Bro. Kenneth Yoder
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is Justified, and not by faith only.
I want to discuss the subject: Christians Are Obligated to Obey the Moral Law of God. I intend to show that the gospel which the majority of Evangelical Christians are endorsing is not the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am convinced that until the present generation, (both the religious community and the secular general public) realizes this, very little can be done to solve the moral and spiritual problems of our society.
Many glory in what is falsely called grace. They believe that grace has liberated them from obeying the moral law. Christian freedom is interpreted in terms of being loosed from the demands of the moral law. That, my friend, is a false gospel! It is a distorted gospel that will never cleanse men and women from sin. Let us examine the line of reasoning from which this doctrine is derived. It is a distortion of Justification by Faith. Romans 1:17 is a pivotal passage of Scripture. It states, The just shall live by faith. The doctrine of justification by faith is a basic element of this false teaching. Justification by faith is surely a Scriptural doctrine, but it has been perverted, as we shall see.
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. The expression, righteousness of God, means right standing with God. That phrase is another way of expressing what is commonly called justification. Our right standing with God came about independently of the works of the law. That means that Christians did not merit their right standing with God by obedience to the commandments of God. It is from this and similar truths that the false conclusions are drawn.
Let us briefly survey this line of reasoning. First, one is justified by faith alone. The word alone is an unwarranted addition that distorts the truth. Second, since our right standing with God came about apart from the works of the law, it is falsely concluded that therefore no violation of the law can destroy our standing with God. The facts are true but the conclusions are false. It is true that Christians are justified by faith. It is also true that our right standing with God or our justification came about independently of the works of the law. Nevertheless, it is false to draw the conclusion that therefore no violation of the law can destroy our justification.
From this false logic comes the doctrine that disobeying God's law cannot affect one's eternal salvation. This doctrine is popularly called Eternal Security. A sinning Christian is as secure as an obedient Christian, because one's disobedience does not affects one's salvation according to this teaching. They believe that salvation becomes an accomplished fact by one act of faith. Once a person professes faith in Jesus Christ as Savior that person's salvation is considered an accomplished fact forever after. When a Christian sins it may interrupt his fellowship with God, disturb his peace and hinder his spiritual growth, but in no possible way does it affect his standing with God.
Most of the popular preachers in America, those who have a monopoly on the Christian media, maintain this. In fact this view of the gospel is the majority opinion of American Christianity today. If a preacher challenges these accepted teachings as 1 am, he is considered a legalist
The false logic of these teachings is so widespread that it is really having a damning affect upon almost everyone. Not only has it affected those in its immediate circle, but it has affected all of us some. The reason is simple. Since it is the majority opinion and since its advocates are recognized as the leaders of American Christianity, it has prestigious influence. Its supporters are considered the spokesmen of Evangelical Christianity. They therefore carry enormous authority. The shelves of our Christian Book Stores are lined with books that are written by these leaders. They also oversee the largest Christian ministries in America.
I will not go any further into detail. I believe I have established my point. The advocates of these teachings are not the fringe of American Christianity but mainstream American Christianity. We need to recognize the reality of our situation. We do not only have lost sinners to deal with, but we also have a sinning church that is trusting in an Eternal Security which has no valid Scriptural basis.
I am going to prove that sinning religion is not Biblical Christianity. I know that some live better than their theology but their theology is taking a terrible toll on the spirituality of American Christianity.
The Apostle Paul was slanderously accused of teaching that Christians may continue to sin. In the book of Romans, he answered this slanderous charge. Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm mat we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Paul was referring to a slanderous accusation that others were bringing against him. He wrote what some were asserting that he was teaching; let us do evil that good may come. I would like to paraphrase this expression to help us more fully understand its significance to our subject. Let us continue in sin that we may experience an overflowing increase of God's grace through continual forgiveness. Some of our popular Christian songs depict that idea. Songs such as, I'm Not Perfect, I'm Just Forgiven, express the idea that since Christians cannot live without committing sin, they need constant forgiveness. The popular idea is that since no one can keep the law of God nor live a holy life, therefore God's grace is manifested by continually forgiving us of unavoidable transgressions. Many would not put their beliefs into these words, but this is what they honestly believe. These are the real sentiments that many hold. They excuse known sin in their life. They know that they are living in disobedience to some commandment. Yet they never attempt to rid their life of that sin because they are trusting in God's grace for forgiveness. This amounts to turning the grace of God into a license to sin.
