God Cannot be Tempted with Evil
God is “Holy, holy, holy.”
“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8
All sin is man’s doing, not God’s. Man alone is to be blamed, not the LORD. All who would blame the LORD with their lame, self-serving excuses indict the Almighty!
We sure do strive against sin (Hebrews 12:4) and yet are given full divine grace and enablement to overcome all sin – “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
Those who conveniently ignore the divine mandate of Romans 6 to crucify the sinful man and his evil, sinful deeds are denying Christ who died to take away all sin from our lives. To deny such is to deny the Gospel.
The Bible never separates being saved from sin and being saved for eternity.
They are always connected and so anyone claiming to be saved and yet is not presently saved from their sin, is completely deluded. They have bought into the life of the ages which Satan launched in the Garden of Eden when he told the first man and woman that they could sin against the LORD and “not surely die” or be separated from Him (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). This lie from hell caused the fall of the first man and woman and is causing the fall of millions today who vainly believe they are saved for Heaven while living in their sins unrepentant!
At the Day of Pentecost, when the LORD’s church was born, Jesus’ apostle Peter testified to those saved: “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40)
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
I can hear it now: “BUT BUT BUT……. being holy is a nice thought and theory, BUT BUT BUT… does God really expect to be what He commanded us to be? Will He not overlook our sins? Doesn’t He see us through the blood of Christ?”
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
Those who are living in unrepentant sin and somehow believe God is going to forgive them in the end may wish to consider that:
1. You may never have the chance to repent, sudden, instant death happens to thousands daily (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 22:11).
2. You may call upon the LORD and He will not hear you (Proverbs 1).
Let me pause to say that obviously, this writer is a disciple also and so just like yourself, he knows the gravity of sin and yet is also blessed to know the power of Jesus Christ to crucify all sin out of his personal life, but only as this follower is truly abiding crucified with Christ. Only as we are abiding crucified with Christ are we free from the entanglement and defilement of all sin!
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Satan and sinful self are always at work, making excuse for soul damning sin. Yet the Bible has all of God’s answers for all sin, not just some sin. Learning to die – to lay aside self for the greater glory of Jesus’ reign – is at the heart of Christ’s message of the daily cross (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-26, etc.). Those who deny the daily cross Christ commanded, are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)
The list of excuses goes on and on and on, yet they’re all based on rebellion and unbelief against our Maker who through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ made full and complete provision through to save us from all sin.
In fact, is that not exactly why Jesus came?
The announcements of the Messiah’s birth, Ministry, and Divine Mission:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
To deny that God sent His only begotten Son to save us from all sin is to deny Christ.
You are calling God a liar to say you can’t be blessed by Him to overcome all sin and sinning. Those who dare indict the Almighty this way despise the perfect salvation of Jesus Christ.
“The spirit of holiness” as from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is to possess all of God’s children, enabling them to “through the (Holy) Spirit … mortify the deeds of the body.” (Romans 1:4; 8:13-14)
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die (be separated from God): but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (have life with Christ). 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (those living in sin are not being led of the Spirit and are not the sons of God). 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (why fear if God has given you His full divine power over all sin?). 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (as we live in His holiness by the power of His Holy Spirit): 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (notice that this is clearly condistional). 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (suffering death to self).” Romans 8:12-18
Excuse makers are not true disciples of Jesus. They put more trust in the sinful nature than they do in the saving power of Jesus Christ which means they have “an evil heart of unbelief” and have departed from the saving faith of Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:12-15; 1 Timothy 4:1).
“Take heed, brethren (not lost souls), lest there be in any of YOU (brethren) an EVIL heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But (in light of this jeopardy of soul) exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, IF IF IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15
The same excuse-making sinners who use Romans 7 to justify their sin, refuse to be confronted with Paul’s words in the very previous chapter – Romans 6. They refuse to repent of all sin and be crucified with Christ and are kindling for the fires of eternal damnation. Saving grace saves us from sin and quickens us to repent and confess any and all sin if we make choice to commit such as is named in Scripture and defiles our wedding garments (Mark 7:20-23; Galatians 5:19-21). Listen closely to this Titus 2 passage beloved:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
It is clear from this Bible passage that only those who are by the enabling grace of God, learning of Him and “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” are ready to meet Christ at His soon return.
