Will Everyone Jesus has Saved be in Heaven? [podcast]
Heaven Guaranteed to all who have Received Jesus?
When Jesus said “It is finished,” He was speaking of HIS perfect sacrificial payment for the sins of mankind (John 19:30). The fact that Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice, in no way negates HIS instructions to those who would enter His eternal kingdom. The answer is clearly given to us in Scripture as to what God’s initial and ongoing conditions are for men to appropriate Christ’s salvation. The answer is 1.) repentance and genuine faith and 2.) faith to the end of that recipient’s life on this earth (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Acts 14:22; 20:21; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Rev. 2:26, etc.).
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
So, if we whom He has “saved” don’t “endure to the end,” is Jesus still going to save us?
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Jesus taught His own that they must “endure to the end” to be ultimately saved into Heaven (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). Any man teaching that Heaven is automatic for all who were initially, truly saved, is a false teacher.
Whoever by their false doctrine says that enduring to the end is not an essential condition for final salvation, calls the Son of God a lunatic. But we know He’s not. He’s the truth.
Why would Jesus have told His own 12 that they had to “endure to the end” to be “saved” if the cliche’ doctrines of the “PERSEVERANCE of the saints,” “once saved always saved,” and “eternal security” were so? (Matthew 10:22; 24:13) If enduring to the end were automatic for these 12 “elect” men, why did the Son of God bother telling them that it was essential for them to endure to the end (not deny Him)?
IF you don’t seek Him, putting Him first, it’s because you don’t love Him.
The poisoned mind of the Calvinist and eternal securist believes that God’s perfect work through His only begotten Son was so complete that man no longer has any responsibility and yet, the New Testament teaches that because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice we are actually MORE accountable than were those under the Old Covenant. – “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28-29)
Jesus taught that only those who obey Him prove their saving faith in Him – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) If saving faith which always includes practical obedience is not required, why did the Son of God utter these words?
One sister writes: “John 14:15-21 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jesus was saying, ‘Sure….If you REALLY love me as you say, then DO what I command.’ He knew what was in man. He knew how we say one thing and do another. But, the deciding factor as to whether we TRULY love Him or not, will be realized in our OBEDIENCE.”
WHO’S GOING TO BE ULTIMATELY “CLOTHED IN WHITE”???? JESUS SAYS:
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:5
OSAS (once saved always saved) is a lie from hell. It’s time to kick this addiction in the rear – to kick this evil habit out of your life. You must get far away from any devil who is a demonic operative of Satan himself that tells you that every person who has ever been saved WILL be in Heaven. God’s Word tells us that such a man is an “ungodly” man and a wolf (Jeremiah 23:17; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Only a deceiver attempts to divorce Jesus Christ from what Christ stated. The end will not be good for the dishonest (Luke 8:15; John 8:47).
Those who don’t believe someone can “fall away” defy Christ Himself who invented this term “fall away.” (Lk. 8:13) May that person be rebuked by the LORD Himself and beckoned to read the raw truth of God’s Holy Word – the Bible – and cast off all preconceived man-taught, devil-inspired heresies (like the ‘once saved, always saved’ myth and all of Calvinism). Only those who are presently denying self and taking up their daily cross are following Him and will be with Him where He is (Lk. 9:23-24; Jn. 12:24-26). This is what saving faith always does – obey. Jesus is coming for His true Church which is being washed by obeying His Word (John 15:3; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Jn. 3:3). No honest-hearted person who truly loves the LORD could possibly get unconditional eternal security out of His Word – because it’s not there. Abide/remain in Him or you will be cast forth as a branch and burned in fires of hell forever (Jn. 15:6).
If Jesus is truly “the” only “way” to God, no one who dies outside of this one Savior – “THE way” – could possibly spend eternity with Him (John 14:6).