In the 6th chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul continues his defense against this slanderous charge. The 1st verse of the 6th chapter of Romans is returning to the objection raised in the 8th verse of the 3rd chapter. Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Evangelical Christianity would answer, "Yes, we do continue to sin and God’s grace abounds in the forgiveness of our sins." How does Paul answer? Paul answers, "God forbid" (verse 2). That statement is one of the strongest negatives in the Word of God. What does it mean? Absolutely not! Positively not! Never! The question, Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?, refers to a false conclusion that is drawn from a perversion of the doctrine of justification by faith. This perversion declares that the law no longer has any jurisdiction over a Christian. Justification by faith should never be exploited so it becomes an excuse to live continually in sin.
The Gospel was never intended to become a license to sin. When perverted, the Gospel can become the basic excuse to continue to live in sin without any fear of eternal damnation. The idea that Christ died for us and purchased a continual forgiveness of our ongoing sinning is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This may sound strange to you but I am telling you the absolute truth. We need to recognize that justification by faith has been so abused that it actually has become a license to continue to live in sin with full assurance of Heaven. Paul answered his own question. I want you to think about Paul's answer. How can we as Christians continue to live in sin since we are dead to s/n? The idea of continuing to live in sin is preposterous. It is nonsense, because we are dead to sin.
We need to recognize that in the New Testament, justification carries with it inescapable and undeniable moral implications. If a man accepts justification through Jesus Christ, he also must set his heart on living without committing sin. That is the Scriptural concept of repentance. If he does not, he cannot be justified. To the Apostle Paul, one who believes he can accept justification, without also striving to live a life free from sin is believing nonsense.
Notice what he wrote in the 3rd and 4th verses of this 6th chapter of Romans. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life. Water baptism symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection into a new life of holiness. A false dualism is being taught today. They teach that when a Christian is born again, a new nature is received but the old nature remains intact. A Christian is portrayed as a spiritual schizophrenic. His old nature continues to sin but his new nature is what God is concerned about. The Christian is in a state of continual justification because he possesses a new nature that is perfect in the sight of God. This dualism is a false distinction that the Bible does not make. The Bible considers each individual as a whole person. Does anything happen to the old nature? Does it remain untouched? The Bible teaches that the old nature is crucified. There is a death that takes place. The old sinful person who you once were no longer exists, because he died.
Romans 6:5-23 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Jaw, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Emphasis mine).
The Apostle Paul did not expect Christians to continue to live in sin. Paul taught justification by faith but justification by faith never meant one could continue to live in sin. There is no hint in the Scriptures that justification by faith provides for a Christian to continue to live in sin by offering him a perpetual forgiveness. Instead the Bible offers us freedom from sin. The liberty of a Christian is not freedom to continue in sin with a perpetual promise of forgiveness. It is freedom from the old sinful life and the bondage of sin. The true Gospel is what our sin-cursed world needs. It is what the majority of Evangelical Christians need.
It certainly is true that one is saved by faith, but (and this is very important) not by faith that is alone. That is a cliché that goes back to the early days of the Protestant Reformation. It means we are saved by faith, but not by a faith that does not result in righteousness. Please understand me. There is no hint in the Scriptures that any works of righteousness can merit justification. When we trust in Christ as Saviour, we must trust in the effectiveness of the death of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. It is because that Jesus died for me that God is willing to forgive me. We cannot merit justification by our own works of righteousness.
Nevertheless, the Bible also as plainly insists that faith and works are so closely linked together that they are essentially one experience. Faith and works are inseparable, I am going to repeat that because I know it sounds strange to some of you, but faith and works are inseparable. Many are dividing things that God never intended to be separated. Faith and works were inseparable in the minds of those who wrote the Scriptures.
The Bible teaches that good works is one of the evidences, (if not the greatest evidence) of the genuineness of one's salvation. Good works are the evidence of the genuineness of salvation in this sense that good works will inevitably accompany genuine faith. Some people judge by how they feel but feelings can be deceptive. You feel according to what you believe. If your beliefs are wrong, then your feelings release a false sense of security. You can identify a tree by its fruit. Apples do not grow on oak trees. As Jesus said, "grapes do not grow on thorn bushes or figs on thistles." There is no reason to be mistaken in this matter. We may correctly conclude that those who do not live a holy life are not true Christians. I realize the charge that I have made against Evangelical Christianity is a very serious indictment. However, my love for God and His truth demands that I say no less.
