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Excerpt from the book I Die Daily

The Essential Cross of the Believer

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it.” Matthew 16:25

Now that we know who the Way is—Jesus, let’s look into what this very Son of God Himself said concerning those who would follow Him. After all, if a person is going to go to God’s Heaven, he needs to find out what God Himself said is essential to get there, right?

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If ANY man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26 

Like it or not, Jesus is speaking here of the eternal soul of every man. If need be, read His words again here. Notice that the Son of God uses the terms “if ANY man” and “whosoever.” Jesus is speaking to all about His requirements and conditions. (Anybody want to argue with the Son of God?) Did you notice that there is no special privilege or concession given here for those who have previously been saved? We should rid our minds of the subtle deception that we are somehow “secure” outside of the protection that comes from obedience to God’s Word (Prov. 30:5; Acts 20:32). Only those who are not currently “doers” of the Word of God are deceived into thinking they are secure while not presently abiding in Christ. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).

The crucified life is God’s only solution for complete victory over all sin. Walk it. Read Romans 6 each morning this week prayerfully. Stop listening to those not preaching the cross.

The apostle Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31). How did Paul “die daily”? How is this exemplary apostle’s dying depicted in Scripture? He sentenced himself to death, kept under his body of sin, and was crucified with Christ and to the world, and the world to him. He was buried with Christ and determined to glory in Christ’s cross alone (Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 2:20; 6:14).

“Oh how the devil hates the message of the cross!” John Umlauf

We were all born in sin and “dead in sins,” and now the LORD “hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ” (Rom. 6:8; Eph. 2:5.) After being found and saved by the LORD, the believer should follow Christ in water baptism, yet only to show that he is now “dead with Christ” and that Christ now reigns in his life, as he is now “raised up” with Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; 8:11). Water baptism is the public announcement showing and openly declaring one’s own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, one’s new Master. The death of self is symbolized in the going down into the water, and the coming up out of the water represents the resurrection accomplished by Jesus and now made effectual in that life. The Gospel is not about H2O, but rather it’s about being baptized into Christ’s death—being dead, buried, and raised up with Him (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:11-12). As we are dead with Christ and to self, buried with Him, He raises us up in His power to please Him.

One’s entrance into the kingdom of God at initial salvation is only the beginning point of his participation in the Gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection life of Christ. The born-again saint never outgrows his essential need to participate with Jesus in the Gospel. The true disciple follows Christ “daily,” and that includes denying himself and taking up his cross to be crucified with his LORD and Savior. He chooses Christ who is the life, the only way, and the truth; and is therefore ready for His soon return. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

Romans 6 is not speaking of water baptism, but it is that which is signified or symbolized by water baptism—being dead to self and sin, buried with Christ, and raised up to new life with Jesus, to no longer serve sin and please self but Christ. Look at verse 4 of Romans 6: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Note the words of Holy Scripture here— “buried … death … raised up.” This is the Gospel as it is being lived out in our lives. As we choose to daily die—moment by moment—giving way to His greater purpose, He raises us up out of the place of death and burial to be led and used of Him.

Anointed to the Burial

I remember fondly the days leading up to my water baptism as a young believer. My pastor at the time was keenly aware of the importance of people understanding what water baptism is, so he gave me a question-and-answer type work sheet to go through. Each question gave Scriptures to study and get the answers from. So, when I was water baptized there was a realization and spiritual anointing that came upon me—a distinct sealing type phenomenon by the Holy Spirit in which I was buried or hid with Christ in God. There was clearly a work of the Holy Spirit that day.

Beloved, there is no power or magic in water. God is trying to get at death to self, and His Spirit enables such. Water baptism merely represents going down into the death process and coming up out of the water represents the raised-up life. Without the work of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost and the believer’s going down into the death of Christ, water baptism is futile.

It is the work of the Spirit of God that is essential in our new birth, death, burial, and resurrection, just as He participated in our LORD’s birth, death, burial, and resurrection (Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11; Col. 2:11-12).

For to this end (for this chief purpose) Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Romans 14:9

Not only is the Holy Spirit’s involvement and Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on His cross essential, where He worked with Christ to shed His blood to redeem us, but according to this same and only Savior, the taking up the cross to deny and bury self is also essential in pleasing God. His resurrection rule cannot occur without the willing participation of the recipient of His salvation. Jesus died to buy us back from sin, Satan, and slavery to self; and now our lives are made new in Him, all things now being of God and under Christ’s reign (Rom. 14:9; 2 Cor. 5:17-18).

