Friday, September 23, 2011

Do not be deceived. How you live matters.

Three Scriptures warn not to be duped by those who teach you can be a Christian yet live like the Devil.
  • Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
  • For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:5-6)
  • Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:7-8)

Is there any Biblical basis for a 'carnal Christian' or a 'backsliding Christian'?  Many today teach that once you are 'saved/accept Christ/pray the prayer/walk the aisle' you are guaranteed Heaven regardless of how you live. I believe that salvation is by grace (Eph 2:8-9) and not by any act of righteousness on our part (Titus 3:5). However, if you are a child of God will you not act like your Father?  If you are His, you will bear fruit?

Note the warning in each of these verses. Do not be deceived!  If you claim the name of Christian, does your life bear that out?  If not, what will you do about it?

About Me

Here is my testimony: mike