I have thought about this subject for several years. Recently while praying and meditating on this subject I asked God the following question. What is going to happen to the Christians in America who believe that they may continue to sin? We are not talking about a few people but about millions of professing Christians. What is going to become of them? Many believe that they can continue to sin and by a daily repentance they are forgiven. Some go so far as to teach that once a person confesses faith in Jesus Christ, they can die an adulterer or murderer but would nevertheless go to Heaven. What is going to be the end of those who live and die trusting in such a gospel? I realize some of those who teach these doctrines are sincere. They may honestly be trying to help struggling Christians who have committed sin. Their sincerity does not alter the fact that this is one of the most deceptive and damning teachings in vogue today. It deprives the Gospel of its power to save from sin. When the Scriptural promise of victory over sin is denied, then the appeal of the Gospel is lost. The moral beauty of the Gospel is that it will deliver from the power of sin.
The Bible teaches that good works are the evidence of true faith, in the sense that they inevitably accompany genuine faith. I want you to remember as you continue to read this article that never in the Word of God are good works represented as the grounds of our justification. Nevertheless good works are considered both an essential part and an evidence of true faith. It is from this truth that no one can merit salvation by good works that many draw their false conclusions. Since a sinner cannot merit salvation by works, they falsely conclude that good works need not accompany one's salvation. Since one cannot be saved by good works, then good works are considered of very little value. Some actually teach that converted Christians can live in sin throughout their entire post-conversion life with no threat to their eternal salvation.
Much is made of a Christian's position in Christ and very little of the moral state required to be saved. They claim that because of our position in Christ, we are righteous by proxy instead of actually holy. Many deny there is any necessary connection between one's position (which means his legal standing with God) and one's moral state (whether he is holy or not). But there is a definite necessary linkage between one's position in Christ and one's moral state (1 John 2:6 KJV He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.) They claim that holy living is not necessary for salvation. Holy living is only necessary for fellowship with God. They believe that disobedience will not affect one's salvation. It will only affect one's fellowship, peace and spiritual growth.
Let us study a passage from the 2nd chapter of the book of James that deals with the subject of faith and works being inseparable. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. A person who continues to live in one known sin shows by that action his true attitude towards God and His law is rebellion. James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said a/so, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. This may be an extreme example, but let us imagine a hit man in the Mafia who is faithful to his wife. He commits murder for a price, but he prided himself on being faithful to his wife. The truth is, he has no reason to consider himself a moral person. This is an extreme example, but it does exemplify what James is teaching. James 2:12-14 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be Judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? These are rhetorical questions. A rhetorical question is a question that has an obvious implied answer. The obvious implied answer that James is expecting is, No! Faith without works cannot save a person. The expression, what does it profit, means what value is there in a person saying that he has faith and does not have works, can faith save him? No!
James 2:15,16 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Mere words are of no value without deeds. Mere words will not clothe nor keep warm. Neither will words fill a hungry stomach.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. The expression, being alone, is the key to understanding. Remember what I have already said above. It is true that one is saved by faith, but not by faith that is alone. That is what James is saying. In the King James Version of the Bible with marginal readings, you will notice either a small number or letter by the word alone. In the margin you will see the reference, Greek: by itself. This means that faith by itself or faith that is alone is not genuine faith, but dead faith. The reference is to faith without works which is really not faith at all. The reason this is true is because faith and works are inseparable.
In the 14th verse James asks the question, can faith without works save a man? That is another rhetorical question and the obvious implied answer is, No. Faith that has not works (being alone) is dead faith. Therefore works are an essential and necessary part of genuine faith, as much as breath is an essential element of a living body. Notice the 26th verse, For as the body without the spirit (breath) is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. The expression, show me thy faith without thy works, demands impossibility. Consider what I said, that demand is impossible. Can anyone show his faith in Christ without works? No! How can a person show that he loves God? The answer, of course is, if you love God there will be a response of wholehearted obedience on your part. It is that response of obedience that will show that you love and trust God. The demand to show one's faith without works is a natural impossibility. James replied, "I will show thee my faith by my works ".