According to Titus 2, exactly what is divine saving grace teaching those who are truly possessed with it? – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (v12) This means that anyone who claims to be Christ’s and yet is not learning to daily deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” is utterly deceived. Whatever you do, pour over and learn this passage! Let it take full precedence in your heart and mind, overruling the message of those wolves who have taken sin lightly and made you feel comfortable while living in soul-damning sin. Cast down those wicked false images of God beloved (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Deborah Blanchard notes:
“God is Holy and to be feared. He demands holiness from us. It is our choice and when we choose to be obedient to Him He gives us the power to overcome. It is a fearful thought of mine to come before a Holy God. At the same time, it is a loving God who provides all we need when we decide to come to Him on His terms.”
Continuing in sin and yet still saved?
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2
If you are not currently saved from sin, you are not saved, period.
Let’s review the above passage:
Question:
“Shall we continue in sin, that (saving, essential) grace may abound?”
Answer:
“God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
“This Present Evil World”
“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4
Of Galatians 1:4, the late Donald Stamps aptly noted:
“DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD. This verse if probably an early confession of faith that was well known throughout the N.T. churches. It connects the death of Christ with the forgiveness of sin and deliverance from ‘this present evil world.’ Essential to the saving purpose is the deliverance of believers from the evil that dominates the societies of this world. The first gospel message preached after the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit contained the words: ‘Save yourselves from this untoward generation.’ (Acts 2:40) Believers must live for God and refuse to be governed by the prevailing values, wisdom, opinions, corrupt desires, ambitions, and pleasures of the people of the world.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1830
If you love your sin more than Christ, you have openly denied Him and are in danger of hellfire. If you don’t repent and return to Him, allowing Him to make you holy as is defined by Him alone, He is going to deny you access to eternal glory and terminate you into the bowels of eternal damnation.
“It is a faithful saying: For IF we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 IF we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 IF we believe not, yet he abideth (remains) faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Notice that the LORD says of Himself here that “he cannot deny himself.” It never says He can’t deny you. Say what?! Yes, read the passage above again very carefully and you will note that many have been misled by false teachers to believe that God will never deny them because they had once been saved in their past. But is that what the LORD is saying in the passage above? No! He says that He cannot deny Himself – not us. It never says He cannot and will not deny us. In fact, it says in plain daylight that “if we deny him, he also will deny us.” The “if” means it’s possible to deny Christ and the divine promise here is that “if we (do) deny him, he also will deny us.”
Note also that this passage assures us that only “if we be dead with him” shall we “live (eternally) with him.” And, only “IF we suffer (death to self)” shall we “reign with him.”
Make no mistake: The blessing of eternal glory is condition, not un-conditional as many false teachers teach.
It’s time to snap out of the spell of all fictitious notions and falsehoods we have been fed by the epidemic of beguilers who now fill books, pulpits, audio messages, videos, websites, and otherwise with their lies from hell. Get into God’s Word and take Him who is the Judge of your eternal soul at His Word. Decide to “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.”(Romans 3:4)
A Willingly Deceived Generation
“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Proverbs 30:12
Foolish, deceived souls somehow believe that they can be saved and have “eternal security” while they refuse to be saved from their sin. Nothing could be further from the truth as any honest hearted Bible student knows. This is a brazen denial of Christ who died “that he might redeem us from all iniquity,” not just some iniquity (Titus 2:14).
Those who refuse to submit to the “daily” dying to self will find any speck of Bible truth to twist to justify their rebellion and make excuse for their rebellion and sin (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16).
It’s essential to be “honest” in all things as Jesus taught and yet He also said that “men loved darkness rather than light.” (Luke 9:23-24; John 3:19-21)
2 Corinthians 7:1 says: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Departing from all Iniquity is Commanded by the LORD
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal (stamp, earmark), The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
It’s clear from this above passage that every single person who is currently in Christ’s body and secure with Him, is departing “from iniquity.” Contrast with those who revel in sin and them make excuses for doing so.
