
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
by Paul Roberts
I’ve been doing some self-examination in preparation for the Lord’s return. The Lord is coming back for a glorious church, one without spot or wrinkle (i. e. blemish). Since the Lord’s return is imminent, we should redeem the time left by examining our own hearts before his return to prepare ourselves and be ready at his coming. Since it is easy for us to deceive ourselves into thinking our hearts are clean through our own eyes, I’ve had to go to the Word of God to allow it to discern and reveal to me the thoughts of my heart. I found that Galatians 5:19-21 is a good starting point to begin cleaning up the thoughts of my heart. The sins of the flesh, which are enumerated in these verses, I’ve found to be very revealing and those who are of the OSAS doctrine need to visit and meditate upon these verses and seek God’s mercy to forgive them and to cleanse them from any of these unrighteous “works of the flesh”.
Following are those “works of the flesh” which will, according to Galatians 5:19-21, prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God and the peace of mind which passes all understanding. I used Strong’s Concordance, W. E. Vines Expository Greek Dictionary of New Testament Words, Webster’s Dictionary, and some scripture verses to define, as clearly as possible, these “works of the flesh” . These clearly defined sins of the flesh will allow us to elevate to a conscious level the sinful thoughts that may now reside in our hearts and minds so we can confess them to God before the return of Jesus and consciously begin to replace them with thoughts produced from the truth of the Word of God. We must necessarily go to the Word of God since it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart(Hebrews 4:12 KJV). For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17 KJV). Those sinful thoughts that will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God are enumerated in Galatians 5:19-21as follows:
I. Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which dosuch things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
A. The sin of Adultery (Moicheia – Greek): Unlawful sexual intercourse with the spouse of another. Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:28 KJV). Lust, in this sense, is defined in scripture to mean: “to set the heart upon, i. e. long for (rightfully or otherwise): – covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
B. The sin of Fornication (Porneia – Greek): Harlotry (incl. adultery and incest): fig. idolatry:—fornication. Illicit sexual intercourse. To act the harlot; indulge in unlawful lust (of either sex), practice idolatry:—-commit fornication. Metaphorically, of the association of pagan acts of idolatry with doctrines of, and professed adherence to, the Christian faith.
C. The sin of Uncleanness: (Akatharsia – Greek): impurity (the quality), physical or moral – uncleanness. Impure [lewd] or specifically [demonic]: – foul, unclean. Morally unclean (suggestive of the fact that sensuality and evil doctrine are frequently associated).
D. The sin of Lasciviousness: (Aselgeia – Greek): Licentious (sometimes including other vices including filthy conversation): – filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness. Denotes excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness; one of the evils that proceed from the heart. The prominent idea is shameless conduct.
E. The sin of Idolatry:(Eidololatreia – Greek): image worship (literally or figuratively); – idolatry. Idolatry is breaking the first and greatest commandment of the blood covenant which prohibits having any other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3-6; KJV). An idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his secret idols represent in the thoughts of his heart and mind on which he/she obsesses, and thereby, a slave to divers lusts such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life all of which include, but are not limited to, either food – Philippians 3:19 (KJV); outward appearances – 1st Samuel 16:7 (KJV); Matthew 6:1-18 (KJV); 1st Peter 3:1-4 (KJV); alcohol – Proverbs 20:1 (KJV); Isaiah 5:11 (KJV); Joel 1:5 (KJV); drugs or sorceries (i. e. Pharmakon – Greek: – a drug, i. e. a spell giving potion; a druggist [pharmacist] or poisoner) – Revelations 9:21 (KJV); sex – Matthew 5:28 (KJV); money – Ezekiel 7:19 (Amplified version); Matthew 6:19-24 (KJV); 1st Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV); Revelation 3:17 KJV; or graven images – Deuteronomy 4:15-19 (KJV), etc.)
F. The sin of Witchcraft: (Pharmakeia – Greek) Medication (Pharmacy – English translation), i. e. (by extens.) magic (lit. or fig.): — sorcery, witchcraft; (a drug, i. e. spell giving potion); a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i. e. (by extens.) a magician:–sorcerer. Pharmakeia signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poisoning; then sorcery.