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble. The expression, thou believest that there is one God, refers to the first commandment, (see Exodus 20:3). What James is saying is that this faith that is without works is the faith of demons. Faith without works is nothing more or less than the faith of demons. It is an intellectual recognition of the truth that has no effect upon one's obedience. Demons possess an intellectual faith. They intellectually acknowledge the truth, there is but one God. Jesus was God incarnated in human flesh. The demons recognized Him for who He is, (see Matthew 8:29). They have an intellectual faith, but one which does not lead to obedience. I know this is a terrible indictment, but faith without works is nothing more that the faith of demons.
In James 2:20, the expression, wilt thou know, refer to those who refused to understand and accept that faith without works is dead. In the phrase, O vain man, the word "vain" could have been translated foolish. Observe it does not refer to intellectual foolishness but to moral fools. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
If I had one request that I could make of the professing Christian Church it would be that they would recognize this truth. No one is justified by a faith void of good works. James illustrates this truth by the example of Abraham. James 2:21-24 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
God declared Abraham justified by works. This means that God considered him righteous because he acted upon his faith. His faith was proven to be genuine when he acted upon it. His works perfected his faith. The statement, Was not Abraham our father justified by works, sounds like heresy to many. It also would be considered legalism by most. James was not opposing Paul's doctrine of justification by faith. James and Paul were inspired by the same Spirit. They taught the same Gospel, but they were emphasizing different aspects of the Gospel. Notice verse 24, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only. I am not going to go any farther in this passage because I have some other passages to consider. Let me sum up this passage. We ought to understand that a person cannot be justified by faith alone or by faith that is alone. Faith is inseparable from works. Faith without works is not genuine faith; It will not save you. It is foolish and useless to trust in a dead faith.
Justifying faith will purify or cleanse from sin. I John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. A true Christian hope purifies. There is a necessary linkage in the Scriptures between justification and cleansing from sin. No one is justified who is not cleansed by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (see Titus 3:5).
James' teachings are in line with his half-brother and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:17-23 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree in at bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall now them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I wonder how many of the millions who believe in sinning and repenting continually will hear this judgment My hope is that they are living better than their theology. I trust that Christians who have been taught erroneously are living better than their teachings. However, I am afraid that in most cases that is not true.
James and Jesus taught the same doctrine. We can know whether a person has genuine faith by the way they live. Claiming Jesus as Lord is not sufficient by itself. We must do the will of God, which is my subject: Christians Are Obligated to Obey the Moral Law of God.
Paul was in full agreement with Jesus and James. I Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Let us consider this passage. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Every Christian ought to understand that people who are unrighteous cannot inherit God's Kingdom. "Be not deceived" (there are many who are) "neither fomicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate"{men who have the characteristics of a female) "nor abusers of themselves with mankind" (homosexuality) "nor thieves, nor coveters, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners" {none of these) "shall inherit the Kingdom of God." When God regenerates a person, that person will not continue to be what he once was as a sinner. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Dear friend, there is a cleansing from sin that takes place within those who are genuine believers in Jesus Christ. The teaching that one need not forsake sin to be saved is a perversion of the Gospel.
(Jude 1:4 KJV) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Some false teachers had secretly slipped in among God's people. They were perverting the Gospel into a permit to practice lasciviousness. These teachers were presenting the grace of God in a way that it became a license to sexually immorality.
When God's grace becomes an offer of perpetual forgiveness to those who continue to live in disobedience it becomes a license to sin. It is this idea that is at the heart of this false gospel. It represents grace as that which frees from God's moral law. That, my friend, is a perverted gospel.
Many professing Christians have no sense of being under necessity to obey the law of God. They do not believe they must obey God's law to be saved. The question is not does the Bible recommend a holy life, because all agree that it does. The question is: Is a holy life necessary for salvation? To that question these would answer, No. They answer in this manner because according to them a person is saved by faith alone. Since works have nothing to do with right standing with God therefore, a holy life is not an absolute requirement.
What do you, my dear friend, actually believe about this matter? Anyone is in danger of perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if he does not believe that obedience to God's law is necessary for salvation. I charge those who believe this of being under the delusion of a false gospel. The assurance of Heaven that many experience is a false assurance. The final Judgment will have a surprise for you.
Matthew 7:22,23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And men will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I have already said that many of the leaders of the largest Christian ministries in America are advocates of these teachings. You may have responded in shock to the above charges that I have made. However, I realize what I am saying. I can say no less and be faithful. To teach that Christians may continue in sin is to teach a false gospel.