Nothing in God’s Word could be more clear than the fact that all who die in sin – all – will spend eternity in the lake of fire (Ezekiel 33:12-13; 18:30; Romans 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).
When speaking to His very own people, Jesus promised that only those among them that “overcome” would be with Him eternally (Revelation 2-3). The Holy Spirit told us through Peter that in the end “the righteous” would “scarcely be saved.” Many have fallen away or not endured to the end which is a requirement imposed upon us by the LORD. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18)
Whether previously saved or not, all those who die in sin are going to the lake of fire. The whole of God’s Word testifies to this fact. Jesus said to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes us to offend the one true God who said He is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Read Mark 9:42-49, a passage purposely dodged by the spineless, self-serving cowards behind today’s pulpits who claim to be representing Christ while refusing to declare the full counsel of His Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The Son of God promised us that He will be ashamed of them in the Judgment, which means they will be vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation (Mark 8:38; John 8:47). There’s no doubt that after we have been saved, we have all sinned against God and yet there are those who openly and honestly admit they have sinned and repent, turning back to the LORD (Luke 8:15; 1 John 1:7-10; Revelation 3:17-19). And then, there are those who use false doctrine like OSAS (once saved always saved) to cloak themselves in that sin, falsely claiming they are still secure. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The LORD Jesus and the Father, the One who will judge our eternal souls, made it clear that we must repent of any sin committed. Only then does He “cleanseth us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The LORD made full provision for all sin in the perfect sacrifice of Christ and yet, the benefits of that sacrifice are only appropriated (received) by those who meet the divinely stated conditions.
Notice what the divine counsel reveals through Jesus’ apostle Paul in the end of 2 Corinthians 12:
“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” 2 Corinthians 12:20-21
Read this passage several times prayerfully. You will notice that as Paul is writing this to the church at Corinth, he is dreading having to go and have to deal with their sin – that is, the sin of those who had not yet repented of the sins they committed. He never denied that perhaps all of them had committed some sin since he last saw them. Yet, the ones he was exclusively concerned about were the ones who had not yet repented of their sin.
Sin is always a choice of the individual. The old sinful nature cannot be used as a scapegoat. It’s present with us and yet, must be kept under subjection to the divine power of the Holy Ghost.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
The word “keep” here once again makes it clear that the denial of the sinful self is an ongoing requirement. It’s also obvious that Paul didn’t believe or teach the “once saved always saved” heresy, otherwise he would never have stated that he himself could also become “a castaway” which simply means he could ultimately cast away from Christ into eternal damnation.
To intimate in any way that we are relegated to live in sin, would be saying that God’s regenerating, transforming, saving, enabling grace is not enough to keep us from all sin. That’s a lie from hell.
If you sin, be honest and admit it to the LORD. How foolish of us to think that He doesn’t see and know our sin in the first place? (Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 10:26; Hebrews 4:13) Who are we trying to fool?
“He that covereth (tries to hide) his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
The above Bible verse speaks about the necessity of being honest before the One who sees all. Also, it makes crystal clear that all sin that the believer chooses to commit must be confessed and forsaken.
Memorize Proverbs 28:13 (KJV). Write it on an index card and read, meditate upon, and memorize this truth. Share this with others.
Do you believe we have to be perfect after we become a Christian? Yes, perfect in heart, which without fail brings “fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” with Christ in glory (Romans 6:22). Many misuse the Bible truth that “the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Some use this as a cloak/excuse for their sin, acting as if God overlooks their sins, even if they refuse to repent, confess, and forsake them.
