January 24, 2002
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. I John 2:3-6 (NIV)
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. I John 3:15 (NIV)
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:3-5 (NIV)
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23 (NIV)
How do I know that I know that I know that I know the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior? If you life does not appear as the scripture says above, then most likely, you don’t! Now, we are not without sin once we come to a true point of salvation in our lives. However, scripture says that you will not continue to live in a lifestyle of sin. It is not a matter of falling and asking the Lord to pick you up, it is a matter of what does your life reflect every day. If your lifestyle reflects the sinful nature, then scripture says you will not have any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. So, what if one examines one’s lifestyle and sees, not the way of Christ, but the way of sin? Repent! When one comes to a true saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, one cannot continue to live in a lifestyle of sin, for the Holy Spirit within convicts of the wrongness of such a lifestyle. I say it loud and I say it strong: It is impossible for one to have a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ and continue life as usual. When you come face to face with the risen Lord, you see yourself as you are, dirty and unclean. When you truly give yourself to him, you are his and he will convict you of the way you live until you give it to him and turn around and go the other way. If you do not experience this conviction, or if you continue in the way you wish to go without regard to what the word of God says, you are in danger of judgment and the Lake of Fire. Scripture very plainly states that one cannot continue in the acts of the sinful nature and have any inheritance with Christ and God. Where is your inheritance? Examine yourself and ask the Lord to examine you. Be certain that your inheritance is with Christ and God.
Father, it seems that you are not through with calling to us that you are a holy and righteous God. We praise you for the blood that washes sin away. At the same time, Father, we cry to you to put us walking the way that Jesus walked. Leave nothing to question. This day, show us the fruits that we produce. This day convict the heart that is in danger. This day, bring that repentance of heart that you honor. In Jesus name, I praise you that you will go to great lengths to bring us in your good and perfect will. In Jesus name I praise you that your word has left nothing to chance and you have written that we may know we have eternal life, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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