G. The sin of Hatred: (Echthra – Greek) – hostility; by impl. A reason for opposition: — enmity, hatred. (to hate) (pass. Odious, or act. Hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (espec. Satan):—enemy, foe.
H. The sin of Variance: (Dichazo – Greek) A quarrel, i. e. (by implication) wrangling: – contention, debate, strife, variance. To cut apart, divide in two. Strife in Galatians 5:20 is rendered variance. Variance is both in a “good” sense and a “bad” sense. In Matthew 10:35 variance is used in a good sense as respects the position of a believer being at variance with his non-believing family when Jesus said that he didn’t come to send peace on the earth: but a sword. For he came to set a man at variance against his father——. Contention, or variance, is used in a bad sense when it emanates from pride as shown in Proverbs 13:10.
I. The sin of Emulations: (Zelos- Greek) – Zeal in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable sense, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice): – emulation, envy (-ing). fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal. Jealousies (incl. jealousies of a husband) are used in an unfavorable sense in Galatians 5:20. Jealously in its word definition means: Intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness. Disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness. Apprehensive of the loss of another’s exclusive devotion. Hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage. Vigilant in guarding a possession. Distrustfully watchful, suspicious. The spirit of jealousy based on unfounded suspicions is a sin. There is no court of law that would throw out the “rules of admissible evidence” and convict a person based on suspicions alone. Those suspicions arising from probable cause will not suffice to convict. Only upon truth being received by way of either revelation of the Lord according to His prescribed test for infidelity could a person be convicted of infidelity or by the presentation of hard evidence that is admissible in a court of law could a jury truthfully convict another person of infidelity or unfaithfulness (e. g. Numbers 5:14-31; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16 KJV). So, unless a jealous spouse can put forward hard evidence to substantiate their suspicions based on probable cause then they should repent of their sin of “emulation” or jealousy which would, otherwise, prevent them from inheriting the kingdom of God.
J. The sin of Wrath: (Thumos – Greek) – passion (as if breathing hard); – fierceness, indignation, wrath. Hot anger, passion. An agitated condition of the feelings, or an outward burst of wrath arising suddenly from inward indignation. Unlike the Greek word “orge” which suggests a more settled or abiding condition of the mind, frequently with a view to taking revenge.
K: The sin of Strife: (Eritheia – Greek) – to stimulate (espec. To anger): – provoke. Intrigue, i. e. (by impl.) faction: – contention (-ious), strife. Denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes party-making (i. e. sectarian or denominationalism). It is derived, not from eris, strife, but from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers, “factions,” so rendered in R. V. or 2nd Corinthians 12:20, A. V., “strifes;” not improbably the meaning here is rivalries, or base ambitions.
L: The sin of Seditions: (Dichostasia – Greek) – Literally, a “standing apart (dicha, asunder, apart, stasis, a standing). Hence, a dissension, division, is translated seditions. Disunion, i. e. (fig.) dissension: – division, sedition. A derivative of the Greek word “stasis” which means popular uprising; fig. controversy: – dissension, insurrection.
M: The sin of Heresies: (Hairesis – Greek) – denotes (a) a choosing, choice (from haireomai, to choose); then, that which is chosen, and hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, Galatians 5:20 (marg., “parties”); such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage. A choice, i. e. (spec.) a party or (abstr.) disunion: – heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect. An opinion or doctrine contrary to the truth. Adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma established by the inspired scriptures.
N: The sin of Envyings: (Phthonos – Greek) – envy, is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word. There is a distinction between jealously and envy. Envy desires to deprive another of what he/she has whereas jealously desires to retain possession of that which he/she already has to the exclusion of all others. Envy is a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.
O. The sin of Murders: (Phonos – Greek) – in the plural of murders. The word “murders” is also rendered slaughter.
P. The sin of Drunkenness: (Methe) – strong drink (akin to methu, wine), denotes drunkenness, habitual intoxication – Galatians 5:21. The fact that habitual intoxication will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God in that it is considered a sin or a work of the flesh, should point up the truth that one can only be set free from captivity to that sin by redemption through the redeeming blood of Jesus. Redemption in it’s word definition means: “To pay the price for something with the idea of setting it free,——-live a slave.” Jesus paid the ransom price of His blood to set us free from captivity to sin which includes “drunkenness”.