“What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:21-23
God looks upon the heart first and foremost as His eyes search to and fro throughout the earth, looking for that person whose HEART (not necessarily their performance) is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). The thief on the cross was utterly wicked until he turned his heart to Jesus and Jesus freely saved him in his last moment on earth. The fruit of and outward actions of our lives will begin to align with the abiding heart that is perfectly fixed upon and abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6; Colossians 3:1-8, etc.). We must not cover but rather repent of and forsake sin (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus said “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”(Matthew 5:6) Moses, David, Peter and many others throughout Scriptural history had sinful failings but repented while others (their contemporary counterparts) refused to return to the LORD in repentance. It’s interesting to contrast this phenomenon with these historical, biblical contemporary pairs: Cain/Abel, Jacob/Esau, David/Saul, and Peter/Judas. What was the difference? The heart. In each comparison, one repented and the other rebelled and was hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, departing from the LORD (Heb. 3:12-14).
Mercy, forgiveness, and divine enabling grace is always granted to those saved and who continue to come to God through Christ.
Our heavenly Father be thanked for the “throne of grace” He established through the perfect, precious blood of Jesus where our sins can be blotted out afresh upon repentance (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:7, 9; 2:1-2).
Jesus is coming and every one that has “this hope” of His return in their heart “purifieth himself even as he is pure.” (1 John 2:28-3:3)
Initial and final salvation is based on Christ’s perfect sacrifice and the reception of it is based on the individual’s initial and enduring faith – to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
Should we consider the Almighty harsh for giving us in His Word several lists of sins that violate Him? Do we consider Him to be as He told us He is – holy? Did He not give us ample fair warning that all sin will be judged, either by repentance now or when it is too late – when one stands before His holy throne in trembling ruins?
“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 8:3-4
Jesus came, not to grant free license to sin, but to the contrary, to forever judge sin in the flesh, by the sacrifice of His own body and to grant the blessed power to live in the Spirit and not live in sin. Because Jesus forever judged sin in the flesh by His perfect sacrifice, He defeated all notions and excuses for sin. There will be no defense when we stand before Him naked on Judgment Day. Why then would any person claiming to know Christ teach anything that justifies the sins that violate His holiness?
What does the Holy Spirit promise will happen to any person who has the fruit of any of these “works of the flesh” manifesting in his life?
“…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
The believer has already been judged when he or she got saved. Jesus died for ALL our sins, past, present, and future. Jesus sure did do His work perfectly-“It is finished” (John 19:30) and yet the appropriation of His propitiation (atoning sacrifice) is contingent upon our faith – both initially and ongoing. The idea that all my future sins are already forgiven is erroneous and not a New Testament teaching because God is not obligated to continue forgiving any soul that continues in sin. In fact, He told us that “the soul that sinneth, is SHALL die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) The fact that Jesus paid fully for our future sins is truth. It’s reality and set in stone, and yet, the forgiven, redeemed believer must endure in saving faith the end or he will be cast into the lake of fire. See. Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 1 Peter 1:5, 9; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2-3, etc. There is no such thing as un-conditional eternal security. All of Scripture refutes this lie that is widely peddled by modern false teachers. This is the same lie Satan told Adam and Eve – he told them that if they disobeyed God that God would not separate them from Him (spiritual death). But God booted them from the Garden (His holy presence). See Genesis 2:17 and 3:4. Notice that one 3-letter word Satan added to God’s Word and how it led to the loss of the fear of God in the first man and woman and led to their fall into sin. God ushered them out of His Garden/presence.
Eternal life surely is eternal and yet the possession of it is forfeitable (Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 12:14-15; Jude 1, etc.). We are told that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from “all sin” but only “IF IF IF we walk in the light as he is in the light,” confessing our sins (1 John 1:7-10). After being saved, our sins are not arbitrarily forgiven. We must of necessity take personal accountability for them. We must agree with God’s pronouncements of what sin is and repent if we commit any of them (1 John 1:6-2:2). We shall eternally perish if we die with sin having spotted the pure white garments of His righteousness He graciously gave us, when He found and saved us. God’s Word warns that we are to make our“calling and ELECTION sure” and to keep ourselves “UNSPOTTED from the world,” otherwise we will be found rebels who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” and will be eternally condemned (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; James 1:27; 2 Peter 1:10). We must set aside all tradition and things we have been taught of mere men and be washed with the water of God’s Word, being blessed to attain to His wise counsel. When we do, we will discover a conditional eternal security, not un-conditional. In speaking concerning the person who has believed and was saved initially, Jesus invented the term “fall away” and so such must be possible (Luke 8:13). To deny such would be to disagree with the One we claim to be our Savior.
