Grace Archives - The Hermeneutical Quill

The FIRE of GRACE: How God RESUSCITATES Dead SOULS

The enemy’s camp is ablaze with a lie: that man, in his own strength, can climb to God. This falsehood has chained countless souls, convincing them they can save themselves. But the Word of God thunders a different truth—a truth that shatters pride, revives the dead, and sets captives free. Like Samson tying firebrands to foxes to burn the Philistines’ fields (Judges 15:4-5), we must send the fire of divine revelation to torch the enemy’s deceptions. The scriptures declare: salvation is God’s work, from first breath to final glory, and only the humble receive His grace.

Dead Bones and the Breath of God

Picture a valley of dry bones—bleached, scattered, lifeless. This is humanity apart from God. Ezekiel 37:1-14 paints a vivid portrait of our spiritual state: “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). These bones can’t stitch themselves together, nor can they choose to live. When God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” the prophet doesn’t point to human effort. He replies, “O Lord God, thou knowest” (Ezekiel 37:3). Only God can act, and act He does. He commands Ezekiel to prophesy, and the Spirit—the “ruach”—breathes life into the lifeless (Ezekiel 37:9-10). The bones rattle, flesh forms, and an army rises—not by their own power, but by the breath of God.

This is the starting point of salvation. We are not merely sick or struggling; we are spiritually dead, incapable of responding to God without divine resuscitation. The lie of self-salvation crumbles here. No amount of good deeds, religious rituals, or willpower can spark life in a dead soul. As Ephesians 2:5 declares, “Even when we were dead in sins, [God] hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Salvation begins with God’s initiative, not ours.

The Son of Man Seeks the Lost

Enter Jesus, the Shepherd of souls, who declares His mission: “For the Son of man is come TO SEEK and TO SAVE that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Like a heat-seeking missile, Christ locks onto the lost—those spiritually adrift, weary, and yearning for life. But who are the “lost”? They are not the self-sufficient or the proud, who think they need no savior. They are the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), those who sense their emptiness and cry for life. Jesus doesn’t wait for them to find Him; He seeks them, as a shepherd pursues a stray sheep (Luke 15:4-7).

Yet this seeking is not universal in its outcome. Not all respond, for not all are drawn. Jesus Himself reveals the divine prerequisite: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him” (John 6:44). The Father, through the Holy Spirit, initiates the pull, stirring the dead heart to life. This drawing is the breath of Ezekiel’s vision, the grace that enables a response. The lie of human autonomy burns here: we don’t choose God until He first chooses to awaken us. As Romans 2:4 proclaims, “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Salvation is God’s pursuit, not man’s achievement.

Salvation to the Uttermost

For those who are drawn, the promise is staggering: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost THAT COME unto God BY HIM, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus’ salvation is complete, eternal, and unshakable. The phrase “to the uttermost” is a divine shout—there is no limit to His saving power for those who come. But notice the condition: “that COME unto God BY him.” This coming is not a work we muster; it’s a response enabled by grace. As in the Genesis dawn, when God said, “Let there be light,” and the Word shaped creation while the Spirit hovered over the formless deep, so too in redemption: the Father draws, the Spirit breathes, and the soul, now alive, runs to Christ. Just as God commanded light to shine out of darkness, He now makes His light shine in our hearts to reveal the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6), awakening us as a new creation in His boundless grace.

Who comes? The humble, the broken, those who know they’re spiritually bankrupt. Jesus said, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance – Matthew 9:12,13. Jesus uses the metaphor of a physician to explain His mission. The “whole” refers to those who consider themselves righteous, self-sufficient, or spiritually healthy, feel morally upright and does not need repentance. The “sick” represents sinners—those who recognize their spiritual brokenness, moral failings, or need for forgiveness, such as those marginalized by society.

Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, saying, “I will have MERCY, and not sacrifice,” emphasizing that God desires compassion and a heart oriented toward repentance. His mission is to call “sinners to repentance,” inviting those who acknowledge their need for grace to follow Him, rather than those who feel they are already whole. The people which sat in darkness SAW great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16). The people which sat in darkness saw great light,” comes from Matthew 4:16 in the New Testament, quoting Isaiah 9:2 from the Old Testament, which represents spiritual ignorance, spiritual lostness, sin, despair, and separation from God.

Grace and truth CAME through Jesus Christ (John 1:17), and the grace of God that brings salvation HATH appeared to all men (Titus 2:11), leaving none with excuse. Jesus, the embodiment of grace, stands at the door and knocks on every heart (Revelation 3:20). Yet not all respond, nor can all receive, for “this is the condemnation, that light IS COME into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Those who do evil hate the light and shrink from it, lest their deeds be exposed (John 3:20), but he that doeth truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, wrought in God (John 3:21). This movement toward the light cannot occur without the work of grace in a heart, for no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). The soul’s motion toward God is sparked by the Spirit’s divine work, as no one can come to Christ unless drawn by the Father’s grace (John 6:44). Without this grace, the natural inclination is to remain in sin, loving darkness (John 3:19). To “do truth” is to live in alignment with God’s will, embracing honesty, righteousness, and faith—not merely intellectual assent but a lifestyle of sincerity and obedience to the truth revealed in Christ. 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. – Romans 6:17. This reflects a heart already touched by grace, for only those regenerated by the Spirit can genuinely seek truth, responding to God’s initiative rather than relying on self-generated effort. Coming to the light means accepting Jesus, confessing sin, and submitting to His truth in an act of faith and humility, acknowledging the need for salvation. Just as the people who “sat in darkness” were passive until the great light dawned (Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16), so too in John 3:21, grace moves a person from spiritual passivity to actively seeking the light, fulfilling God’s redemptive promise. This underscores the synergy of divine grace and human responsibility: God’s grace initiates, but individuals must respond through faith and obedience. Coming to the light is transformative—it exposes sin yet empowers righteous living through the Spirit, shifting one from hiding in darkness to standing openly before God.

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). The proud, with no room for God in their thoughts (Psalm 10:4), build towers of self-reliance, unaware of their spiritual deadness. Yet the humble, awakened BY grace to their spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3) and lack of strength (Romans 5:6), recognize their need and cling to the Savior. Jesus exalts them, for “he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Some hearts, like stony ground or thorn-choked soil, cannot receive the seed of grace, while the good ground of the humble heart yields fruit (Matthew 13:3-23).

This redemption mirrors the Genesis dawn, when God said, “Let there be light,” the Word shaped creation, and the Spirit hovered over the formless deep (Genesis 1:2-3). Likewise, in salvation, the Father’s grace pierces the darkness of the humble heart, where the Spirit moves as over the deep; the Word incarnate brings redemption, and the Spirit breathes life, awakening the soul to embrace Christ.

Burning the Falsehood

The enemy’s lie—that we can save ourselves—crumbles under the weight of these truths. Consider the implications:

– “Dead souls can’t save themselves.” Like dry bones, we need the Spirit’s breath to live (Ezekiel 37:9; Ephesians 2:1-5).

– “God initiates salvation.” Jesus seeks the lost, and the Father draws them (Luke 19:10; John 6:44).

– “Grace enables response.” We repent and come because God’s goodness leads us (Romans 2:4; Titus 3:5).

– “Humility receives grace.” The proud are rejected, but the humble are saved to the uttermost (James 4:6; Hebrews 7:25).

This is no scattershot salvation. God’s grace is precise, like a laser targeting the weary, the lost, and the poor in spirit. Not all are drawn, and not all respond, but those who do are saved completely. The lie of self-salvation fuels pride, but the truth of grace humbles us before a sovereign God.

A Call to the Humble

If your heart stirs as you read this, it may be the Spirit’s breath, drawing you to the Savior. Don’t trust in your own strength—it’s a lie that leads to death. Instead, humble yourself before God. Cry out as the tax collector did: “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Jesus seeks you, the Father draws you, and the Spirit empowers you to come. And when you come, Christ saves you to the uttermost. Jesus said, All that the Father giveth me SHALL COME to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out – John 6:37.

For believers, this truth is a firebrand to carry. The world is choking on the falsehood of self-reliance. Like Samson, tie these truths together—God’s initiative, grace’s power, and salvation’s completeness—and send them into the enemy’s camp. Proclaim that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Let the proud stumble, but let the humble rise, revived by the breath of God.

