Dear reader,
As we step into the beginning of the last month of this season, let us examine how we have used the courage and ability God gave to us to resist the devil – James 4:7-8.
Somehow a very dangerous thread from certain pulpits is making the rounds around the globe; this comes in the form that sin had been dealt with by Jesus. What follows this is the impression that brethren can engage in sin because Jesus is their righteousness. These pulpits harbour the notion that seeking forgiveness is a once in a life time attitude. Thus, Once a believer always a believer!! This doctrine = deception and why billions remain devil’s favorite children.
The devil it is who brings the line that leads us to sin when we follow the line he presents. Sin is already in humanity – 1 John 1:8, but the work of the devil is to manipulate human mind and introduce the sin with an anticipation we will follow his (devil’s) machination. When we yield to him, sin is committed.
Interestingly the devil introduces sins in such a way that humans are more than 99% aware that what we do is sin, yet we do it. Check the stats for sins like Pulpit deceptions, extortion, profiteering, manipulations, fornication, adultery, theft, etc.; serious sins that are not committed in a hurry; they require time and effort to plan and execute.
In His own mercy, God almighty has given those who draw near to Him, the wisdom, courage and ability to shun devil’s entreaties. John stated: “If we say that we have fellowship with God) and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not have the truth: (The darkness here is sin and every work of the devil). But if we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin”. – 1 John 1:6-7.
John’s position in terms of appeal and clarity is typical of the words of Jesus and His close associates; John was one.
John revealed further: “… And every man that hath this hope in God keeps himself pure even as God is pure. … Whosoever abides in God sins not: whosoever sins has not seen God, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as God is righteous – 1 John 3 -7.
He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for God’s seed remaineth in him (the born of God): and he (the born of God) cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother – 1 John 8-10.
Without contradiction, John declared: “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” – 1 John 5:18.
As the Spirit of God cannot contradict the word of God, Paul would state thus: “Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal; The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let everyone that names the name of Christ (Jesus) departs from iniquity.” – 2 Timothy 2:19.
Given the positions of those who ran the race before, it is evident that people can call themselves Christians or even take up positions, speak in tongues, pay dues and so on and not be of Jesus Christ – Luke 6:46. This is possible because of SIN. People sin because they never believed or do not believe in Jesus; people sin because they are of the devil the master of deception. As children of a manipulative father (the devil) we are even bold enough to claim that we love God and His son, yet we hate our neighbours and reject the Truth.
It is practically impossible to love God without obedience to the commands of God’s son. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth God who begat loveth Jesus also who is begotten of God. By this we know that we (love) are the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous – 1 John 5:1-3.
The government of God rests upon Christ’s shoulders – Isaiah 9:6. Jesus speaks as He hears from God the father – John 5:30. God commanded all mankind to hear Jesus – Mathew 17:5. To love God, obey the words of Jesus; do not be deceived by anyone (pastors or brethren) and live in sin and expect to have a place in God’s kingdom. Every believer righteous person person has the courage and ability to observe James 4:7.
Our Lord and our God, forgive us all our trespasses, we forgive those who trespass against us; deliver us from evil and lead us not into temptation. Yours is the Kingdom, yours is the power and yours is the glory forever, amen!
Eze Uduma