Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: [Heb 12:14]
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. [2Co 7:1]
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [2Ti 3:16-17]
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [Heb 6:1]
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. [1Jn 3:2-3]
Those that see the need to follow Jesus but do not want to live a righteous life and make Him Lord over their lives, Jesus calls lukewarm (half-hearted) and gives to them a terrifying warning.
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. [Rev 3:15-16]
Some say the grace of God is bigger than your sin and that if you believe Jesus died for you that is sufficient to be saved. They claim we are saved by faith alone and that God accepts us as we are even though we are imperfect. This is a terrifying over simplification and distortion of the biblical gospel. God wants to set us free from all habitual sin. It is in our best interest to let Him do it in us. If you are struggling, get help. Even if it hurts your pride, its value to you will be beyond measure.
If ye love me, keep my commandments … He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. [Joh 14:15&21]
We may trip and occasionally sin but we should be free of any habitual sinful attitudes and behaviour.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin ... God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [Rom 6:1-2]
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Rom 6:12]
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. [1Co 15:34]
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [1Jn 2:1]
Hear what God is saying. To enter heaven we need to surrender all of our life to Him so that He transforms us into an overcomer, otherwise you will not be eligible for the benefits He wants to give you. This same theme undergirds this fearful parable of Jesus.
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; unless there be not enough for us and you: but go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
[Mat 25:1-12]
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| Mary Neil |
Drowned Kayaking And Came Back YT(12m)