Forgiven but also Reaping
David sinned and repentant and yet had to reap gross reward for his sin. Sin does have a price tag.
Yes God will forgive our sins and yet, we must reap what we have sowed (Galatians 6:7-8).
Jesus is able to keep us from sin that defiles and makes us unclean in His sight:
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24
The LORD “IS able to keep you from falling” into sin and to “keep” you ready to be presented “faultless” to in judgment – ready to meet Christ and be with Him and not cast away.
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30
Be bold and courageous in God. Know that He is able to keep you! Repent of any excuse making. Repent at once of all rebellion and damnable unbelief. If not, you will be “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” and ultimately be damned, all the while thinking you were saved (Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrew 12:14-17
The “wages of sin” is still spiritual “death.” (Romans 6:23) Like it or not – if you die in sin, you will spend eternity in hell/lake of fire.
Here’s the divine warning to God’s people, not the lost:
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (the covenant people of God are being addressed) 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:11-13
Still stuck on the “eternal security” or “once saved always saved” fairytale?
“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. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22
Are you returning to the “vomit” God delivered you from and then making excuse and justifying yourself in your sin? If so, you are a spiritual “dog” in God’s holy eyes which means you are defiled and unfit to have fellowship with Him here and now or in eternity.
Refuse to make any excuse for any sin you may commit. First off, you must realize that you are not forced to commit any single sin. It’s always a choice if it happens and you alone are to blame, period.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:13-16
Read Romans 6 every single morning for the rest of this week or month! And do it! Own it! Pray that the LORD will make it reality in your life!
The holy fear of the LORD is only cultivated in the hearts and lives of those who honestly take Him at His holy Word. All others are denying Christ, hate His truth, and being turned over by God to “strong delusion” and to ultimately “damned.”(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
Whatever you do, repent, learn to love and obey the truth, fast and pray, and learn the daily cross Jesus commanded you to take up.
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The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]
Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally.
What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus?
“Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16); ‘and He continued all night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples (6:12). He was ‘alone praying’ before He asked His disciples an important question (9:18); at His transfiguration He climbed the mountain ‘to pray’ (9:28); the actual transfiguration occurred while ‘he prayed’ (9:29); and He ‘was praying’ just before He taught the disciple’s the Lord’s Prayer (11:1). In Gethsemane He ‘prayed more earnestly’ (22:44); on the cross He prayed for others (23:34); and His last words uttered before His death were a prayer (23:46). Luke also mentions that He prayed after His resurrection (24:30).
In examining the life of Jesus in the other Gospels, we note that He prayed before extending the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour …’ (Mat. 11:25-28); He prayed at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42), for Peter (Luke 22:32), and during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (John 17).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23
“14:23 PRAY ALONE. While on earth, Jesus often sought time to be alone with God (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Heb. 5:7). Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer. We must continually remember that the lack of desire for solitary prayer to our heavenly Father is an unmistakable sign that the spiritual life within us is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must turn from all that offends the Lord and renew our commitment to persevere in seeking God and His saving grace.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1
“18:1 MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY. Jesus was frequently concerned that His followers pray continually in order to accomplish God’s will for their lives. From this parable of the widow who persevered we learn several things; (1) We must persevere in prayer with regard to all matters until Jesus returns (vv 7-8; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). (2) In this life we have an adversary (v. 3), Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Prayer can protect us from the evil one (Mat. 6:13). (3) In our prayers we should cry out against sin and for justice (v 7). (4) Persistent prayer is counted as faith (v. 8). (5) In the final days before the return of Christ, there will be increased diabolical opposition to the prayers of the faithful (1 Tim. 4:1). Because of Satan and the pleasures of the world many will cease having a persistent prayer life (8:14; Mat. 13:22; Mark 4:19).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
SUMMATION you might ask?
