Back to Main Page A well-known politician used to say that he spent all his life building a nation.
Similarly, as believers, we have to use and build our earthly lives for eternity. We have to walk rightly for our next glorious eternality. Salvation comes with a cost. Not just reciting a sinner prayer alone.
(Ephesians 5:19-25, NIV) Verse 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious:- – sexual immorality, – impurity and – debauchery; – verse 20 idolatry and witchcraft; – hatred, discord, – jealousy, – fits of rage, – selfish ambition, – dissensions, – factions – verse 21 and envy; – drunkenness, – orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Ephesians, 5:19-25)
Certainly, right believing in the scripture, will produce right walking and living with Him.
However, it seems like living a life that is led by the Spirit is much easier. Believers only need to aim at one “Fruit” of the Spirit. The word fruit is written in the singular. Of course, it consists of 9 different aspects of that fruit.
Just to sidetrack, when we make a decision, sometimes we say “We have peace”. But that “Peace” is only one aspect of the entire fruit.
As compared to living in flesh, the word “Acts” is written in the plural. It consists of 16 prohibited actions.
Last but not least, the bible outlines clearly that those believers don’t crucify their flesh, don’t live a Spirit-led life “Will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (verse 21) That means, they won’t be entering into eternality with God. The word “Those who live like that” in verse 21 also implies that Christians can either live by flesh or be led by the Spirit.
Apostle Paul continues his morality preachingon Galatians 6:7-8 “(NIV) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV)
In short, we have to use our leasehold; earthly lives, living up to God’s standard, for future eternality.
There is a great discussion on if 1 John 1:9 was written for believers. The modern-day teaching is saying that this message is not written for believers. Let’s look at the context verse by verse, for further discussion. Before that, let’s review 1 John 1:6-10 first. (1) SCRIPTURE REFERENCE 1 John 1:6-10 (NIV) 6 If…
Some contemporary interpretations propose that St. Paul’s messages are directed exclusively at Gentiles, while the Epistles of Hebrews, Peter and James, etc are intended for Jewish believers. This view often asserts that Gentile Christians need only follow Paul’s teachings, particularly the doctrine of “SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH” (Ephesians 2:8-9), commonly referred to as “Pauline…
Third John is a very short message with only one chapter and only 14 verses. The most famous verse that quoting and praying by almost all Christians is verse 2 which read:- >>> (NKJV) 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul…