Conclusion

The valley of dry bones lives because God breathes. The lost are saved because Jesus seeks. The humble are exalted because grace draws. This is the gospel that burns away falsehood and opens blind eyes. Salvation is not man’s work but God’s glory. So come, you weary and poor in spirit. Come to God by Christ, and be saved to the uttermost. And for those who know this truth, let’s set the enemy’s lies ablaze with the fire of grace.

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DESECRATION and Grace: The HOLY TRIAD of God’s Reign

The Bible unveils a “holy place”—first the tabernacle, then the temple, shadows of a deeper reality (Hebrews 8:5). I see it now as a triad, three pillars where God’s kingdom stakes its claim: the political sphere, pulsing through the White House, mightiest office reigning over earthly kings; the Church, America’s charge to bear the gospel’s light, whose fall imperils Christendom; and the individual soul, a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Daniel declares, “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44), and I’m convinced it reigns today—not in triumph, but in contention, desecrated by Satan’s claw yet upheld by a grace I’ve tasted. This isn’t whimsy; it’s a lens to pierce our lawless age of April 2025, a truth to make us wise and evade the “man of lawlessness” rising (2 Thessalonians 2:3). I lay it bare—credible, urgent, a call to see the snake’s bore and the line that holds the world from his sway.

The Political Sphere: The White House

The White House stands as more than stone—it’s the nerve center of worldly might, the most powerful office on earth, its decrees bending kings and nations like a shepherd’s rod sways the flock. Scripture affirms God “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21), and I see His hand wrestling here, in this holy sphere—not divine in essence, but set apart by its dominion. For years, I watched desecration take root: pride flags raised as idols on its lawn each June, a rainbow banner supplanting the cross; policies bent to appease abortion’s altar—millions of lives lost since Roe v. Wade, a stain unwashed even after its fall. Lawlessness poured forth—open borders bled chaos, cities burned in riots, unchecked by a spirit not of God but of Babylon’s daughter, “mother of harlots and abominations” (Revelation 17:5).

The 2024 election was a war of kingdoms, lawlessness against order, Godlessness against grace. I saw anarchy rise—human trafficking surged through shadowed routes, cartels grew rich with blood money, streets drowned in fentanyl’s tide—until a new tenant swore the oath in January 2025. Flawed—his tongue cuts, his past stumbles—but orders shifted ground: border patrols doubled in Texas, trafficking rings raided from Ohio to California, a grace on the world, frail yet a lifeline cast across the waves. Daniel 4:26 says, “The heavens do rule.” I’ve wrestled—can law hold this dark? The White House shines when its edicts bow to justice—shielding the weak, binding the lawless—not man’s whims. Yet Revelation 18’s merchants, drunk on her wine, claw back—lobbyists weave agendas through April’s halls, ideologues twist truth into shadows. It teeters, a linchpin or a fall—I watch with breath held.

The Church: The Ecclesia

The Church, Christ’s body, is the second pillar—“salt of the earth,” “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), restraining evil until He returns (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). America once stood as its head in the West, tasked to blaze the gospel across the earth, a charge to anchor God’s order. If she falls, the West crumbles; if that goes, Christianity’s husk is razed, and Israel’s walls fall—the snake bores deep, seeking to unravel all. I see apostasy breaking her: prosperity preachers hawk gold over the cross, megachurch scandals bare greed masked as faith—millions gained while truth fades—while drag queens bless pulpits, rainbow robes mocking the sacred in St. James Episcopal. Worship turns theater—Jesus flipped tables for less, naming it a “den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13); Paul warned of Satan’s ministers cloaked as righteous (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). This is desecration—a pest piercing Christendom’s shell, a rot spreading wide.

Yet grace holds—the ecclesia restrains the lawless one, thwarting Satan’s sway. In the last presidency, the enemy struck—politics warped, pulpits twisted, hearts poisoned—but it failed, the remnant firm. I’ve seen it stand: in Georgia’s pews, they reject rainbow banners; across Asia’s rice fields, South America’s slums, Africa’s sun-scorched plains, they pray, casting out lies with scripture’s steel. A preacher’s flock grew from 50 to 200, dozens baptized in a muddy creek, hymns rising against the wind’s chants. Cocooned by the Holy Ghost, led by Christ, this core endures—the gates of hell batter but won’t breach God’s shield. I’ve seen the Spirit’s fire there, a warmth pulsing through cracked walls, defying the cold beyond. The husk breaks—lawlessness tests—but the remnant reigns, its light fierce across the earth.

The Individual: The Soul

The individual soul—you, me—is the third holy place, God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), where the battle cuts personal. Our age mirrors Noah’s—“every intention was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5)—a flood reborn. Rebellion runs wild; Godlessness spreads. Babylon’s wine of wrath (Revelation 18:3) pours from screens—porn streams flood views, TikTok peddles self-worship to kids, minds molded before prayer. Lawlessness grows—anger festers, perversion twists love, pride chokes humility. I’ve seen it—a child parroting filth from a phone in a grocery aisle; a teen lost to fentanyl, his temple broken in a ditch off the road. Satan defiles these temples, cracking what’s holy, staining the innocent.

But grace breaks through—I’ve tasted it. A soul says “No,” sparked by a laugh or a verse: “He who began a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6). It’s surrender—turning from filth, step by step. A young man turned from his phone’s poison to prayer after a sermon pierced his heart; his eyes cleared by Easter, a light kindled anew in his gaze. I’ve seen that shift—a spark against the flood, growing to a flame through nights of wrestling. One redeemed soul lifts the Church—picture a mother in a small congregation, weeping as she returned from years lost; a steadfast Church guides the state—her voice ringing strength to steady a faltering land. This fight’s ours—lawlessness tempts, Babylon beckons—yet grace sparks what’s cracked, a hope enduring.

The Triad’s Truth

Here’s the revelation I stake: God’s kingdom reigns—through the White House, mightiest among kings, when it bows to His law; through the Church, America’s torch, whose remnant restrains the lawless one; through the soul when it spurns Babylon’s cup. If the U.S. falls, the West collapses; if Christianity’s razed, Israel’s fate hangs by a thread—the snake bores to topple God’s order. In the last presidency, the enemy swung—lawlessness flooded—but it failed, the ecclesia holding fast in muddy creeks and shadowed slums, a grit forged in prayer and steel. Yet should the rapture snatch this remnant, the safety pod breaches—all hell breaks loose, a recoil shattering resistance, “darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isaiah 60:2), sleeper cells artfully infused into the West’s architecture springing alive by the tiger spirit of antichrist, kicking off the great tribulation, a trouble unlike anything seen. With the ecclesia at the helm, the dark world’s rage chants death to Israel and Christendom—the end crashing in like a storm long held at bay. One can only imagine when the kernel is plucked from the husk, that which restrains all darkness, its fallout unleashed. Daniel 7’s beasts rage; Revelation 18’s harlot seduces with her wine; yet grace rides the flood, as Noah’s ark endured. April 2025 echoes Matthew 24:12—“Lawlessness will abound”—but the gospel presses on, a lifeline in chaos.

The White House teeters—will it hold? The Church’s husk fractures—America falters, yet the remnant digs in, unbowed under Christ. Souls drown—do we rise? Satan desecrates all three, coiling through power, pews, hearts, but grace redeems—not fully, not now. “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15)—present in this triad, a truth to discern. See the desecration, the lies; see the snake’s aim, the line he can’t break till the trumpet sounds; cling to the grace—for the Lord reigns, His holy places endure, a beacon in the twilight.

The ILLUSION of Choosing BELIEF: Unleashing the TRUE Gospel

We’ve been sold a counterfeit gospel—a flimsy tale of human triumph where faith begins with us. Ask someone when they met Christ, and they’ll point to a moment of personal resolve: “I chose to believe.” It’s a story we cling to, a trophy we polish—belief as our doing, our decision. But that’s a mirage, a hollow lid begging to be blown off. The gospel the apostles preached doesn’t start with man’s will. It starts with God’s decree, surges with the Spirit’s fire, and leaves no room for boasting. It’s time to shake the dust off our boots, let the Lion of the Tribe of Judah roar, and march to the Spirit’s tune.