THERE SIMPLY ARE NO PROMISES OF ETERNAL SECURITY to any person whom the LORD saves and then they do not continue with Him. The term “eternal security” never appears in God’s Word. Did He forget to tell us something OR are we deceived by a doctrine of devils? God is going to eternally and indescribably reward all of His children who remain/abide to the end with Him, for continuing to search out, believe, and obey His truth (Matthew 7:21; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Those whom He saves but then they don’t continue to choose to have Him as their “first love” will “fall away” and be “cut off.” (Revelation 2:4-5; Luke 8:13; Romans 11:22) They will be as the 5 foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable upon whom the door of eternal glory will be closed, sealing their damnation in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:1-13). Speaking of “Every branch IN ME,” Christ told us that “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them INTO THE FIRE, and THEY ARE BURNED.” (John 15:6)
Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, is our only escape and safeguard (Prov. 30:5-6; Acts 20:20, 27-32, etc.). No person whom He has saved can “depart from the faith” that saved him while believing a “doctrine of devils” (OSAS), and still be secure. No person who does not remain (abide) in Christ after being saved is heading for Heaven. The LORD and His holy apostles say something completely contrary to modern deceivers who say to all who have ever been saved that they are “as sure for heaven as if you were already there.” (1 Timothy 4:1) Such is never taught in Holy Scripture.
IF you are teaching SATAN’S first lie/doctrine OSAS it’s because you are his! (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) ONLY a child of the devil would teach his lies (John 8:44). GO SEE exactly who originated OSAS: Genesis 2:17; 3:4.
OSAS Death Nail
The “apostle’s doctrine,” followed strictly by every true Heaven-bound disciple of Jesus, never included a promise of “eternal security” without ongoing personal responsibility to endure to the end (which is a willful daily choice). The apostles never taught such (Acts 2:42).
When the great apostle went back around to the cities where he had preached Christ and churches had been formed, his message was completely different from the grace-perverting beguilers today who teach “once saved always saved.” Notice closely the words of Christ’s apostle who had ALL the opportunity in the world to tell these new believers that they are “eternally secure” but told them no such thing! Acts 13:43….
“Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to CONTINUE in the grace of God.” Acts 13:43
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to CONTINUE in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
If continuing in the faith were automatic or according to the “p” of Calvinism, “the perseverance of the saints,” WHY O WHY would Paul exhort these “disciples” of Jesus to do such?
WHY O WHY did the apostle not tell these “disciples” that they were “eternally secure” if such were part of New Testament Christianity?
So, who’s lying? Is Paul the apostle lying or are modern leaders who teach contrary to what he taught lying?
Who shall you follow?
So, we must ask: If in fact the so-called “eternal security” teaching was a part of “the apostle’s doctrine,” WHY O WHY is it never seen coming out of the mouths of Christ or His holy apostles? Did they forget to tell us something we needed to know?
Did the Holy Spirit not clearly warn us through Jude of these grace-perverters whom he said are “ungodly men”?
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
Just WHAT kind of men does God’s Word tell us are “turning the grace of our God into” a license for sin? – “Ungodly men”!
In stark contrast with this diabolical notion that once saved the believer can do anything he wishes, Titus 2 gives us insight into who truly is saved by the grace of God. This is a passage that is purposely ignored by grace-perverting wolves. Just what does Titus 2:11-14 tell us that the true grace of God is teaching ALL those who are truly saved by it?
“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 (special) people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
ALL who are saved by divine grace (the only way one can be saved) are “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,” and living “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Isn’t it quite interesting that the so-called “doctrines of grace” intentionally evade this Bible passage? If that’s not a red flag what is?
“BUT WAIT! What about John 10:28-29????”
John 10:27 is a truth deceivers love to ignore. Jesus qualified – gave the condition – for being secure. You cannot divorce the words of Jesus recorded in v27 from His words in v28-29. According to Jesus, it’s only those who hear His voice, continue to hear it, and follow (present tense) Him that have security. This also coincides with all else Christ and His apostles taught. Like just 5 chapters forward in chapter 15 where He taught the essential of abiding or remaining in Him or being cut off and burned in the fire if not (John 15:6). “Cut off” is a term Paul uses concerning the Jews and warning the Gentile believers – (Rom 11:20-22).