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Those redeemed by the One who bled on that cross that stood atop Calvary’s hill, should from the moment they are grafted in, no longer serve self but rather the Savior.

The way the believer lives unto (pleases) the LORD and not self, is by the power of the One who was for us “slain from the foundation of the world.”

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the antichrist), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8

It all began “from the foundation of the world” when in His mind, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6, 8). So, redemption through “the Lamb slain,” which grants His overcoming grace, began in the mind of God from “the foundation of the world” (Jer. 1:5; Rev. 13:8). How could we ever now doubt how much He loves us! It is to Him alone who is worthy that we, with our lives, now give “honour, and glory, and blessing.”

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

All this being said, we should observe that the LORD doesn’t do things against the free moral agency He gave to every man. The individual must be “willing and obedient” if he is to “eat the good of the land” (Isa. 1:19-20).

Gaze, oh gaze on the divine form, the eternal glory, the heavenly beauty, the tenderly pleading gentleness of crucified love, as it stretches out its pierced hands and says, ‘Oh, will you not abide with me?’ – Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ, p. 175

“The New Man”

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

You are no longer your own, but rather bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

If a saint chooses not to live out of the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” he will by default revert back to the Adamic nature and its sinful deeds. Is this permissible in God’s eyes? Does the LORD overlook the sins of those He has saved?

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also 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: Romans 6:1-8

Hint: renewing your mind is biblical but it will never take the central place of the crucified life. The extent of “solutions” given in the modern church include renewing your mind. Yes yet that comes after the cross in kingdom priority – the crucified life – which is never mentioned in the apostate modern church world.

v1 – the cross
v2 – renewing the mind

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Whenever the constant of the cross, the crucified life, is absent from our personal lives, there will be defeat, there will be no victory.

Trying to renew your mind, changing your thinking, is only successful after the fact of a life that is “crucified with Christ.” (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14, etc.

Putting Your Foot Down!
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/dominating-the-devil/

The “But” Factor

The taking up of the cross, the implement of death to self, is essential in separating the saint from the taint of sin, self, and Satan, which would otherwise defile us in the eyes of Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8).

Are you beginning to see why the cross is essential—both Christ’s and ours? The LORD told His own covenant people that their sins had separated them from Him. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

The word “but” here speaks of the dividing factor or attribute of sin. Sin interrupts our fellowship with Him who is holy. Sin still separates. Both the cross of Jesus (first and foremost) and our carrying our own cross deal with the problem of sin, but only when applied and participated in.

To take up the cross in obedience to Christ’s command is to agree with God that the sinful man must be mortified with his evil deeds and desires (Gal. 5:24). We must by the crucified life, “put off” the old man, the man of sin, and “put on the new man.” (Eph. 4:22-24) When one takes up his cross, which is the implement of death to self, he demonstrates that he loves the LORD more than self. God then blesses his life to be separate from sin and sinners, and to escape the taint of sin that would otherwise defile him in the eyes of Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). Such a work is essential to separate the saint from the stain of sin, self, and Satan. The cross makes possible one’s death to self and sin and the resurrection presence of God (Rom. 6:7; 2 Cor. 4:1011). Holy-Spirit-enabled death to self disallows, stifles, and restrains the work of sin in us so that Christ’s divine life might work in and through us to bless others (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 4:12).

Any person who has been made righteous by the LORD and now somehow believes he is secure while living in sin, is utterly deceived and all of Scripture testifies to this truth.

Who is it that is made free from the sins that violate the holiness of the LORD? “For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:7).

Beloved, it is the sanctifying work of the cross of Jesus and the application of it in the life of the saint that sets him apart in holiness to the Savior.

We find not one promise of security or assurance in Holy Scripture given to any person who is not presently abiding in Jesus Christ—as He prescribed in His Word (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6). Jesus promised His original 12 apostles an eternal throne in Heaven, yet one of them chose not to abide or remain in Him, and subsequently went to hell for his iniquity (Acts 1:25). Christ promised His 12 that “ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22). Remaining in Christ—enduring to the end of one’s life—is a divinely-issued condition for being with the LORD eternally (this Bible subject is covered extensively in the book titled Lie of the Ages).