The Apostolic Gospel: God’s Act, Not Ours

The apostles didn’t peddle a feel-good pitch. They proclaimed a fact: Jesus Christ, sent by God, died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, fulfilling Scripture (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Peter thundered at Pentecost, “Jesus of Nazareth… God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death” (Acts 2:22-24). Paul hammered it home: Christ’s death and resurrection, witnessed and foretold, is the power by which we’re saved (1 Cor. 15:1-8). Philip unpacked Isaiah 53 to the eunuch—Jesus, the suffering servant who bore our iniquities (Acts 8:35). No “Jesus loves you; just believe.” No sentimental hook. They announced God’s victory—Christ crucified, raised, and reigning—and the Spirit took it from there.

Jesus Himself set the pattern when He sent Paul: “Open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). Open their eyes—whose job is that? The Spirit’s, through an anointed vessel. Belief isn’t the root; it’s the fruit. Paul said it: “My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). The apostles waited for the Spirit’s move—Peter saw hearts cut at Pentecost (Acts 2:37), Philip discerned the eunuch’s faith after illumination (Acts 8:37), Cornelius’ household spoke in tongues mid-sermon (Acts 10:44-46)—the Spirit didn’t wait for their “yes.” “Believe” wasn’t a command tossed out solo; it came after the Spirit’s visible work. Belief came up few times, always after the Spirit’s visible work—“everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness,” Peter preached (Acts 10:43), but only as the Spirit fell. This is the gospel: God decrees, the Spirit moves, and dead souls rise.

The Lie of Human Initiative

We’ve twisted this into a man-made myth: faith as a personal decision, a rational flex we muster up. But Scripture torches that illusion. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). It’s Genesis 1 all over again—God speaks, light breaks in, and the Spirit hovers. That’s regeneration: the Word decrees, the Spirit acts, and a corpse stirs. Lydia’s heart? “The Lord opened it” (Acts 16:14). The Gentiles? Unlocked by God for the “incorruptible seed” (1 Peter 1:23). A dead man doesn’t choose life—it’s breathed into him first.

Romans 2:4 nails it: “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Not your grit—His kindness. Galatians 6:7 warns, “God is not mocked”—we can’t sow faith and claim we plowed the field. If we wedge ourselves into God’s order, we steal leverage to boast. But Romans 3:27 slams the door: “Where is boasting then? It is excluded… by the law of faith.” Faith’s merit isn’t ours—it’s His. The elect soul doesn’t claw its way to Christ; it’s drawn by the Father, quickened by the Spirit, born anew by the Word. So when someone asks, “Do you believe?” don’t flex your choice. Ask: Who spoke light into your darkness?

The Cost of a Counterfeit Gospel

Without the Spirit’s power, men invent their own ways—fabricating ministries, preaching a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6-7). It’s all noise unless the Holy Ghost drives it: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord” (Zech. 4:6). Jesus told them, “Tarry… until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). That’s the crucible—trying, sanctifying, breaking. You might lose, paying a price for the inheritance in Christ. But it’s easier to jump ahead, build your own stage, and peddle a hollow gospel. Today’s “Jesus loves you, just believe” is a shadow of what the apostles preached—a sales pitch dodging the Spirit’s fire.

How to Do the Gospel Work

The apostles didn’t wing it—they tarried, then proclaimed Christ’s victory, letting the Spirit open eyes. We can’t fake that power. Here’s how to bring the true gospel to every soul:

– Start with Prayer and Tarrying: Wait on the Spirit. No anointing, no impact—seek the fire that breaks yokes (Zech. 4:6).

– Proclaim, Don’t Plead: Declare what God did—Christ died, rose, reigns (1 Cor. 15:3-4). No fluff—just the fact of His lordship (Acts 2:24).

– Discern the Spirit’s Move: Don’t push “believe.” Look for conviction—cut hearts, lit eyes (Acts 2:37; 8:37). The Spirit leads; you follow.

– Tailor the Approach:

– Idol Worshipper: Show Christ’s empty tomb over dead altars (Acts 17:24-31); pray the Spirit shatters their blindness (Acts 26:18).

– Atheist: Hit with resurrection evidence (1 Cor. 15:6); let the Spirit pierce their denial (2 Cor. 4:6).

– Backslider: Call them to the cross they knew (1 John 1:9); pray the Spirit reignites their fire (Rev. 2:4-5).

– Moralist: Break their self-righteousness—Christ’s death saves, not works (Rom. 3:23-24); let the Spirit convict (John 16:8).

– Seeker: Feed their hunger with Christ’s truth (Acts 8:35); trust the Spirit to plant the seed (1 Peter 1:23).

– Wait and Work: Some turn fast, some slow—stay Spirit-led, not success-driven (Acts 14:22).

– Seal with Baptism: When faith blooms, baptize them into Christ’s life (Acts 2:38)—the Spirit’s mark, not your win.

This isn’t a script—it’s surrender. The power’s the same for every soul: tarry ‘til you’ve got it, then go.

Let the Lion Roar

The church has slumbered under a diluted gospel, abused by falsehoods that rob grace and sideline the Spirit. No more. The time has come to put things right—to reclaim the apostolic thunder: Christ died, rose, reigns, and the Spirit sets men free. Let the Lion of the Tribe of Judah’s voice reverberate across the earth. Shake the dust off your boots, march to the Spirit’s tune, and watch the captives rise. When they ask, “Do you believe?” don’t nod to your will. Point to the One who woke you up.

The CURSE of SANCTIMONY and the Grace That Breaks It

Picture a man standing tall, chest puffed with pride, declaring his soul whole—while the Savior he claims to follow passes him by, seeking the broken instead. Jesus said it plainly: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Again, “It is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12). His mission was clear—yet so many miss it, blinded by a righteousness of their own making. This is the paradox of pride: those who need Him most often see Him least, while the wretched and weary find their way to His feet. And worse, even those who’ve tasted His grace can forget its source, trading humility for a gavel. Sanctimony, it seems, is both a barrier to salvation and a temptation after it—a curse that only God’s grace can break.

The Unsaved: Sanctimony as a Curse

The New Testament reveals a stark truth: not everyone senses their need for a Savior. Some souls stand content, convinced of their own wholeness. They are the “righteous” Jesus spoke of—not righteous in God’s eyes, but in their own. To them, their virtues gleam like polished armor, hiding the decrepitude beneath. Scripture calls all humanity depraved—“There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10)—yet these refuse to see it. Their sanctimony is their doom, a self-made prison barring them from the light.

Think of the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable, praying loudly in the temple: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers” (Luke 18:11). He’s not pleading for mercy; he’s boasting of merit. Contrast him with the tax collector, head bowed, crying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). One leaves justified; the other does not. We see this today: the moralist insisting, “I’m a good person,” the religious legalist tallying deeds, the secular humanist smug in self-sufficiency. Pride isn’t just a religious trap—it’s cultural. In an age of cancel culture, where moral superiority fuels outrage, sanctimony thrives, blinding people to their own flaws. They cannot turn to God like a child (Matthew 18:3)—humility is an impossibility to such. Their pride, like a stone wall, keeps grace at bay.

The Saved: The Leaven of the Pharisee

The trap doesn’t end with salvation. Those made whole by the Spirit of Christ can fall into a subtler snare: the leaven of the Pharisee. Jesus warned, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6)—a creeping pride that rises unnoticed. Some, once broken and redeemed, begin to sit as sanctimonious judges, condemning the weak who stumble beneath their lofty standards. They forget the grace that lifted them from the mire, deeming themselves holier than the rest.

Consider Augustine, the early church theologian. Before conversion, he was a proud rhetorician, reveling in intellect and sensuality, blind to his need for God. Even after salvation, he wrestled with pride, confessing how easily it returned. Today, it’s the believer, rescued from addiction, sneering at the struggling drunk; the church elder, once lost in sin, wielding doctrine like a whip rather than a balm. Worse, this evil stance can hinder the whole work of God to save the lost and brokenhearted. Their mission—to heal those in the slough of despond, deep in sin—shifts to playing church organizations, upholding structures over souls. How can anyone feel the pain or wretched state of another when the one called to tend the lost is hardened by pride and loftiness? It’s a devastating betrayal: they obstruct the Spirit’s work, shutting their hearts to His fruits meant to reach a dying world. They’ve traded the cross for a pedestal, forgetting Paul’s words: “By grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Had God not intervened, they’d be no different from the wretched they scorn. Their righteousness isn’t theirs—it’s His—yet the leaven of pride blinds them to this truth.

