We are living in an age where the Truth is no longer The Truth in many hearts and minds. We water it down to make it sound more palatable. We avoid the Truth to skirt away from condemning circumstances. We don't think about the consequences of lying. We want what we want and are not willing to be transparent when we make mistakes. It's just a little bit of sin, right? This is dangerous thinking. We get into more serious trouble when we premeditate our wrongdoings and then justify our bad behavior to validate our sins. This sounds just like King David. He was "a man after God's own heart", yet his power, authority, ministry, and family were never the same after his fall with Bathsheba (2 Samuel chapter 11).
It grieves God when we are blinded by our sins and can't see clearly. Because He is a Holy and Righteous God He must deal with our unrepented sin. The awful and terrible Truth is that God Himself will make sure we learn to avoid willful sin. As Believers in Jesus Christ, we are to reflect Him because we love Him for the high price He paid on the Cross at Calvary. He is a Jealous God and will not tolerate willful unrepented sin.
"He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized), Will suddenly be broken beyond repair." Proverbs 29:1 Amplified Version
The author of the Book of Hebrews confirms the Creator's gracious yet vehement demand for righteousness. As the third-century theologian, Origen told us "Who it was that really wrote the Epistle of Hebrews, God only knows", still God made sure we had every scripture for our benefit.
"All scripture is God-breathed (given by divine inspiration) and is profitable for instruction, for conviction (of sin), for correction (of error and restoration to obedience), for training in righteousness (learning to live in conformity to God's will, both publicly and privately-behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage)." 2 Timothy 3:16 Amplified Version
"We must not indulge in (nor tolerate) sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand (suddenly) fell (dead) in a single day! We must not tempt the Lord (that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness), as some of them did-and they were killed by serpents. And do not murmur (in unwarranted discontent), as some of them did-and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example and warning (to us); they were written for our instruction (to admonish and equip us), upon whom the ends of the ages have come." 1 Corinthians 10:8-11 Amplified Version
If we are honest and aware we can see that we who are living today truly are the ones that the ends of the ages have come upon. If you watch the news, read the newspaper, you can see where God's judgment is still falling on the earth by similar events. The Bible in its entirety has clearly laid out for us the signs of the times in which our Lord is returning soon and we must be ready, blameless, and honest with ourselves about areas of sin in our lives, including lying.
Have we come to a place as Believers in Christ where we think God will not judge our sins? That somehow He does not see them? That He is so loving and gracious that He no longer requires righteousness? God forbid. Otherwise, we make Him out to be just like us, compromising creatures.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor (perversely) effeminate (having feminine qualities untypical of a man: not manly in appearance or manner), nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers (whose words are used as weapons to abuse, insult, humiliate, intimidate, or slander), nor swindlers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 Amplified Version
Look up whatever version you prefer, they all give the same Awful, Terrible Truth. This ought to send chills up your spine in fear and trembling, it does mine. God is gracious to give us time and space for repentance, but soon that window will close.
"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23 King James Version
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17,18
The Truth hurts sometimes, but: Jesus is saying to all Believers in Him today,
"If you abide in My Word (continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then) you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth (regarding salvation), and the truth will set you free (from the penalty of sin)." John 8:31-32 Amplified Version
On a journey of Healing and Hope with you,
Terri Lynne
תגובות