This definition of drunkenness as a sin and redemption as sin’s cure should scuttle the heresy of the doctrine of Alcoholics Anonymous which puts forth the idea that alcoholism is a sickness, not a sin, and that it can be managed by help from a higher power whatever or whoever that power may be in the eyes of the alcoholic, by attending meetings regularly, and by stating at each meeting that they are alcoholics. First of all, as scripture clearly states, drunkenness is a sin not a sickness (Galatians 5:21 KJV). Secondly, not just any higher power will do the job of delivering us from sin. There is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved other than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12 KJV). Finally, someone repetitively stating that they are an alcoholic is contrary to scripture’s instruction to those sinners who are redeemed to say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV). Following is an account of the state of the apostle Paul who described his captivity to sin prior to being redeemed by the blood of Jesus: “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” – (Romans 7:14-25 & 8:3-4 KJV). Notice, he was delivered from captivity to the law of sin in his members through Jesus Christ, not some organization like AA.
Scripture, contrary to the so-called “BIG BOOK” put out by Alcoholics Anonymous, states the following regarding our former captivity to habitual sin before our redemption by blood through faith in the crucifixion of our flesh with Christ: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield ye yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, be cause we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 6:5-18 KJV).
Read chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Romans to understand that Romans 7:14-24 is not Paul’s condition after his redemption by blood, but before his redemption and, therefore, stop trying to manage the sin of habitual intoxication as though it’s just a sickness or some genetic predisposition. How do I know this to be true? First and foremost, it’s the truth according to scripture. Secondly, I was once alcoholic but was delivered instantly by the power of God. Now, rather than saying my name is Paul Roberts and I’m an alcoholic, I say instead, I am redeemed (i. e. I am delivered and set free from the sin of drunkenness for whoever the Lord sets free is free indeed – John 8:36 KJV). Let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV).
Q. The sin of Revellings: (Komos – Greek) – a revel, carousal (as if a letting loose), the concomitant and consequence of drunkenness, is used in the plural in Galatians 5:21.
Thought my examination of the thoughts of my own heart through means of the discerning words of Scripture would be helpful to others as well.
Paul Roberts
Making Peace with God | Fresh Start with God
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Abiding
“My Sheep Hear My Voice, and I Know them, and they Follow Me” [podcast]

There are 7 portraits of Jesus in the Gospel of John. One of those seven portraits is Jesus our “the good shepherd.” (John 10)
The first thing the good shepherd of the sheep did was give His life to purchase the sheep with His own blood.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Jesus who created us, then came to die to buy up back to the Father and Himself.
The Bible, God’s Word, is full of illustrations of who God is, and who He is to us. He is our shepherd….the shepherd of His true sheep. How do we know who His remnant saints, sheep truly are? How do we know if we individually are truly His?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
“John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice – But ye will not hear: – my sheep follow me; but ye will neither follow nor acknowledge me. Any person who reads without prejudice may easily see, that our Lord does not at all insinuate that these persons could not believe, because God had made it impossible to them; but simply because they did not hear and follow Christ, which the whole of our blessed Lord’s discourse proves that they might have done. The sheep of Christ are not those who are included in any eternal decree, to the exclusion of others from the yearnings of the bowels of eternal mercy; but they are those who hear, believe in, follow, and obey the Savior of the world.” Adam Clarke
We know He is our shepherd if we are reading, listening for, and walking out the voice of His Word. That’s why He gave us His Word. The voice of His Word is His voice. This is why God gave us the Bible, His Word, the “voice” of His Word. Jesus says “My sheep hear my voice” and the “voice” of Jesus is with us, is God’s written Word. We have the “voice”, the very words of our LORD on record. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The primary way God’s voice is heard by His sheep is the Holy Scriptures….. reading God’s Word is hearing the voice of God.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14
Our LORD, the good shepherd of our souls, told us that His sheep are those who hear His voice, the voice of His Word. Those not in the Word are not hearing the voice of God.
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
Those who are “of the truth” hear the voice, the words of Jesus Christ.
“To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37
Jesus made it clear who His true sheep are ….