The Impossibility of Salvation—And Its Possibility

Now we see why not everyone can be saved. Pride, that impossible wall, bars the soul from grace. The sanctimonious—whether unsaved or backslidden—cannot humble themselves as children must. Their self-sufficiency is a curse no human effort can break. To kneel, to cry out, “I am the sick one, the sinner”—this is beyond them. Left to themselves, they are lost.

Yet Jesus offers a breathtaking twist: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Even a soul drenched in pride can be pierced by grace—if the Father wills it. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them,” Christ declares (John 6:44). How does He draw them? Sometimes through suffering, as with Job, whose pride was broken by loss until he saw God anew (Job 42:5-6). Sometimes through revelation, as with Paul, struck blind on the Damascus road to face his zeal’s folly (Acts 9:3-9). Sometimes through love, as with the prodigal son, welcomed home despite his shame (Luke 15:20-24). Salvation isn’t a human achievement; it’s a divine act. The sanctimonious soul, hardened beyond hope, might yet crumble—if God chooses to draw them near. This isn’t a promise that all will be saved, but a testament to God’s power: no heart is too proud for Him to reach, though many will resist His call.

The Remedy: Grace and Humility

What, then, is the way forward? For the unsaved, it’s a breaking—shattering the illusion of self-righteousness to see their need. For the saved, it’s a staying broken—clinging to grace as their lifeline. Both must return to the childlike faith Jesus demands, a dependence that boasts in nothing but Him. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31), Paul writes, for apart from God’s mercy, we are all the base things of the world—chosen not for our merit, but His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).

How do we live this? Through prayer, confessing our pride daily—“Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). Through community, where the broken sharpen one another, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Through service, washing the feet of the fallen as Jesus did (John 13:14), remembering we were once them. The saved must never forget: it’s grace that saves and grace that sustains. To judge the broken is to deny the cross that redeemed us—and to hinder the Spirit’s work. Instead, let us weep with, lift up, and walk alongside those still lost.

Conclusion: The Father’s Draw

Salvation eludes the proud not because God cannot save, but because they will not see. Their sanctimony—before or after grace—is a veil only the Father can lift, a hardness that can derail His mission to the lost. In a world where pride fuels both religious hypocrisy and cultural wars, the call remains: yield to the One who chooses the weak to shame the strong. Where human will fails, divine grace prevails—if only He draws them near. For the unsaved, it’s a summons to surrender. For the saved, it’s a plea to abide, lest we obstruct the Spirit’s healing flow to a broken world. Will we resist, or kneel? The answer lies not in our strength, but in His.

From LITTLE FAITH to Precious GRACE: The Disciples’ Journey and Ours*

Introduction: The Spark

Peter’s boots were still wet from the Galilean fishing boats when he stepped onto the storm-tossed sea. Waves churned, wind screamed, and for a fleeting heartbeat, he walked—walked!—toward Jesus. Then his eyes snagged on the chaos, his heart sank faster than his feet, and down he plunged, swallowed by doubt. “O you of little faith,” Jesus said, voice slicing through the gale, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). I used to hear that as a slap—Peter, believe harder. But lately, I’ve wondered: what if it wasn’t about faith’s size? What if Jesus was peeling back the sodden layers of Peter’s soul—and all the disciples’—to show them something raw, something frail, something crying for Him?

This isn’t a one-off slip. The Gospels thrum with it: “O you of little faith” rings out like a haunting refrain, from storms to bread baskets to a withered fig tree. By Matthew 16:8, it’s the third bread crisis, and they’re still blind. I started asking—why? Was Jesus just prodding their weakness, or was He sowing something deeper? What I found wasn’t a scolding but a story: a windswept journey from sinking in doubt to fishing for souls, from human lack to divine grace, all borne on the Spirit’s wings. It’s their story—and ours. Step into the boat; let’s ride the waves together.

The Deficiency Exposed

Picture this: the sun bleeds low over Galilee, and 5,000 hungry faces press in. The disciples clutch five loaves, two fish—barely a fisherman’s lunch. “Send them away,” they mutter, practical men with empty hands (Matthew 14:15). Jesus smirks, blesses the scraps, and suddenly they’re staggering through the crowd, hauling 12 baskets of leftovers—bread spilling, mouths agape. Fast forward: 4,000 now, seven loaves, a few fish—seven baskets left, crumbs still clinging to their tunics (Matthew 15:32-38). They’ve touched the miracle, felt its pulse. Yet, in Matthew 16:8, they’re on a boat again, breadless, voices hushed: “We forgot the loaves.” Jesus spins, eyes blazing: “O you of little faith, why are you whispering about this? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, or the seven for the four thousand? Do you not yet perceive?”

Three times they’ve tripped this wire—bread, lack, doubt. Peter could wrestle nets in a squall, but walking on water? He sank, legs buckling, waves mocking. They could steer through storms, but calm one? They cowered, boat pitching, fear choking them (Matthew 8:26). Jesus keeps yanking them from their turf—fish, boats, grit—into a wild, supernatural deep where their tricks unravel. It’s no fluke. He’s not quizzing their recall; He’s stripping them bare. “You can’t do this,” He’s saying, voice soft but steel-edged. “Your hands are empty, your hearts flicker—don’t you see?”

They don’t—not yet. They’ve walked with the Prince of Life, watched Him snap nature’s spine, yet they grip doubt like a lifeline. It’s not just a lapse; it’s human degeneracy, a soul-sickness Jeremiah pins: “The heart is deceitful above all things, desperately sick” (17:9). Jesus knows it—He’s cracking it wide, not to shame them, but to show them their “utter worthlessness” without Him. Step one: expose the lack. Step two’s brewing.

By Matthew 17, the stakes climb higher. An epileptic man writhes, demon-tossed, and the disciples stand powerless—nets empty again (17:16). Jesus heals him, then turns, voice taut: ‘O faithless generation… If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, this mountain moves’ (17:17, 20). A grain? They didn’t even have that, not a crumb. Their lack wasn’t just little; it was lethal—dead wood without the Spirit’s spark. Yet Jesus doesn’t discard them; He’s pointing, again, to the gulf only He can fill. “Their nil faith wasn’t the end—it was the forge.”

The Need for a Savior

When Jesus called, ‘Follow me,’ it wasn’t just to teach them tricks—it was to torch their self-sufficiency. He dragged them from familiar nets into a wild sea of storms, scarcity, and seizing demons, where every wave and wail stripped them bare. The natural world’s grip—vicious, unyielding—left them helpless, and that was the point. Only in the muck of their lack could they taste the reality: apart from Him, they were nothing.

“Why do you doubt?” Jesus asked, hauling Peter from the waves, water streaming from his cloak, beard dripping like a sodden net. It’s three words that slash deep, a blade to the marrow. He’d ask it again in the boat, wind snarling through the rigging: “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). And again, breadless and muttering like scolded kids: “Why don’t you perceive?” (Matthew 16:8). He’s not fishing for excuses—John says He “knew what was in man” (2:25). He’s holding up a cracked mirror, and the reflection’s stark: Peter’s legs trembling under the waves, the Twelve white-knuckling the boat’s edge, their hushed panic over a loaf they forgot. This isn’t a stumble—it’s a gulf, a soul-deep fracture no human can ford.

Peter sank because waves don’t kneel to fishermen’s swagger. The disciples gripped the boat because storms scoff at sailors’ guile. They fretted over bread—three times!—because miracles don’t root in hearts curled inward, hearts Jeremiah calls “desperately sick.” They’d seen Him turn scraps into feasts, yet their faith flickered like a guttering wick. “With men it is impossible,” Jesus would say (Matthew 19:26), and here’s the proof: even with the Son of God in their bow, they’re deficient, degenerate, adrift. But that’s the brilliance—He’s not shaming them; He’s showing them. Every “why” is a lantern swinging in the dark, every “little faith” a blazing sign: you need Me.