Concerning the daily cross and how it applies and does not apply to the believer, David Kupelian, vice president and managing editor of WorldNetDaily.com, writes:

It’s self-evident that we’re all born with a troublesome nature called ‘pride.’ Basically, pride is the part of us that wants to be God. It loves being praised, quickly puffs up with angry judgment over the real or perceived wrongs of others—and as a rule is oblivious to its own faults. Moreover, you can think of pride as a ‘life form’—a living, breathing ‘something’ which, like any other life form or ‘creature,’ can be fed or starved. When it’s fed, it grows and enlarges; when it is starved, it diminishes and dies—daily.

Of course—and this is something of a divine paradox—as Christians, we know we can’t save ourselves, and yet we are most definitely called to obedience. So, let’s not slough off our responsibility to ‘die daily’ by comfortably presuming on the unending mercy of God. His mercy is unending, indeed, but also balanced with justice, and these two seemingly contradictory qualities work together mysteriously and wonderfully toward our redemption, but only in the truly sincere human soul that doesn’t tempt God.

This writer realizes that the modern gospel differs from this biblical truth and message, but whom shall we trust? God, or mere men? Who is the Judge before whom we will one day stand to give account?

May God bless each of us to “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4), placing Him and therefore His holy truth above the words, concepts, or philosophies of any other (Prov. 21:30).

Do we take God at His Word? Do we believe, trust, embrace, and obey His words?

“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” – George Mueller

After repenting and receiving Christ and initial salvation, one must remain in fellowship with (abide in) Jesus till the end of his life or he will lose out eternally (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Rom. 11:22; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:3, 3:6, 1215; 10:26-39; 12:14-15; Rev. 2-3, etc.). Jesus told those who had believed that if they continued in His Word (not man’s) they would be His disciples, and that they would know the truth and the truth would make them free (John 8:31-32).

Jesus died to justify us, saving us from living in sin which would merit us the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9). He certainly didn’t die to grant us a license to live in sin, but rather grace and power over sin through the crucified life (Rom. 6; Tit. 2:11-12).

The deeds of the body must be put to death, or they will wreak sinful havoc on that life where they are not crucified. The cross is the only answer, not behavioral modification, which is the level on which most messages in the modern church world seek to deal with sin. If the sinful nature is allowed to reign by not being put down, the course of resident, inherited iniquity will be sin and death (Rom. 6:1-23; James 1:14-15). “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die (spiritual death—separation): but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

When man fell in the Garden, he became dead inside. He lost the relationship and place of intimacy with His Maker, and no longer needed to be tempted externally. Man’s original inner inclination toward the LORD became slanted and tending toward self. He became self-absorbed instead of absorbed into the LORD his Maker. He then lived unto self—out of self. His inward bent is now to please self, which is rebellion and part and parcel of the first Adam. This is the fate of all born with the stain of inherent sin.

Man cannot please God in his fallen nature— “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). This is why fallen man must be regenerated, and thereafter self must be denied by the power and grace of the Holy Ghost (Rom. 8:13; Tit. 3:5-7).

When self-will is laid down flat and the LORD’s will takes over, victory is brought about— “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). God’s greater grace, will, and glory, override self and succeed triumphantly. He said we are “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37).

It is only when and as sinful self is laid down and sacrificed that the far exceeding blessing of the life of Jesus is manifested in our daily life (2 Cor. 4:10-11). When we are crucifying self and walking in the Spirit, in Christ, the saint is pleasing to the Father. Remember that it is only in Jesus Christ that the Father told us He is “well pleased” (Matt. 3:17; 12:18; 17:5). To be in Christ is to be pleasing to the Father, but to be in self is to be at enmity with Him (Rom. 8:1-7). May His divine life engulf us today as He increases, and we decrease (John 3:30). “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

The Bible calls our fallen inherent sinful bent the “flesh,” “body of sin,” “carnal,” and the “old man.” We commanded to crucify the old man that is bent toward sin and evil desires that if acted upon, would cause us to be in violation against the holiness of God (Gal. 5:24). God is holy; therefore, that fallen sinful nature must be subdued, or one will not be pleasing to the LORD but rather experience spiritual “death” (Rom. 8:6, 13),

The Bible tells us that “the flesh” is “enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7, 13.) The apostle Paul said he had to “keep under” his sinful nature so that he would not ultimately become a “castaway” (1 Cor. 9:27). Sound out this word “castaway.” Many today would seek to manipulate the meaning of this word to fit their own convoluted theology, yet a “castaway” is simply one who would be cast away from God and forfeit His eternal blessings due to a violation of His order and holiness.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8

The sin of Adam affected the whole world. It was a sin that was felt throughout God’s creation, which was before according to His pristine and perfect design (Gen. 13). Adam’s sin affected all human beings from the time of his transgression. Many call this the doctrine of Inherent Sin, which states that Adam’s sin nature was passed on to all who came after him “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12).   