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
Jesus’ sheep hear His voice, He knows them, they follow Him. They don’t listen to nor follow their own feelings, human reasoning, their own wicked heart, nor any mere men … “follow your heart”? No. That’s a lie from hell. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) Jesus died to save you so you would be His, and that you would follow Him, His voice and none other.
Jesus, on record in John 10:27-29, is telling us that it’s only those who are hearing His voice, the voice of His Word, and following Him, who are going to be kept in His holy hand. After being saved, only those who abide in Christ to the end will be kept by Him and with Him eternally. Read John 15:1-6 where you will see that any whom Jesus saves and yet then they don’t “abide” (remain, continue) in Him will be cast into the fire of hell (v6).
Take a closer look at John 10:27-29. Anchor the promise in verses 28-29 on verse 27 where Jesus identifies who His sheep are—those who hear and continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him (present tense). The divine promise here to be kept is a conditional
promise requiring the individual recipient of the gift of God to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). If you are born again, a sheep of Christ’ pasture, and you cease hearing His voice and following Him, you are no long His.
Many today detach, separate our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29 of John 10. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” mythology which is Satan’s first lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Beware as this was the first lie Satan told mankind, which led to the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
The LORD saved you to be His – to hear the voice of His Word and to follow Him, to walk with Him.
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5
To be kept you must live “through faith” – to hear and believe the voice of His Word, and walk with Him accordingly.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“Eternal security”, otherwise known as “once saved always saved”, is a lie from hell. Run from any and all wolves peddling this, Satan’s first lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
To be “kept” by Jesus, the saved sheep must live his life “through faith.”
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
The recipient of salvation must “through faith” be “kept.” God never removes man’s free will and requires not only initial but also continued faith. Jesus foretold that some would be saved and then not continue with Him and “fall away” (Luke 8:12-13).
“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:9
Prayer: Father, I know You are holy and require my faith to the end of this life. Make sensitive my conscience, quicken my spirit to repentance and to be holy as You are holy. In Jesus’ name.
Jesus Christ our LORD is “that great shepherd of the sheep.”
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
“For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,” Psalms 95:7
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalms 100:3
“To hear His voice, we submit to the pruning of the Holy Ghost in our heart. The fruit of righteousness can only be produced in an ABIDING relationship with Jesus and cultivated by the Holy Spirit given to them that OBEY him. (John 15:3-5; 14:15-17)” Jon Crane
Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at and amazon. English and Spanish.
See what others are saying about this devotional book.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Hell | Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ | Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast] | Fresh Start with God | Peace with God | Jesus is Coming Just as He Promised [podcast] | Having No Part Dark [podcast] | An Angry Man in Hell | Tormented in this Flame | Wolves Exposed | The High Treason of False Leaders | A Quick Nugget on Discerning Wolves | Knowing Your Enemy [podcast] | Is God Faithful to save us if we aren’t faithful to Him?




Articles
Eternal Security Death Nails [podcast]

SATAN’S FIRST AND BIGGEST SCAM – BUT IT ONLY WORKS ON THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO LOVE THEIR DARKNESS AND SIN MORE THAN THEY LOVE JESUS! Get to know Genesis 2:17 and 3:4.
Here’s the eternal security / OSAS category on the ministry site….. have fun!
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“I don’t believe in osas but one of my context scriptures was John 6:37 I read it in context and looked it up in Strong’s can you please help me?”
REPLY:
Firstly, we must look at the what the whole of Scripture reveals on this matter and know that “God is not the author of confusion.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37
This is simply saying that Jesus will receive anyone who come to Him, which speaks of initial salvation. Yet Jesus says to His own that they must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory – final salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). The fact that Jesus receives all who come to Him in repentance and faith for initial salvation, in no way means He will keep them if they don’t “abide” in Him according to His own terms of agreement (John 15:1-6). In fact, Jesus says that those who come to Him and then don’t remain in Him, “abide” – continue – with Him, will be cast into the fires of hell (John 15:6).
Notice later in this very chapter, John 6, we read the following:
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:66
God never forces any person to come to Him nor to remain (abide) in Him. Free will is the gift of God (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15).
Jesus will not cast out anyone He brings into His kingdom and yet they can leave, they are always free to leave, because He gives them free will….just as did the prodigal son who left his father’s house. We choose to leave Him by not adhering to His just and stated conditions. Jesus says that there will be some who believe and are saved only later to “fall away.” (Luke 8:12-13)
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Eternal security is one thing he gets right….Plenty of scripture to back it up.”