They had to feel this—their “utter worthlessness” gnawing at their pride—to crave the Savior standing there, dripping with sea and grace. He’s the “author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2), not them. “Apart from me you can do nothing,” He’d say (John 15:5), and they’re living it—sinking, shaking, muttering proof. This isn’t the end; it’s the pivot. He’s splitting them open for a gift they can’t clutch alone.

The Promise of Greater Works

Jesus didn’t stop at miracles—He was kindling a wildfire. “Greater works than these will you do,” He promised, voice steady as dawn igniting Galilee, “because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). He raised Lazarus, shroud unraveling, bones creaking back to breath (John 11:44). He fed thousands, baskets brimming, kids giggling with fish-stained fingers. But He locked eyes with these roughnecks—Peter stinking of fish, Matthew with ink-stained palms—and saw a tidal wave: “Follow me, and I’ll make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Not just bodies jolted from tombs, but souls ripped from death’s jaws—thousands, millions, a net tearing across time.

Lazarus staggered out, alive but bound for dust again. Peter’s Pentecost sermon? Three thousand souls blazed awake in a single gust (Acts 2:41), eternal sparks stoked by the Word. Jesus hushed a storm for a boatful; the disciples preached through tempests to nations, chains rattling, hearts splitting wide. Every sign was a spark—water-walking taught Peter to leap, bread-breaking taught trust, storm-stilling taught awe. He wasn’t just patching leaks; He was training them to wield His power, bigger, bolder, unbound. “I go to the Father,” He said—His exit was their launch, the Spirit their torch (Acts 1:8).

He raised the dead to prove He could; He trained them to raise the spiritually dead because He would—through them. Their “little faith” was a seed, bruised in the deep, yearning for the Spirit’s rain to burst it open. Greater works weren’t a whim—they were His design, and He was rigging the nets to rip.

Jesus didn’t stop at their lack—He unveiled the gift’s reach. ‘This kind ‘comes out only by prayer and fasting’ (Matthew 17:21)—faith as a cry, not a grunt. Then, ‘Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven’ (18:18). Their ‘little faith’ had crumbled, but the faith He’d plant—imputed, alive—would crack mountains, leash darkness, ripple eternally. Helplessness forged them; this was their fire.

The Spirit’s Precious Gift

They stood on the Mount of Olives, necks craned, watching Him rise—robes fluttering, sky swallowing their Master like a flame snuffed out (Acts 1:9). Alone now, hearts pounding—fear and fire wrestling in their ribs—they waited. Like purple herons stretching parched beaks to a rainless sky, poised in Kerala’s shrinking marshes, they ached for the promise: “Stay until you’re clothed with power” (Luke 24:49). Days bled into prayer, huddled in that upper room—dust swirling, oil lamps guttering, voices threading hope through dread (Acts 1:14). Then Pentecost roared in—wind howling like a lion unchained, flames licking their heads, tongues bursting free like rivers unbound (Acts 2:4). Their “little faith” crumbled, but the faith He’d plant—imputed, alive—cracked mountains, leashed darkness, rippled into eternity.

They’d learned their lack—sinking in waves, fretting over crumbs, fleeing the cross—and it hollowed them out for this. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Jesus had said (Matthew 5:6), and they’d starved, parched for life their hands couldn’t snatch. The Spirit was the monsoon, the “showers of blessing” I’d felt in Ezekiel’s echo (34:26). Peter, once a wave-walker turned wave-sinker, stood and thundered truth, nets hauling thousands. Their deficiency? Drowned. Their helplessness? Fueled. “Precious faith,” he’d call it later (2 Peter 1:1), because it wasn’t theirs to forge—it was grace, crashing in for all (Titus 2:11), turning their ash into flame.

This wasn’t a mend. The Spirit didn’t patch their “little faith”—He torched it, rebuilt it, sent it soaring. They’d waited like purple herons, beaks gaping in the dry, and the rain didn’t drip—it raged.

Grace Over Blame

If Peter’s soggy flop proves anything, it’s this: we’re all sinking sometimes. Ministers, hear me—those pews brim with disciples clutching torn nets, hearts flickering with “little faith.” Don’t club them with it; they’re bruised enough. Jesus didn’t leave Peter thrashing in the waves—He grabbed him, lifted him, sent him to fish souls from the deep. “My grace is sufficient,” He whispers through Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that’s the anthem we need—loud, raw, relentless. Stop cursing the lack; start chanting the gift.

I’ve heard preachers growl, “Where’s your faith?”—fists pounding pulpits, eyes narrowed—like the disciples should’ve muscled it up by Galilee. But they couldn’t, and we can’t. Three bread miracles, crumbs still on their fingers, and they still muttered—degenerate, broken, us. Blame buries; grace builds. “No condemnation in Christ,” Paul shouts (Romans 8:1), and ministers should scream it too. Point them to the Spirit—tell them to stretch their beaks skyward like purple herons, beg for power (Luke 11:13), seize the grace that’s theirs.

The epistles sing it. Paul brags, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10), not “Check my strength.” Peter, ex-sinker, pleads, “Grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18). They knew their lack—that’s why grace hit like a monsoon, fierce and sweet. Ministers, don’t kick the boat-rockers; toss them the rope. Grace isn’t just the fix—it’s the wind, the fire, the soar.

Conclusion: Our Journey Too

So here we are—you and me, teetering on our own waves. Maybe your bread’s gone stale, bills stacking like storm clouds. Maybe the wind’s howling, and your net’s a knot. “O you of little faith,” He says, but lean in—it’s not a gavel. It’s a grip. The disciples sank, muttered, bolted—then stood, preached, conquered, all because the Spirit crashed in. “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), and that’s our lifeline too.

I’ve doubted—bank dry, nights long, hope frayed. But this story’s alive: our “little faith” isn’t the grave; it’s the crack where grace floods. The Spirit’s here, not just for them but us—right now, nets trembling. From little faith to precious grace, the journey’s beating—step out, cast wide, feel Him lift you. The monsoon’s breaking. Soar.

“Divine Intervention: The Transformative Power of FAITH and GRACE”

In theological contemplation, a profound journey unfolds as we navigate the complex interplay of faith, grace, and divine intervention. The core or essence of faith—God’s gift that stirs the soul—is akin to a seed sown in fertile soil, which is the soul of man, and gets germinated under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. This transformative process, marked by the union of heaven and earth, illuminates the way to spiritual rebirth and renewal. Through the lens of Scripture and personal reflection, we explore the profound impact of faith and grace in awakening the dormant spirit, ushering in a new life illuminated by divine light. Join me on a thought-provoking exploration of the sacred union between faith and grace, where the hand of God extends to illuminate hearts and minds, leading souls from darkness to light and from bondage to freedom.

“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17, meaning God’s Word awakens belief)! When a weary soul—the good ground, ready to receive in his God-given free will, yet moved by the convincing and convicting power of the Holy Spirit—opens the soil (door) of his heart (soul) to the knock of the Word seed (Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock”), and absorbs it or embraces Him, a blessed union takes place. This Word comes wrapped in faith—the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6), given unto us as His Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12). This applies even to those led by the Spirit of God into a spiritually mature state (Romans 8:14; Hebrews 5:13-14). Heaven meets earth in that moment: “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee” (Proverbs 2:10-12), for Christ is “the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). “The entrance of thy words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). The Bible calls this being “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23).

The formerly barren area quickly begins to bloom because of this heavenly intervention. “This desolate land is become like the garden of Eden” (Ezekiel 36:35). “For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody” (Isaiah 51:3). “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). This rebirth, where heaven meets earth, isn’t just a beginning—it’s a destination. The spirit is alive because of the righteousness that God imputes unto us (Romans 8:10, Amplified: “the Spirit is life because of righteousness”; see also Romans 4:6; Psalm 32:2—“Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity/sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile”). “Now, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13). And now, “YE ARE COME unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:22-23)—those who “cannot sin” (1 John 5:18), created “after God in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24), the saints in light (Colossians 1:12), who abide in Him (1 John 3:6)—“and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).

