Walk the Way

JesusSaves said »

I'm sorry, but I disagree with this message. I usually love all of your messages; they are encouraging and thought provoking. However, I believe in this message you quoted Romans 8:1, and literally claimed that if we are in Christ, we can do absolutely anything and never come into condemnation. What you fail to see, however, is that our actions show whether or not we are truly in Christ or not, so someone who sins grievously is showing forth evidence that they are not saved, or in Christ. Although this is not *always* the case, most of the time it is. Look at these Scriptures:

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

Jude 1:4 "They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." (NIV)

Titus 1:16 "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him." (NIV)

James 2:17 "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (NIV)

2nd Timothy 2:19 "...Let every one that nameth (calls upon for salvation) the name of Christ depart from iniquity (sin). (KJV)

Notice in Romans 8:1 that it says that the characteristic of those who are "in Christ" is that they do *not* as a pattern of their life follow after sin (i.e. "the flesh"), but who walk after the Holy Spirit in purity and holiness. Now, obviously, no one is perfect. What matters, however, is the general thrust of your life. Do you serve sin, or God, generally? Those who serve sin, yet claim to be Christians, well, look at what Paul says of them:

Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." (NIV)

There it is, it's that simple. What does the picture of your life look like? Who do you serve? Let's examine ourselves as to whether we are serving Jesus Christ, or sin. If anyone is not sure, simply confess your sins to God, and ask for forgiveness in Jesus Christ's Name, and you will be forgiven :)

1st John 1:5-2:1 "This is the message we have heard from him (Jesus Christ) and declare to you; that God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." (NIV)

Acts 16:30-31 "...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they (the Apostle Paul and Silas) said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and [you will] be saved..." (KJV)

Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved." (KJV)

God bless all who read, and may we continue to walk the way :)

In Christ,

Jonathan

July 22, 2010

JesusSaves said »

oops...sorry guys, my bad. I meant to post this on the "Are you off the hook for sin" one. Shoot :)

July 22, 2010