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

Once the LORD finds and regenerates the individual saint, this universally inherited Adamic nature must be restrained or made unresponsive by the power of the Holy Spirit and the willing participation of the disciple, in order for the life of Christ to manifest in that life— “if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom. 8:13.)

In the same way that we inherit physical features from our parents and ancestors, each and every man has inherited from Adam his fallen spiritual nature and condition, which is spiritual death— “death passed upon all men” (Rom. 5:12). All men are born of water spiritually dead (separated from and at enmity with God).

Since death “passed upon all men” after Adam and “ALL have sinned,” we are also under the condemnation of God, separated from Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” until reconciled through Christ (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 5:12, 18-19; Ephesians 2:3). We all stand guilty before God and deserving of the punishment of our sin (Romans 3).

No More Condemnation

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

According to Romans 8:1, there is an initial and an ongoing condition for getting out from under the “condemnation” of God:

  • One must repent, believe upon, and be “in Christ Jesus,” and
  • “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Remaining or abiding in Christ is essential to remaining in the justification and blessing of God (see also John 15:1-6).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”—so as long as the redeemed believer remains “in Christ Jesus,” he is not under “condemnation” (Rom. 8:1).

“No good thing” dwells in man outside of Christ, and as long as he remains out of Christ, he is a slave to corruption (Romans chapters 6-8; Rom. 7:18). The only victory is Christ and being in Him. Only Jesus can conquer sin, and those who are in Him are possessed with the power of His conquering, overcoming grace.

The first Adam was conquered by sin. The last Adam (Jesus) conquered sin (Rom. 5). The first Adam left us with an inherent nature of sin while the last Adam regenerates, redeems, and rescues us from the sinful nature, condemnation, penalty, and punishment we received from the first Adam.

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:15-21

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Through Jesus Christ, the Church and the individual believer have been granted “great grace” to live according to the righteous standards of the One who told us He is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Acts 4:33; Rev. 4:8). Grace was given to grant the believer power over sin and not to justify him in his sin (Tit. 2:11-12). When we come before His throne of grace, it is not only to receive mercy, but also grace, or divine enablement, to overcome (Heb. 4:16; Rev. 2-3). Fighting the good fight of faith and overcoming are a must (1 Tim. 6:12; Rev. 2-3).

“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19). The opposite of living in sin is living in the place of holiness. We are “called” and commanded to live holy, and this should be of concern to every person who “nameth the name of Christ.”

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

His holiness prevails, and sin cannot have dominion over those who are dead with Christ, buried, and presently raised up in His life. This is the truth expressed in the whole of this passage.

Derek Tidball, in his book The Message of the Cross, asks:

“Why is there an uneasy silence about crucifying the sinful nature with its passions when it is clearly so crucial to the Bible’s teaching about holiness? For all our excuses, the truth is perhaps that such teaching does not fit easily into a comfortable world where self-indulgence and self- satisfaction reign supreme. Our silence betrays how deeply the atmosphere of the world has infected the church, and how we fear the opinion of the world more than the opinion of the Lord. The cross, however, cannot be shunted to the sidelines. It stands high on the hill of Calvary and calls individual believers to stand apart from the cultural values of the world. It equally calls the church as a whole to a deep repentance for its compromise with the world, to take radical action in ejecting sin from its midst and to demonstrate a new seriousness about holiness.” pp. 240-241

Many writers of old and today read Romans 5 and ignore the divinely imposed conditions of Romans 6. They therefore come out with a slanted and dangerous theology, which has led many to turn “the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license for sin),” and by doing so they are “denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 3-4).

Always remember that without personal holiness, no man is going to see the LORD (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 3:5-6).