This rebirth sets the stage for an even deeper reality. For “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We (now) have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7; see also 12:9; 1 Corinthians 1:27; 2:3-4). Our intellect was blind before the birth of this sacred seed within the heart. But Jesus anointed and awakened our inner eyes (John 9:6; Isaiah 42:7: “to open the blind eyes”); “thy Word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50); “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, 5; Colossians 2:13). For “by grace—a free, undeserved gift—are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Some might argue that God never imposes His will, suggesting He persuades us repeatedly, leaving the ultimate choice to accept Him in our hands—an idea rooted in human free will, as Arminians might say. But is that correct? I don’t think so, and I find the Bible doesn’t fully support it either. Instead, I had to acknowledge that God had to save us, that He had to take the initiative, that He had to declare, “Let there be light,” and that light had to illuminate our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6). Upon close inspection of the holy writings, I declare that no creature could turn down or thwart God’s invitation. “Many receive calls” (everyone is invited), but only a chosen few are “accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). They are called “the elect of God,” “the remnant of Israel,” or “the residue of men.” God’s sovereign choice shines through Scripture: “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4); “God hath from the beginning chosen us to salvation” (2 Thessalonians 2:13); “The election hath obtained it, and the rest were BLINDED” (Romans 11:7); “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God” (1 Thessalonians 1:4). If our efforts were involved, how could we call it grace, election, or God’s gift? God’s love takes the lead: “He commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8); “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19); and Jesus declares, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16).

The first thing the Lord commanded Apostle Paul to do was “to open their eyes” (by the power of the Holy Ghost and the Word of God) “and turn them from darkness to light, and from Satan’s control to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those who are cleansed by faith in him” (Acts 26:18). Why would God have to open our eyes if “free will” could choose? A soul must be saved, delivered by the preaching of the cross. A slave must be released before he or she may say, “I am free,” and someone must pay for their liberty. For “it is God which works in you both TO WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Yes, we used free will, but it had to be REVIVED by God before it could function. The quickening occurs first. The dead must be brought back to life before they can be called alive. God said, “I will cause breath to enter you, and ye shall live” (Ezekiel 37:5).

‘Total depravity’—the idea that sin has corrupted every part of human nature—implies that it has eroded our ability to exercise free will. I didn’t come to this through some system or school of thought; it’s what the Scriptures pressed upon me as I wrestled with them. I have free will, no doubt about it, but left to myself, it only tends toward evil since my soul is dead—spiritually lifeless apart from God—and I am unable to use the realm of my will that still exists within me to achieve anything good: ‘For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not’ (Romans 7:18). As I dug deeper, I saw this wasn’t just my story but a truth woven throughout the Word. ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?’ (Jeremiah 17:9). Even our best intentions falter, for ‘there is none righteous, no, not one… there is none that seeketh after God’ (Romans 3:10-11). I once thought I could reach for God on my own, but every other notion dissipated when I read, ‘Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil’ (Jeremiah 13:23). It hit me: my will, though real, was bound—enslaved to sin—until God’s voice broke through. ‘The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy’ (Psalm 14:2-3). What I gleaned wasn’t a label like ‘depravity,’ but a stark reality: apart from God’s intervention, my free will couldn’t climb out of the pit—it needed Him to lift me. What benefit does it then offer? Is it able to save me? If my free will could assist me, I wouldn’t require saving grace…

Are we able then to confirm “irresistible grace”—God’s overwhelming love that draws us to Him without fail? While some believe grace can be resisted, I see in Scripture that God’s call is effectual: “As many as were ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED” (Acts 13:48). Isn’t it true that it’s this irresistible grace that does the heavy lifting for us?

This divine initiative isn’t just a cosmic truth—it’s personal, as I’ve seen in my own life. I still don’t understand how and why the Lord reached out to me and saved me, even though I was the chief of sinners, the weakest, and most broken of them all. Before I would even know Christ Jesus personally or be saved by Him, I saw this mystery play out in others too. Many of my friends tried and longed to come out of their sinful lives of misery. They would say, ‘If I come to Christ, I would go around and save all those around me’—a noble dream—but then, in the same breath, they’d confess, ‘I just can’t submit to Christ.’ What a juxtapose! It struck me: their hearts yearned for freedom, yet something held them back, as if their wills were tethered to the very chains they despised. And there I was, in my own pit, crying for redemption while they longed to do things for Christ. Deep pangs overwhelmed me to the point that I felt I would die—I longed for death rather than living like that. If Jesus had not saved me at that point, I wouldn’t be alive today, learning of His goodness and sharing this life with you. It baffled me then, and it echoes now: how could I, or they, bridge that gap when our strength faltered? It still baffles me how the Lord saved me. I could trace His protection and care back to when I was dead in sin, and He wooed me with His eternal Spirit. How could I be saved if it weren’t for God’s grace? Can I proudly claim my first step of having faith and trust in Christ?…

Wouldn’t that imply that I chose Christ? Jesus Christ is the author of our faith, isn’t He? Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 2:8. Where would I find such characteristics within myself when everything in my life was rot and death? The only explanation I can conceive of is that God foreknew and predestined us (Romans 8:29-30), chose us in Christ (Ephesians 1:5, 11), and elected us according to His foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:2). I obtained the precious faith to respond; IT CAME TO ME, not the other way around—“The faith… which is by him hath given” (Galatians 3:23; 2 Peter 1:1)—“whose heart THE LORD OPENED” (Acts 16:14).

What began in my heart reflects a plan that stretches back to eternity. God’s grace did not arrive on the day you believed—it was set in motion when “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8) poured out His love. “God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That’s when God lavished His grace on humanity, which is why Abraham and his descendants were spared and justified by faith. Didn’t they all “eat the same spiritual meat” and drink from “that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:3-4)? It was Christ in the wilderness congregation whom their fathers revolted against and refused to obey, casting Him out (Acts 7:37-39)—the prophet Moses predicted, saying, “A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up… him shall ye hear” (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22, 37). “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son” (Galatians 4:4), “who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). Every time the Israelites offered a sacrifice on the altar to atone for their transgressions, God accepted it as an offering anticipating the cross of Calvary, on which the blood of His own Son would be spilled. This is because God saw this Lamb slain from the beginning of time, sacrificed in His heart. Witnesses of it were the apostles of the Lamb, who declare, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us” (1 John 1:1-2).

God’s love for us was made evident in this: “He sent his only Son into the world so that we could live through him” (1 John 4:9). Jesus said, “Many prophets and kings have desired to see his day but have not seen them” (Luke 10:24); “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you” (1 Peter 1:10), “which the angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12) and witnessed (1 Timothy 3:16). “The Son of God was manifest for this purpose, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and deliver “us who through fear of death were all our lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:15). The day grace and truth were revealed in Christ was His birth—“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Emmanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), “God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16), “the Lord from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47). “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL MEN” (Titus 2:11); “now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). “We who, because of him, believe in God” (1 Peter 1:21). “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

In addition to dethroning sin and its power, His sacrifice fulfilled the Father’s promise to pour the Spirit of God upon all flesh. A period of grace was ushered in for the entirety of creation with the arrival of the Spirit.

In this contemplative journey exploring the interplay of faith, grace, and divine intervention, it becomes evident that the transformative power of these elements—rooted in God’s sovereign love—is profound and life-altering. The narrative underscores the pivotal role of faith as a seed sown in fertile soil, germinating under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This transformative process symbolizes a rebirth and renewal, where the union of heaven and earth brings about a spiritual awakening. Moreover, the discussion on grace emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, underscoring the divine initiative in the process of redemption. The concept of election and God’s sovereign choice in salvation is highlighted, challenging the notion of human free will as the sole determinant in accepting or rejecting God’s invitation. Ultimately, the text invites reflection on the profound mysteries of faith, grace, and divine intervention, illustrating a journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment guided by the hand of God.