Another false concept that is taught is there should be no compulsion under grace. Statements are made similar to the following: A born-again believer will keep God's commandments not because he must, but because he desires to. There is a fallacy in that statement. The problem with this statement is the words must and desire. They reduce God's commandments from must to want to. Many fail to understand an underlying principle of the Word of God which is: the commandments of God always imply a MUST. It cannot possibly be a commandment nor a law, if there is not an implied MUST. God's commandments are not suggestions; they are demands. Somebody said, "I believe a Christian should want to obey God." I believe he should also, BUT YOU OUGHT TO OBEY GOD WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT. John Wesley once said that we ought to reject the doctrine that teaches only do right when you feel motivated to do right. He taught, "Do right always!" We have not understood that God's Moral Law consists of commandments instead of suggestions. God's commandments are never optional in the minds of Bible writers. Likewise, in God's own mind His Law is not an optional matter. The Scriptures teach that we must obey God voluntarily from the heart. In Matthew 22:37 Jesus in answering the question concerning which is the greatest commandment, quoted from the Old Testament Law, (see Deuteronomy 6:5). 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
Obedience is never optional. Never! It is always necessary. Some do not like the idea of God commanding us. They believe that such demanding completely destroys the voluntary nature of love. There is a deficiency in the love of those who do not delight in God demanding obedience. Some do not relish taking orders from God. Nevertheless, that is what a Christian life is. It consists in saying yes to God's will. To some this submission is a straight-jacket. To whom is the law of God a straight-jacket? Surely not to those who love him. I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. A Christian chooses to do God's will because he loves God.
True faith establishes the law. Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Do believers make void the law of God through faith? That is a good question. In fact it is a relevant and important question. The Biblical answer is a strong denial: GOD FORBID! Instead, the opposite is true, yea, we establish the law. How do believers establish the law? The answer of course is by obedience to it. Faith does not make void God's law, it establishes God's law.
Many consider works an addition or something that is not an essential part of faith itself. However, the Bible teaches that good works are not only an expression of genuine faith but they are an essential part of genuine faith. Wherever good works are lacking so is faith. Faith cannot exist without good works. The Scriptures teach that a person who is genuinely converted has a principle in him, so that he cannot continue to practice sin. Paul asks, "How can we, that are dead to sin, live any longer there in. The implication of that question is there is a principle of holiness in a believer who is regenerated, so he cannot continue to live in sin.
While preaching I have said that one of the most difficult choices for a true child of God, is to commit sin. Some have looked at me like I was joking. Nonetheless, one who loves God with all their heart will find it nearly impossible to commit sin.
John 14:21,23,24 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loved me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
If you love God you will keep his commandments. This is a statement about the nature of love. The Bible defines love as obedience to God's commandments, not the warm fuzzies. The one evidence of true faith that the Bible constantly refers to is obedience. A man of faith will continue to obey God though he is under strong temptation.
My indictment against nominal Christianity is that it is a LIE to claim to know Jesus Christ and to continue to live in sin. I John 2:3-6 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Dear Brethren, this may sound foreign to your ears because you generally are hearing a perverted form of the Gospel. The Bible teaches that any person who abides in Jesus Christ ought to live like Jesus Christ did. Many will respond, "That is an impossible standard." It is commonly believed that no one can live like Jesus did. John wrote that everyone who claims to be In Christ ought to walk as He walked.
Thoughtfully consider the following passage. I John 3:5-9 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and In him Is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth 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 his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
A few comments before I move on. We know that He (Jesus) was manifested to take away our sins; (this is the reason He came). Whosoever abideth In him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth has not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: (millions are deceived) he that doeth righteousness is righteous, (Who are the righteous? Those who practice righteousness). He that committeth sin is of the devil. 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 His seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. The word "seed" refers to the principle of holiness that is in the heart of every true believer. If we are genuinely converted, we will endeavor to meet every requirement, to fulfill every condition and to obey every obligation of God's moral law. What are the tragic results of this false gospel? The cost of this error in the terms of lost souls is beyond our imagination. It is a very high cost indeed. One of the reasons that this false gospel is so damning is that a man who has a false hope is two fold more a child of hell, (see Matthew 23:15). I repeat, I realize that these are serious charges, but anything less would not be true.