If one only read this portion of Scripture (Romans 5), he might lean toward Calvinism and an unconditional eternal security, yet there’s more to this picture, and the ensuing verses reveal the rest of the story. Romans 6 reveals the God-given personal responsibility of each saved saint, and how these blessings of His grace are conditional upon the obedience of the individual recipient. Read Romans 6-8 through three times in the next week. Also, a thorough and ongoing look at Romans chapters 3-8 is essential to a sound doctrinal foundation.

YOU know when you are right with God, when you are enduring the sound doctrine of His Word, when you are running TO the cross message and not AWAY from it! “Enemies of the cross” of Christ “mind earthly things” and not the things the LORD commanded (Philippians 3:18-19).

The apostle Paul said: “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” (Rom. 7:18).

We must rightly—biblically—assess our true spiritual nature, and when we do, we will know that without Jesus, we are corrupt and depraved in the nature of the first Adam. Knowing that there is “no good thing” that dwells in us, that is, in our flesh, we should sentence our self-life to death, that our lives might rely upon the LORD and not sinful self. “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead” (2 Cor. 1:9).

The lack of teaching in the Christian world on this all-important biblical truth has greatly hindered the understanding of many who have a desire to fully please and serve the LORD. May the LORD bless each of us to have this message of the cross embedded deeply into our hearts and minds. Speaking of His own cross, Jesus told His disciples to “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men” (Luke 9:44).

The gross lack of attention to this core biblical truth (the cross) has given way to a myriad of Cain-type methods to modify behavior instead of teaching men to crucify the evil tendencies of the fallen nature and walk in the new man—presenting ourselves as living sacrifices unto the LORD and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2).

PRAYER: LORD, please teach me Your truth. Allow my heart and mind to understand from whence I came and where You desire to take this life that You gave. I am sinful by nature and yet, You have made me a new creature in Christ, granting Your overcoming grace by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Right this moment, if never before, I stop my life and humble myself under Your mighty hand, fully submitting my life to You, begging You to live in me and raise my life upward to glorify You alone from this moment forward. I am dead and buried with Christ—I am crucified with Christ. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. Holy Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Capture Points

  • On an index card, write out the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 16:24-26.
  • Examining the words of Romans 8:13-14, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and leading the disciple to glorify God in this life by putting away the works of the flesh and living a life in the Spirit (KJB recommended).
  • Because there is “no good thing” that dwells in us (in our flesh), discuss practical measures as to how the disciple of Jesus is to daily sentence to death the deeds of the sinful nature (Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 5:19-21).

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]The Cross VictorySin – Man’s Core Problem

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Abiding

The Imperative of Private Prayer [podcast]


We must be aware of our prayers we throw up while they have no congruence with our personal life – when they are shot gun prayers void of the foundation of private prayer, private praying, and holy living.

Private prayer with God is an essential to set your life up for success.

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6

Private prayer is essential to the disciple. Jesus reveals here that those who seek His face in prayer privately, will be used of Him publicly!

Are you at Christ’s feet? Do you live a life of prayer? Have you ever studied the life of Christ and beheld the many instances of His prayer life?

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35

“Solitary” simply means uninhabited.

If we want to assess our true spiritual state with God, we need only look to our prayer life or lack thereof. Show me a man’s prayer life, and I will show you who that man is! When God is truly first in a person’s life, all else will be demoted in importance!

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

Backsliding begins with neglect of our relationship, our prayer life, our life of prayer with our LORD and Savior.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

I will either pray my way into glory, or I will not be there. Matthew 26:41

“Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” This is how we are to come to God in prayer and fellowship. With a true, (honest) heart. That has been washed in the pure blood of Jesus! Confessing our sins so our conscience is clear. And we are cleansed from the filthiness of the flesh. Then we can come boldly before the throne of grace! Hebrews 4:16.” Karen Cochran

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I return to You now. Please forgive my sin of prayerlessness. Break me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at safeguardyoursoul.com/store and amazon. English and Spanish.

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Abiding

What Eternal Security Wolves Refuse to Teach [podcast]


THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.

The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.

We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)

There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:

  • Lust

  • Idolatry

  • Fornication

  • Tempting Christ

  • Murmuring

This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.

Fornication Defiles

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 

1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.

Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.

Case closed.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.

7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

The cross. Christ raises up those who are crcified with Him – outside of which no man can overcome sin. Romans 6.

“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 

Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).

The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16 

Die or death always means separation.

OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..