Yet, the New Testament reveals a stark truth: not everyone senses their need for a Savior. Some souls stand content, convinced of their own wholeness. They are the “righteous” Jesus spoke of—not righteous in God’s eyes, but in their own. To them, their virtues gleam like polished armor, hiding the decrepitude beneath. Scripture calls all humanity depraved—“There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10)—yet these refuse to see it. Their sanctimony is their doom, a self-made prison barring them from the light. Picture a man standing tall, chest puffed with pride, declaring his soul whole—while the Savior he claims to follow passes him by, seeking the broken instead. Jesus said it plainly: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Again, “It is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12). His mission was clear—yet so many miss it, blinded by a righteousness of their own making. This is the paradox of pride: those who need Him most often see Him least, while the wretched and weary find their way to His feet. And worse, even those who’ve tasted His grace can forget its source, trading humility for a gavel. So, as we marvel at the grace that saves, let us never lose sight of our own poverty apart from Him—for it is in that brokenness that His light shines brightest.

Can we lose SALVATION?

Introduction:

In the labyrinth of theological discourse, a poignant question echoes through the corridors of faith: Can we lose salvation? This enigma lies at the heart of our spiritual journey, challenging us to delve into the depths of our beliefs and convictions. As we grapple with the complexities of sin, repentance, and the enduring grace of God, the text before us beckons us to unravel the mysteries that shroud the concept of spiritual preservation. Let us embark on a quest for understanding, guided by the sacred verses illuminating the path toward redemption and the eternal pursuit of salvation.

“To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” – 1 Corinthians 5:5.

This text provides insight into whether a saved soul can lose salvation.

Forsaking one’s spiritual position is a serious matter, leading to spiritual death. That is disconnecting from the source of life. Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you; no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine (it needs to stay attached to the vine); neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” – John 15:1-5. “Fall away” “This involves turning away from Christ, betraying Him by prioritizing worldly desires, and wilfully sinning. It refers to those who were once enlightened, experienced the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, and tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power of the age to come. If they turn away, as described in Hebrews 6:4-6, they cannot be restored as they have abandoned the Lord and the correct path, leading to destruction as outlined in 2 Peter 2:15 and Hebrews 10:38, 39.

Rejecting the source of life is the “willful sin” that leads to death and separates us from God, not our inherent sinful nature. Sin is present with us until the Lord transforms our vile body – Phil 3:21; Romans 7: 17-24; 1 John 1:8. Acts 3:14-13:46 and Romans 1:21-21 reveal that certain Jews deliberately turned their backs on God and His truth. And that is sin unto death, defiance. We must recognize that this is entirely different from giving in to our naturally wicked inclinations.

A tendency towards sin does not separate us from God but rejecting a life of righteousness does or leaving the path of life or departure from Christ, which is apostasy. Even by continuing to harbor hatred and walk after the flesh, one could still remove oneself from the life of God – 1 John 3 and 4. Through faith in Christ, we have access to God’s grace, in which we stand – Romans 5:2. It is only by the goodness of God that we are kept safe, not by our own merits – Romans 11:22, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Romans 2:4.”

That being said, I am not condoning sin rather pointing out that it is not inherently sinful nature that makes you an enemy of God, but rather rejecting the offered grace and disregarding it.

According to the theme verse, the actions of a man belonging to the Corinthian church were abhorrent/abysmal. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul boldly declares that despite possessing spiritual gifts, the congregation was entirely focused on carnal desires. That entire batch was carnally oriented.

Despite being condemned in the flesh by Christ through Paul, the man’s spirit remained preserved. This suggests that the spirit created after God is eternal and cannot lose its uniqueness despite being encased in flesh. His spirit had been preserved despite his wickedness. Here we see spirit remains distinct from the physical body it inhabits, and this is an immutable fact that cannot be denied. For our spirit is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24; in that sense, he cannot sin – 1 John 3:9.

It’s no surprise that 1 Peter 4:17 declares, “The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God. The fire tribulations that the church had to suffer were and are to eradicate the wicked nature from us, enabling us to live righteously – 1 Peter 4:1,2,12. Some may not attain this spiritual maturity and will face severe consequences in the physical realm drinking damnation to oneself – 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. Some may even enter life with impairments, as Jesus foretold. He emphasized that it is preferable to enter life with a handicap than to face eternal damnation with all limbs intact – Matthew 18:8.

This confirms that life is not offered for the perfect, but for the weak, the sick, and the sinful. And Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick – Luke 5:31; The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them – Luke 9:56. Paul said, this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptations, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief – 1 Timothy 1:15.

It is widely stated that there is immorality among you, and such fornication as is not even named among the Gentiles – 1 Corinthians 5:1. That guy brought judgment upon himself since “fornication” is one act that can land us in a very awful place, especially this type (uncovering the nakedness of one’s father – Leviticus 18 – for the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness – Leviticus 20:11); and all types of “fornication” we have been warned about and should avoid – Acts 15:19,20. For this one sin is done against one’s own body. “Flee fornication”; for every evil a man does is external to the body; yet, he who commits fornication sins against his own body – 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Didn’t Jesus say, ALL SINS shall be forgiven unto the sons of men – Mark 3:28. If so, why was this man condemned in the flesh?

In the books of Leviticus 18 and Leviticus 20, there are detailed laws and prohibitions regarding sexual conduct and relationships. Leviticus 18:7-8 addresses the prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of close relatives. These laws were part of the Holiness Code in Leviticus, which outlined various moral and ethical guidelines for the Israelites.

According to Leviticus, violating these laws by uncovering the nakedness of one’s father, mother, or father’s wife was considered a serious offense. The consequences of transgressing these laws were not explicitly stated in Leviticus but were understood to incur divine judgment and punishment. “Both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” – Leviticus 20:11.

It is important to note that even the smallest “root of bitterness” has the potential to defile a person, as stated in Hebrews 12:15. Furthermore, according to 1 John 3:15, anyone who hates their brother is a murderer, and murderers do not have eternal life. It is crucial to understand that while sins like hatred and bitterness are undoubtedly serious, fornication is particularly dangerous as it is committed against one’s own body. Let us not forget that anyone can be susceptible to adultery of the heart; but as we walk in the light the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin – 1 John 1:7.

Unlike other sins that stem from the heart and can be committed without engaging the body, which may still lead to condemnation, if not forgiven through Christ – 1 John 1:7,9/2:1; Fornication is specifically a physical act that is done against oneself. Esau was rejected because he was a fornicator – Hebrews 12:16; and those who practice it shall not inherit the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9.

Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (the sinful nature of strong and wrongful desires, particularly in the context of lust or other forms of immoral craving), and covetousness come under the category of idolatry–which can incite the wrath of God – Colossians 3:5,6 (unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath – Romans 2:8 – This enables sin to once again dominate our mortal bodies – yielding our members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin – Romans 6:12,13). Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that works good to the Jew first, and to the Gentile – Romans 2:9,10.

This is something that the children of disobedience (the children of the devil) do – Colossians 3:6; 1 John 3:10. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. – Romans 1:28-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. We were sometimes alienated and enemies in our mind by wicked works – Colossians 1:21; And such were some of us: but we are washed, but we are sanctified, but we are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God – 1 Corinthians 6:11. Physical suffering is believed to be a necessary discipline for experiencing repentance, sanctification, and soul preservation. I other words, through discipline and facing the consequences of their actions, individuals may come to repentance, be sanctified, and have their souls preserved. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation – 2 Corinthians 7:10. “Soteria” is a Greek word that means deliverance, preservation, safety, and salvation.

The Bible makes this very clear in verses such as 1 Peter 4:1-2,12-13, which state that physical suffering helps to subdue sin; and that suffering in the flesh leads to ceasing from sin and living according to God’s will. How was the captain of our salvation made perfect? Through sufferings, right? – Hebrews 2:10; he learned obedience by the things which he suffered – Hebrews 5:8,9.

Similarly, Hebrews 12:5-11 reveals that God’s love for an individual can be demonstrated through such suffering. God deals with us as with sons – Hebrews 12:7; He deals with us as children, heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him – Romans 8:17. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons – Hebrews 12:8.

It is the sufferings of Christ that we partake of. Moreover, 1 Corinthians 11:32 asserts that the Lord judges and disciplines us so that we may not be condemned along with the world. It is evident from these verses that God only judges those who belong to Him. Why would God judge or discipline someone who does not belong to Him? For whom the Lord loveth he chastens and scourges every son whom he receives – Hebrews 12:6; he chastens him betimes – Proverbs 13:24, that we might partake of His holiness and yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness – Hebrews 12:10,11.

