Apostate Paul: Deceiver of Christianity
An examination of Paul's contradictions with Christ's teachings
Introduction
This guide organizes the key arguments presented in Felix Immanuel's work, "Apostate Paul: Deceiver of Christianity." The central thesis is that the teachings of the Apostle Paul, as found in his epistles, often contradict the direct teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospels. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these alleged discrepancies.
Salvation
Paul's Teaching
Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Ephesians 2:8-9
Christ's Teaching
Salvation requires worthiness attained by keeping God's commandments (Luke 20:35-36; Matthew 19:17b).
Luke 20:35-36; Matthew 19:17b
Gospel
Paul's Teaching
The gospel is the "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).
Acts 20:24
Christ's Teaching
The gospel is the "gospel of the kingdom of God" (Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14).
Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14
Foundation
Paul's Teaching
He laid the foundation as a wise master builder (1 Corinthians 3:10).
1 Corinthians 3:10
Christ's Teaching
Jesus' teachings are the foundation; obedience to His sayings builds a house on rock (Matthew 6:46-49).
Matthew 6:46-49
Children of God
Paul's Teaching
We are adopted as sons by Jesus Christ according to God's will (Ephesians 1:5).
Ephesians 1:5
Christ's Teaching
We become children of God by believing in His name and being born of God (John 1:12-13).
John 1:12-13
Law
Paul's Teaching
Christ abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances (Ephesians 2:15).
Ephesians 2:15
Christ's Teaching
He came not to destroy but to fulfill the Law or the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
Matthew 5:17
Path to Salvation
Paul's Teaching
Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). This is described as a wide and easy way.
Romans 10:9-10
Christ's Teaching
Enter by the narrow gate and difficult path which leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
Matthew 7:13-14
Double-Tongued Paul: Contradictory Teachings
Salvation
Paul presents conflicting views on whether salvation is by works (Romans 2:5-7) or by faith confession (Romans 10:9-10).
Justification by Law
Paul states that no flesh will be justified by the deeds of the law (Romans 3:20), yet also states that the doers of the law will be justified (Romans 2:13).
Law
Paul states Christ abolished the law (Ephesians 2:14-15), yet also states that through faith, they establish the law (Romans 3:31).
Detailed Analysis of Pauline Contradictions
Further examination of Paul's teachings and their inconsistencies
Conclusion: Two Different Paths
Paul's Easy Path to Pseudo-Salvation:
Paul's doctrine emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, with no works required for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10). Faith itself is imputed for righteousness (Romans 4:5). This is presented as an "easy path" to salvation, often using the analogy of adoption where individuals have no active role in being adopted (Galatians 4:5).
Jesus Christ's Difficult Path to True Salvation:
In contrast, Jesus' path to salvation is described as difficult, requiring individuals to be counted worthy by God (Luke 20:35). This involves practicing righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20) and being sinless to abide in God's house (John 8:34-35). Jesus' teachings emphasize drastic measures to avoid sin, including cutting off offending body parts (Matthew 18:8-9). This path is through a "narrow gate and difficult path" (Matthew 7:13-14), achieved through being "born again" of God and being without sin (John 3:5; John 8:34-36).
The Fundamental Difference:
There is a "huge" difference between Christ's and Paul's doctrines. Paul's doctrine teaches salvation by grace through faith, where obedience follows salvation and is not a prerequisite. Followers may believe they are clothed with God's righteousness by faith alone. In contrast, Christ's doctrine requires obedience as a prerequisite for salvation. Individuals must strive to be sinless and righteous to enter God's kingdom, as exemplified by Christ's life.
Paul's doctrine emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, with no works required for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10). Faith itself is imputed for righteousness (Romans 4:5). This is presented as an "easy path" to salvation, often using the analogy of adoption where individuals have no active role in being adopted (Galatians 4:5).
Jesus Christ's Difficult Path to True Salvation:
In contrast, Jesus' path to salvation is described as difficult, requiring individuals to be counted worthy by God (Luke 20:35). This involves practicing righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20) and being sinless to abide in God's house (John 8:34-35). Jesus' teachings emphasize drastic measures to avoid sin, including cutting off offending body parts (Matthew 18:8-9). This path is through a "narrow gate and difficult path" (Matthew 7:13-14), achieved through being "born again" of God and being without sin (John 3:5; John 8:34-36).
The Fundamental Difference:
There is a "huge" difference between Christ's and Paul's doctrines. Paul's doctrine teaches salvation by grace through faith, where obedience follows salvation and is not a prerequisite. Followers may believe they are clothed with God's righteousness by faith alone. In contrast, Christ's doctrine requires obedience as a prerequisite for salvation. Individuals must strive to be sinless and righteous to enter God's kingdom, as exemplified by Christ's life.
"The example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was."
Quran 3:59