Following Jesus by living a life of prayer with the Father and Himself – living your life in complete submission to and dependency upon the LORD …. daily declaring with John the Baptist that “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be persistent. Be relentless – in praying, communing with your God!
Read aloud, begin to memorize and live out:
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
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Articles
IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]
Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can
Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).
Are you judging yourself, testing and discerning your life against Holy Scripture?
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” Proverbs 28:5
Counterfeits refuse to judge their actual fruit, their lives. They want the assurance of eternal glory with no responsibility of actual repentance and an abiding, obedient relationship with the Savior they claim. They want the crown without the cross. They do not wish to be bothered with truly engaging in an abiding relationship with Jesus on His stated terms but rather seek to use Him to get them out of hell. Jesus tells all who’ve been saved that abiding, remaining in Him to the end of their lives is essential to eternity with Him (John 15:6, etc.).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Is believing the biblical truth that a saved person can backslide, fall away, and forfeit their place with God (lose salvation) a bad thing? No. It’s only a bad thing in the minds of those who want to live on their own depraved, self-serving terms while deluding themselves into thinking they are going to God’s holy Heaven.
WHY are we so afraid of doubting if we are truly saved – born again AND presently abiding in Christ? (John 15:1-6). It will be too late when we die which could be today. Think about this. NOW is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and so today is the day to honestly examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Please read the LORD’s book of Ezekiel. You will discover many divine treasures in this magnificent volume. Share this message if you wish to help others.
“A disciplined conscience is a man’s best friend. It may not be his most amiable, but it is his most faithful monitor.” Austin Phelps
“LORD Jesus, please grant me the Holy Fear of God!” should be the daily prayer of every true saint.
“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11
I told someone recently that I love listening to a preacher or reading Scripture that can make me doubt my salvation because it further quickens my spirit in the fear of God to scamper to the feet of Jesus afresh.
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21
As we see in the passage above, assurance of salvation fills the hearts of all born again believers are who working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
There are conditions the LORD requires to procure and walk in His blessings.
Assurance of salvation is biblical. Eternal security is not. The idea that one is eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved, is a lie from hell. Jesus told us that among those He saves, any who don’t abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).
The lack of a clear conscience, the lack of assurance in one’s heart, is due to the lack of present abiding, obedience. All who are Christ’s and presently abiding, are filled with the assurance of His salvation. Read John 15.
Wolves among us, when addressing assurance, nearly never speak of the personal responsibility God gives to all He saves – to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-23, etc.). When one lacks assurance, it’s only because they have chosen to lack obeying the Savior (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
WHAT ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOUBTS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED?
When a true believer in Jesus Christ questions someone’s salvation, it is in no way to be rude, but rather out of godly concern. Jesus told us to “know” (discern) people “by their fruit” (Matt. 7:16, 20). Good “fruit” (produce) can only come forth from the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus. Good fruit comes forth from a real relationship with Christ (John 15). One must know Him and that begins at the moment of true repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).
If the overall fruit of someone’s life is not that which the Bible teaches is consistent with truly knowing Jesus and having been regenerated, then there should be concern.
There are some among us who violently object to doubting someone’s salvation, Yet, based on the biblical mandate to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits,” this will happen at times (Matthew 7:16, 20). When a professing Christian’s salvation is doubted based upon lack of good fruit to prove it, some become irate with a “How dare you doubt my/that person’s salvation! Just who are you to do such a thing!?” But wait a minute – didn’t Jesus instruct us to “know” others based on their “fruits”? (Matthew 7:16, 20). And if there are no counterfeits who pose as Christ’s people, why did Jesus say that there are chaff among the wheat? (Matthew 13). Yes He did and so why are we surprised if some of those around us are found to be lost even though they think they are saved? And yes the chaff are going to be separated by the angels in the end but for now Jesus told us to discern (to distinguish between) or to “know” them “by their fruits” and that’s done by fruit inspection.
One man said that he believed that over 90% of church goers in America have never been genuinely born again as we “must be” in order to be brought into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 7).
