise from people and hold high positions cannot be humble. They may pretend to be humble, but they simply cannot be. God gives them wealth and fame, and as a result they cannot remain humble. However, people follow them like flies to light. It is sad to see that some ministers and theologians receive much praise and have many followers. Together, they preach false doctrines, and their followers become just like them.

As we read the Bible, we must remind ourselves of the true gospel. Paul, under much suffering and many challenges, wrote letters so that we would not be enticed. Churches must preach the Kingdom of God, but most ministers and their followers are not interested. This is because the Holy Spirit is not in them; they have not been given hope. Without the Kingdom of God, a sermon is a dead sermon.

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (vv. 14-15)