The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

Husbands, love your wives, even as 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

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

“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.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

“Psalms 51:1-19
Psalm 51: Sweet Perfumes of Penitence
Alexander Maclaren once said, ‘The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin.’ We have an illustration of this in Psalm 51. As the heading explains, it was written by David after Nathan the prophet had boldly exposed him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering Uriah. Utterly convicted of his sin, David pours out this torrent of penitence from his broken and contrite heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Read and pray Psalm 51.

Prayer of Returning: Holy Father, You gave all when You gave Your only begotten Son who came and died for our sins. You’ve also called me to lay down my life, to lose my life in this fleeting world. I have not done well at giving over my life to You … You alone who are worthy of my full, unreserved worship. Right this moment I ask You to forgive my sin of having another god before You which is self idolatry and spiritual adultery. I have alienated the affections of my heart away from You LORD and onto myself. For this I ask You to forgive me and I right here and now turn to You Jesus. Right this moment I lay my life in Your holy hands LORD. Into Your hands I submit my spirit – my whole being. Not my will but Thine be done LORD Jesus! I am no longer my own. I am Yours. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Jesus and am ceaselessly grateful that You bought me with the price of Your own blood! You must increase but I must decrease. I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy holy name! Teach me daily to lay myself aside and to give the reins over to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD

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Abiding

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]


Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their
home.

“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

God is holy and He says to …

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

Holiness simply means pure, sanctified.

Clearing out everything that defiles us in His holy eyes is the sign that we are living in fervent expectation of our LORD’s return for His bride.

“His wife hath made herself ready”

“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 see here again, the earmark fruit of the Heaven bound remnant of Christ, the bride of Christ – “his wife hath made herself ready.”

2 ways to purification

  1. The precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7
  2. The washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).

Washed in His Precious Blood

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19

The Washing of Water by the Word

“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

Your present spiritual state is what matters most to God. In Ephesians 5:25-27 carefully note the state of the Church—the people for whom Jesus will soon return.

Those not purifying their lives (washing daily in the blood and water of His Word), do not live daily with the hope of Christ’s return.

Memorize 1 John 3:3 today.

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

Jesus warns us here of …

  1. the cares of this world,
  2. and the deceitfulness of riches
  3. and the lusts of other things

We are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom. We are not yet married to Him and will not be if we are not purifying ourselves before Him (2 Corinthians 11:2).

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

All 10 virgins in Jesus’ parable were engaged, invited to attend the the marriage, the wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Only 5 of them made it in and the other 5 were rejected. Why?

One source summates the importance of the parable of the 10 virgins – where 5 made it and the other 5 were shut out.

“The parable of the ten virgins teaches about spiritual readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, with five wise virgins who prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps and five foolish virgins who did not. The foolish virgins were turned away by the bridegroom when he arrived, as they were unprepared and missed the feast. The parable, found in Matthew 25:1-13, encourages constant vigilance and preparation for the unknown time of Christ’s coming.” 

Here is a picture of our abiding fellowship and relationship with Jesus…..

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psalms 73:23-24

When your vessel is full of the oil of Heaven via fellowship, you will be purifying your life of everything that defiles you in His holy eyes, in the eyes of the Great Bridegroom.

We are no longer our own. We are Christ’s. He bought us, purchased us back to Himself and the Father with His blood.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

“The flesh and spirit”

“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.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

Prayer: Father, I know You are holy and will have Your holy Bride whom Jesus died to purchase. Please purify my heart, mind and life of all that defiles. Make me holy dear LORD, as You alone can do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Loved this podcast. I think it was important to stress that women need to be submitted to their husbands as our country is infested with Jezebels. Who refuse to lay down their lives and submit to God and their husbands. Who can find a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:10. Do men ask that question? And more importantly our relationship with our husbands is a direct result of our relationship with the Lord. If a woman is not submitted to Jesus she will never submit to her husband. It starts at the feet of Jesus. We must be like Mary. Bringing all of our alabaster box (ourselves) to Him. I love what Job says, ‘The root of the matter is found in me.’ Job 19:28. This is always true! If my husband or anyone else upsets me I must go before God and let Him search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me! Psalm 139:23-24. And I can guarantee there is. It all starts with me!! Allowing God to purify and cleanse my heart. My heart!!” Karen Cochran

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE page and amazon. English and Spanish.

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Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | “Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]Resurrection Grace [podcast] G.O.D. = Game Over Devil [podcast]JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. 

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