Repentance is where and when regeneration happens. In the modern church world, such a foundational biblical doctrine is rarely mentioned much less preached or correctly taught to define what it is and bring conviction to the hearers. In the vast majority of churches today, salvation is never or seldom presented. So how can the sinner respond in repentance and be saved? Is it any wonder so few are saved? People are rarely if ever called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ today as they were publicly called to do by the apostles of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 3:19).
There are some people who hang around with the Christian body that I just never got a peace about. There doesn’t seem to be the presence of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit and therefore the fruit He alone can produce is absent (Galatians 5:22-23). One must be born again and given a new nature by the LORD or we are not His. When this conversion takes place, there will be good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10).
Should we float people all the way into hell instead of helping make sure they have truly repented and been born again? Is that love or hatred?
If someone questions our salvation, how should we react? How about this way: “Well, thank you for being concerned about my eternal soul. I am open and willing to investigate (biblically) the possibility that I may not have truly repented (laid down my life) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Or, since He saved me in the past, perhaps I have backslidden and no longer know Him due to allowing sin in my life.”
HONEST CONCERN VERSUS CRUEL CONDEMNATION
There are going to be children of the enemy that will come in and attempt to confuse and to derail you by doubting that you are saved. They do this to bring “confusion and every evil work” instead of “godly edifying” (James 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:4).
David, the man after God’s own heart, was often persecuted by the wicked, his place with God being the central attack of the enemy.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? … As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3, 10
Those who are His have the “witness” of His Spirit in them:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16
Why are you bothered when someone else doubts your salvation? Do you have the bearing witness of the Holy Spirit as a witness in your heart? (Romans 8:16). If you are assured by God (not self or mere man) of your salvation, why would you be concerned if someone else doubted it? Can you say with Paul “nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”? (2 Timothy 1:12). Did God not say that we who have and are believing the record He gave of His Son have HIS “witness” within us?
“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:9-13
David told us that our “sentence” comes from the LORD Himself not man:
“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2
The Hebrew word that is translated “sentence” here means: act of deciding a case, decision, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable), sentence of formal decree.
By reason of creation, God Himself is the only One who can determine judicially that one is righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, justified or not justified. The Almighty is the only One qualified to sentence any individual to Heaven or hell. Either He approves of us or He disapproves of us (Ezekiel 18:4).
“STRONG CONFIDENCE”
“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27
The key to having “strong confidence” and escaping “the snares of death,” is fearing God.
God’s Word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is clean” (Psalms 19:9). The heart that truly fears God is made “clean” from any doubt and has full and “strong confidence” or assurance and strength of conviction.
The key is being with Jesus – being in Christ. Jesus told us that those who are “with” Him are His and all others are “against” Him (Matthew 12:30). The whole of Holy Scripture is the very testimony of God and we can plainly observe that being presently and truly “in Christ” is the determining factor.
The Father spoke from Heaven audibly, declaring of Christ, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). ALL who are presently in Christ, are well pleasing to God – justified, sentenced and declared righteous. Justification, to be declared righteous by God, is always “by faith” (Romans 3:21-5:17; Hebrews 11:4-7).
Ultimately, your “sentence” or sentencing comes forth from God alone who is the only Judge of your eternal soul. In light of this, Paul writes:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34
According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers in Jesus Christ – those who genuinely turn to God in repentance, placing their faith in Jesus Christ – have been shown mercy by God. This gift of eternal life was made possible through the finished and perfect work of the One sinless, perfect Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bled on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead. He is “the Son of God with power.”
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4
Being rooted and grounded in God’s love is so very important to being “sound in the faith,” having a “sound heart” and a “sound mind” (Proverbs 14:30; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:13). This all comes from learning and believing “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9; 2:1).
GOING DEEP
Heeding the apostle Paul’s exhortation to all those whom the LORD has saved, is essential to an ever-deepening, abiding, assured place with the LORD.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
Only going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) by learning and obeying the truth of God can make one free from doubting that He is God’s child (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).
“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:30-32, 36
As the born again disciple of Christ continues to walk in the light of truth with Jesus, He is kept in Christ and assured of salvation.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7
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