A clean, clear, and assured conscience comes only by way of saving faith and literal, practical obedience to God’s Word which is always the fruit of saving faith (1 Timothy 1:5). If a person wants a clear conscience, assurance, and eternal security, he must hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him. It’s only then – as he is presently worshipping Jesus with no idols or unrepentant sin, that he is assured of eternal life.
WHAT do His sheep do? HOW are they identified?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
Jesus clearly defined exactly who that promise of being kept is for (v27). He was not just throwing that promise out to everyone. It was reserved for a special remnant of those whom He calls and who answer and obey. – Those who continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him are those who receive the blessing of being kept. Those who seek to spread the “once saved always saved” heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27 which clearly qualify and condition His promise. According to Jesus, the promise of verses 28-29 is a promise of security reserved specifically and exclusively for those who are currently hearing Jesus’ voice and following Him. Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ – knowing Him – which requires continuing to “abide” in Him (remain), to hear His voice, and follow Him (see also John 15). In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see just WHO Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” Jesus was promising that the “They” who “hear my voice” and “follow me” are safe and secure in Me as long as they “endure to the end” in hearing my voice and following Me. According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ. Become familiar with this verse beloved so that you are not “destroyed for lack of knowledge” and “led away with the error of the wicked.” (Hosea 4:6; 2 Peter 3:17)
“My sheep hear my voice (present tense), and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Note that Jesus says of those who are secure in Him that “they follow me” and not that “they used to follow me.”
Only those who are presently hearing His voice as they walk with Him and are following Him are kept and secure. One simply cannot divorce the words of Christ in v27 and apprehend what He is saying.
Furthermore, elsewhere, WHAT did Jesus say is a must for following Him?
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
So, according to Jesus, is a person who is not denying himself and taking up his cross DAILY actually following Jesus? HOW then can that person vainly believe he is saved?
If Paul believed he was unconditionally, eternally secure, why then did he say:
“But I keep under (present tense) 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
Defending the Faith Once Delivered to the Saints
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19
Donald Stamps responds to this verse this way:
“THEY WENT OUT FROM US. When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 2003
John 10:27-29 teaches us that only those presently abiding in a vital, obedient relationship with Jesus, are being kept by God. All who have been previously born again and yet are not presently remaining intimate in Christ, have been and will be cast away from Him burned in the fires of eternal damnation if they don’t repent before it’s too late (John 15:1-6; Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Hebrews. 10:26-39, etc.).
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
Keeping Clean the Garments of His Righteousness
Jesus says “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and KEEPETH his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” and also “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord (not in sin) from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13; 16:15) Revelation 1:3 tells us: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and KEEP those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” But the “lukewarm” counterfeit, who is “at ease in Zion” is a moral coward and wants nothing of personal responsibility (Amos 6:1) . He refuses the fear of the LORD in order to please himself because that’s exactly who he is serving and wants no part of personal holiness through the daily cross Jesus commanded. Hell awaits.
The Son of God warned:
“And take heed to yourselves (personal responsibility commanded and required), lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare (trap) shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
After initial salvation, each believer is personally responsible to abide in, to remain with, to continue in Christ. This requires obeying His cross command or they will “fall away” and be shut out of the eternal kingdom of Christ just as the 5 foolish virgins were (Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 8:13; 9:23-24).
Father, in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ, please grant full repentance to my heart, break me to the core of this being. Please make this vessel one that is prepared to honor YOU dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If Heaven were automatic to all those who have been born again, no matter what they do with Christ after He saves them, WHY did Jesus give so many warnings like this above? WHY O WHY the parable of the talents? (Matthew 25:1-13) If unconditional eternal security is true, the Son of God sure is being indicted as a liar by those who believe such a fairytale. We call Him a deceiver for warning us not to “fall away,” and for commanding that we “endure to the end,” and to “keepeth (our) garments (clean from sin),” and many other warnings if there is no possibility of losing out eternally (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Luke 8:13; Revelation 16:15).