REPLY:
The term “back it up” that you use makes it all too clear that you are looking for a reason to believe this sin-justifying lie because you love your darkness rather than light, refuse to truly repent, lay down your life in this world, deny self daily, take up the cross, live a crucified life, and follow Jesus for real (Luke 9:23-24).
You are deceived and guilty of bearing false witness against the LORD. Does the conversation between God and Adam and Eve and then Satan’s conversation with Eve back it up? No. It identifies OSAS as the first lie of satan that led to the fall of mankind. It’s irrefutable. Gen 2:17; 3:4
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Eternal Security/OSAS | Calvinism Exposed | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism) | Lukewarm is Hell Bound!




Abiding
“The Trial of Your Faith” has a Divine Eternal Purpose [podcast]

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
“It is through much trial and tribulations that we are made pure, holy, and clean in His sight by the working of his Spirit in our hearts to conform us to Christ Image.” Jon Crane
The trials God allows into our lives, purify – but only as we praise, worship, thank, and obey Him through those seasons of tribulations.
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:7-9
God is Purifying His Kingdom Saints
“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10
“Gold tried in the fire” refers to a spiritual metaphor, primarily from the Bible, that describes how difficult trials and hardships purify and strengthen one’s faith, revealing and removing hidden impurities like bitterness or pride, similar to how fire removes impurities from gold to make it purer and more valuable. It encourages believers to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, resulting in a more genuine, tested, and valuable faith.”
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:18-19
“Purify the sons” – Christ’s kingdom disciples
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3
We should not be surprised by the trials and sufferings of all true disciple of Jesus.
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:10-12
“the fiery trial which is to try you”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
As we abide in Christ, bearing fruit, He will continue to purge us so that we bring forth even more fruit.
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2
In the fiery trials, Job declared:
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Being purified, remaining true to God no matter what adversity he face guaranteed that Job would see God…
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” Job 19:25
Only “the pure in heart” are going to see, to be with God in eternity.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
“This verse is not for the hypocrites. Who play being a Christian on Sunday mornings. This is for the honest remnant who sit at His feet and pour out their hearts. As David did in Psalm 51. Asking God to create in them a clean heart! The ones Jesus is coming back for without any spot of sin. Let us draw near to God having our hearts and conscience washed with the pure water!” Karen Cochran
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried” Daniel 12:10
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. Let me explain: No, we are not earning our own salvation and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify us to be presented to Him as His bride.
The people, the church Jesus is returning for:
“… Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. No, we are not earning them and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify them to be presented to Him as His bride.
“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:35
They “shall fall” and God is going “to try them, and to purge, and to make them white.”
Of this verse, one source notes the following:
“The verse begins by stating that “some of them of understanding shall fall.” This is a reference to the wise and learned individuals in Israel who will suffer and be persecuted. This suffering is meant to “try them, and to purge, and to make them white.” The use of the word “try” suggests that the suffering is a test, a way to prove the true character and faith of the people. The word “purge” has connotations of purification, removing impurities or unwanted elements. This suffering is a means of refining the people, making them stronger and more steadfast in their faith. The phrase “to make them white” suggests that through this process of suffering and purification, the people will be made pure, clean, and righteous in the eyes of God.”
HOW do we know, how can we discern who Christ’s true remnant, His bride is?
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
We know the true bride by their adherence to Christ. They are about the “Father’s business” as they are accomplishing the Great Commission Jesus gave His people:
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
YOUR PRAYER: Dear LORD I know You are going to chasten, try, scourge, and purge my life in order to purify it for Your acceptance and glory as I know You are Holy, holy, holy. Please multiply Your enabling, heart softening grace to this life You gave Father. Bless me to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Your grace is sufficient for You to be glorified in this life no matter what. I love You LORD and am living to see You soon, for Your soon return. In Jesus’ name.
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Let Him be Your Fear [podcast] | Why We Need Not Fear Death | Fear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]




Todd
September 30, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Hope you are well Gregory. May God’s blessings abound to you in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD. Glad to have you as a friend. Todd