This teaching has seriously compromised the witness of the church before a watching world. The secular media really exploits fallen believers and fallen preachers. The world does not draw a theological line between ideologies as we do. The world looks upon the professing Christian Church as an undivided unit. This teaching has seriously compromised the witness of the Church because it has excused professing Christians who endlessly wallow in their sin. The most tragic effect of all is the false assurance that many possess. In reality they have no valid reason or Scriptural grounds to believe that they are true Christians. This false gospel has made it possible for many to consider themselves true Christians while they are living in known sin. This also has contributed to the loss of personal consecration. In fact if you follow the logic of these teachings to their conclusions they offer little or no incentive to a total commitment of our life to God Many claim Jesus as their Savior; however when asked, "A Savior from what?" Their answer would not be: A Savior from sin, but from the consequences of sin or from the judgment to come. That is an insufficient definition of Bible salvation.
There is a conspicuous absence of holiness. In fact, the Church is actually indifferent to strict morality. One of the easiest ways to turn off most congregations is to begin a series of teachings on the strict morality of the law of God. You will discover that the church is indifferent to holiness.
In some circles it is assumed that a man is to be pitied who preaches on the commandments of God, self-denial, or striving to be holy. People shake their heads and look upon with pity.
True revival will never be experienced as long as this perverted gospel is presented as the true Gospel. Until the professing Church and the general public realize that this perverted gospel is not the true Gospel, very little can be done to secure a spiritual awakening.
I have dealt with some serious situations in this article, but I am convinced that until a genuine repentance is experienced within the church nothing is going to change. The flow of the crowd is in the opposite direction from that which I have urged in the article. The settled opinions that many possess, their mind-set, the way they think, and their deepest inner feelings are wanting in principles of holiness. It is discouraging to observe so many living without victory over sin. Instead of making a definite clean-break with sin, they try to wean themselves from it. Instead of considering moral issues as black or white, they consider too many issues as simply gray. Many have lost their spiritual bearing because of this. Many have lost their distinct straightforward testimony. The reason is the church has abandoned the absolutes of God's law.
I consider the message of Salvation to be the greatest message in the world. I also consider it to be the message that the world needs. Think about it a few minutes. Suppose that it is true, that anyone bound by passion, lust, or pleasure could be set free. Suppose there is an experience through Christ in which the old sinful self could be destroyed. Suppose that God could affect such a change within the individual that instead of his affections flowing out towards sinful pleasures they now surge toward the things of God. Suppose there really is an experience in which the vilest of sinners could be cleansed and enabled to live as Jesus lived. Suppose that on conditions that anyone could meet (faith and repentance) they could receive a gift from God (Holy Spirit) to enable them to live holy. Suppose that by God's act of regeneration and renewing a sinner could actually become a holy person. Suppose for a moment there really is such an experience. Would not that experience be exactly what the sinful world needs? Is not that what sinful man actually needs? Is not that what our immoral generation needs?
We have forgotten that the message that God has committed to us is the message the sinful world needs. We are almost afraid to proclaim it. If I would claim that I have lived this day without committing any known sin, many would consider me deceived. One preacher said that the biggest liar of all is a man who says that he does not lie. Behind that statement is this false gospel. Suppose I would claim that I do not lie. Is that more than the Bible promises? Am I speaking falsely? Am I full of spiritual pride and so ignorant or blind that I do not know myself? Is it my arrogance that keeps me from seeing my sins? That is how many view a person who claims to live a holy life. Fear of being censored can keep you from being an effective witness.
We have a message of Salvation that the world desperately needs. May God enable us to declare it to them. I ask you, my friends, which would be better, to withhold this truth from the people and let them go on in their false assurance or to declare as I have that holy living is a necessity? I repeat, I have asked God in prayer and meditation, "What will become of all those who acknowledge that they are living in sin daily and yet claim Christ as Savior?" Realizing that the Bible is true, I wonder what will become of them? This is a serious matter to me. I am afraid that this false gospel has adversely affected most of us. I am afraid that many are not striving to be holy with the same earnest zeal they once had. Without holiness no one should expect to share eternity with God. Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Holiness is an essential attribute of God. Anyone who has the prospect of being in fellowship with God in eternity must themselves be holy. Holiness, without which no man will see /he Lord, is a sober reminder that the pursuit of holiness is of crucial importance. Without holiness no one will be allowed into God's presence.
Christians are under obligation to obey God's Moral Law. It is essential to their Salvation because it is a vital element of genuine faith. *END*