Beloved, you must run for your life from any vile, false prophet wolf who even hints that you are “eternally secure” while not doing what the LORD told you to do – regardless if you were truly saved in the past.
God would actually contradict Himself and be a liar if He didn’t damn the souls of all who die in sin – regardless of whether or not they were saved in the past. The Almighty is holy, just, to be feared, and unchanging. The counterfeit Calvinist says that God would cease to be God if He didn’t save and keep all those He saves. Is that what God’s own Word reveals?
Speaking to God’s own people, Christ’s apostle Paul says:
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: IF we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:12
Excuse me… “IF we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:12
What Happened When the LORD Found and Saved You?
Jesus told us that “many” go down that BROAD road that leads to destruction and only a “few” will enter in through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life in Heaven. Jesus says:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
We were “dead in trespasses and sins” before He found and saved us from our sins and from certain damnation. We must first realize where we were as fallen mankind, in order to appreciate the salvation our LORD has wrought for us.
“And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:1-6
God brought us OUT of something in order to bring us INTO something else. When Jesus was dying for our sins on that cross, He cried “It is finished” which means that the price for mankind’s sins is “Paid in full!” (John 19:30) The blood of His only begotten Son satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem mankind. Nothing else is sufficient.
“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
He brought us out of darkness and sin and into His kingdom of light by the washing away of our sins by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
“And he brought us OUT from thence, that he might bring us IN, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.” Deuteronomy 6:23
We have been brought out of Egypt (sin/the world system) and into the promised land which is the picture of God translating us into the kingdom of His dear, blessed Son out from the darkness that once held us captive.
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us FROM the power of darkness, and hath translated us INTO the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
When Jesus finds us and we agree with Him that we are sinners and need His saving grace, He saves us, opening our eyes, turning us from spiritual darkness to His light and out from under the power of Satan.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
It’s only Jesus Christ who can save a lost soul and it’s only Jesus who can keep that person to the end. He requires the participation of the individual disciple whom He has found and saved (John 8:30-32, 36; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39, etc.). Read John 15 to learn more about abiding or remaining in Christ.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ … 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 1:6; 2:12-13
The LORD commands those whom He has rescued out of the darkness of sin and this wicked world system to “work out” their own salvation “with fear and trembling” and as they do, He will continue to keep and to work in them “both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
God instructs us to “keep” ourselves in His love so that we can be ready to meet Him at all times.
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … 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, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 21, 24-25
At all times we are to look for the soon return of the King of all kings:
“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
Jesus told us that He is going to return for a people who are abiding in Him, “holy and without blemish.”
“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
Do not be deceived by the many false teachers who teach “once saved always saved.” Get into God’s Word every morning and avoid the false teachers who are leading many to hell. Fellowship with true Bible believers who search out and cling to “every word of God.” (Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 4:4)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Does Eternal Salvation Equal a License to Sin? | Present Salvation | The Idiocy of Calvinism| Will Everyone Jesus has Saved be in Heaven?
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Does Eternal Salvation Equal a License to Sin?
FEEDBACK:
Message Received:
It is true, once saved always saved, and it is not a license to sin, because when you are truly saved the nature of Jesus Christ will not and cannot sin.
Reply:
Not so. Peter sinned long after he was born again. That’s why Paul rebuked him (Gal 2).
Lucifer was in perfect standing with God until he chose to sin and so were Adam and Eve….. that’s the first 3 of many apostates seen in Holy Scripture.
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Gal. 2:11 Peter was involved in causing many to stumble – to “fall from grace.” (Gal. 5:4)
If that isn’t sin, what is?
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)
Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
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Abiding
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Cost of Discipleship
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11
Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES
By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:
And the fifth:
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.
If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.
Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:
“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”
“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”
In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37
Of this Adam Clarke wrote:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”
Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:
“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES
In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.
As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”
To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15
Jesus Addressed the Excuses
Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62
Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28
The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).
Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.). 
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms
Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
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Articles
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).
Living in the Spirit
Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.
“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18
The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian
God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“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.” Romans 5:17
The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential
Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
“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.” Romans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.
Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
“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
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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