It is imperative to note that sanctification by the Spirit is an absolute necessity to inherit God’s righteousness. Faith alone cannot guarantee this inheritance. Faith received through Jesus Christ, or faith credited to you, positions you correctly – Galatians 3:14,23,25; 2 Peter 1:1; Hebrews 12:2. Faith entrusts you to the Spirit of God to work within you, removing all stains of sin and instilling righteousness. Malachi 3:2,3 affirms that “the Spirit of God shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,” emphasizing the crucial role of the Spirit in refining and purifying the lives of believers. Therefore, it is unequivocal that the sanctification of the Spirit is indispensable for inheriting God’s righteousness.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto (until) obedience – 1 Peter 1:2; God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit – 2 Thessalonians 2:13; That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor – 1 Thessalonians 4:4; For this is the will of God, even your sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Christ in us is our sanctification – 1 Corinthians 1:30. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless – 1 Thessalonians 5:23; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word – Ephesians 5:26; Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth – John 17:17.

We must remember that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us – Romans 5:8, and we stand by grace, not by our own merits. It is worth noting that nothing good dwells in our flesh – Romans 7. Paul is saying, are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3 You cannot perfect your flesh; you can only subdue and keep it under control through the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 3:5. Christ is our example; he left us an example, that ye should follow his steps – 1 Peter 2:21; Phil 2:5. For he through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God – Hebrews 9:14.

Walking in the Spirit is the only means by which we can subdue the flesh – Galatians 5:16. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God – 1 John 3:10; ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him – 1 John 2:29. Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous – 1 John 3:12.

According to the Bible, the heart of a person is the ultimate source of good and evil – Luke 6:45. It determines the path of one’s life, either toward life or destruction. As stated in Proverbs 4:23, all the issues of life flow from the heart. A tree is known by its fruit, and so is a person. If the tree is good, its fruit will also be good, but if the tree is corrupt, its fruit will be corrupt. This concept is emphasized in Matthew 12:33 and James 3:10-17.

Without a doubt, a person’s actions and outcomes are unequivocally influenced by the condition of their heart. It is an unassailable fact that life originates solely from God, while death arises from association with evil. Thus, the outcome is a clear indication of the alignment of one’s heart.

To experience the life of God, one must be born of God; man’s spirit must undergo regeneration. According to Jesus, it is “entering the kingdom of God” – John 3:5; to be translated into the kingdom of Christ – Colossians 1:13; it is to be cut out of the olive tree, which is wild by nature, and be grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree – Romans 11:24. This cultural shifting can indeed have an impact on one’s nature. When God, the eternal Spirit, revives the spirit, the soul or heart of man receives life. How can one be born of God? Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God – 1 John 5:1.

In John 8:44, Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and you will do the desires of your father.” He was addressing those who were living in sin and were influenced by evil. On the other hand, those who belong to God, or rather, those who are born again, are spiritual and resemble God. Their hearts will naturally reflect this truth. Their spirits are created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24. If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham – John 8:39. He that is of God hears God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God – John 8:47. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:48; John 15:19.

The state of a person’s heart is unequivocally determined by the spiritual forces and entities that actively operate within. The spirit of “Leviathan” wields power over those who disobey, belong to the devil, or are consumed by pride – Ephesians 2:2; Job 41:34. As stated in Ephesians 5:9–22, “Those who possess the Spirit of God produce fruit that is infused with immeasurable goodness, righteousness, and truth.”

We must keep in mind that after He saved us, He would not cast us away unless otherwise, we disown Christ. He did not save the good and the righteous in the first place; he died for the ungodly and sinners. In Jesus’s words, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. (Luke 5:31,32)

Conclusion:

As we bid farewell to this contemplative odyssey, let us carry with us the profound insights unearthed in our exploration of salvation’s enigmatic nature. The question lingers in the air: Can we lose salvation? Yet, amidst the uncertainties that shadow our spiritual journey, one truth remains unwavering—the transformative power of repentance, sanctification, and unwavering faith. Let us walk forward with hearts open to the divine grace that sustains us, mindful of the sacred covenant that binds us to the eternal source of life. In this tapestry of faith and doubt, may we find solace in the promise of redemption and the enduring hope that salvation is a gift bestowed upon the faithful and steadfast souls who walk in the light of righteousness.

Redeemed but NOT PERFECT: Navigating SIN and Grace in the Christian Journey

Reflections on the Christian Life

Awareness of Incompleteness

Since my early years, as I began to comprehend the world around me, I became aware that something within me was not quite right. I experienced a sense of emptiness and disorder within myself, like a shapeless existence. I struggled to find a sense of identity and who I am. As has been the case from the beginning of time, Chaos and Void have always been at my side.

Encountering the Gospel Light

It was only after the radiant light of the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ had entered my heart, that I began to realize the existence of a diabolical realm that sought to destroy my soul. It’s no surprise that the Apostle Paul refers to the “Gospel of Christ” as the power of God unto salvation – Romans 1:16. Its ability to transform even the most wicked wrongdoer into a holy individual is truly remarkable.

Sinful Disposition and Spiritual Regeneration

I wouldn’t claim that my new life in Christ has made me completely free from sin. Certainly, in my sin-laden condemned state, God’s grace entered, severed the ties of wickedness, and connected me to the holy lineage, bringing forth His life within me, and making me the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Despite spiritual regeneration, my sinful disposition was not completely eradicated. When I reflect on the past, I notice a subtle pattern of corruption that has always been there in my life. Doesn’t that imply there is something dark within each of us?

Living as Christians in Reality

How can we claim to live a Christian life while ignoring the fact that we are sinners saved by grace? Although we no longer identify as sinners, our underlying nature still tends toward sin. The benefit we currently possess in Christ is that we have been given a spirit from God that enables us to live in a renewed way. Christians ought to imply the opposite. Rather than escaping reality, we approach it head-on, eliminating and demolishing anything that is not allowed while simultaneously rebuilding and restoring things. Is it foolish to act as though nothing is wrong and then allow sin to ambush you with a fierce surprise attack?

The Need for Spiritual Guidance

Giving your heart full range while you pretend everything is fine might have terrible consequences. Your heart has the potential to mislead you. The only way that the Lord has set for us to follow is to be led by the Spirit of God. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding – Proverbs 3:5.

If we say that we have no sin (hamartia), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us – 1 John 1:8.

The term hamartia means “to miss the mark” or “to err“. The term is often said to depict the flaws or defects of a character and portray these as the reason for a potential downfall. This indicates that even after experiencing a spiritual transformation, it is essential for the grace of God to sustain an individual, as without it, we are unable to resist the power of our sinful nature. “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” as the hymn says.

May the God of peace Himself sanctify us completely, and may our whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it necessary for God to protect us if we assert that we are without sin? Wherefore let him that thinketh he stands take heed lest he fall – 1 Corinthians 10:12.

The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever – 2 Timothy 4:18.
They are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ – Jude 1:1.
The only wise God our Saviour who can keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy – Jude 1:24,25.

Understanding Human Nature in Light of Scripture

Understanding Our Nature

Does the word of God corroborate what I postulate? We often tend to attribute all our sinful tendencies to the devil without fully understanding our nature. While we have been freed from the control of sin and the condemnation of our past and original sin, we still carry a natural inclination towards sin. This is simply a reality of human existence.

Dual Nature: Heavenly and Human

Just as Jesus Christ (the begotten of God) has two natures, one fully divine and one fully human, known as the Hypostatic union, we too, as those born of His Spirit, come to possess the same. We now possess both heavenly and human natures. Our spirit is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24; we come to partake of His divine nature and His holiness – 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 12:10. Being born of God entitles us to become like Christ – 1 John 3:9,10; 1Peter 1:4,23; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Hebrews 2:10; Ephesians 4:13.

Scriptural Insights on Temptation

The Scripture says, every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed – James 1:14,15; Jesus says, from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil – Mark 7:20-23; out of the evil treasure of his heart men brings forth that which is evil – Luke 6:45; for the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked – Jeremiah 17:9.

The Reality of Sin in Human Hearts

Where do envy, strife, division, evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, blasphemy, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, pride, and foolishness come from if we are without sin? What is the purpose of sanctification if our hearts are already perfect?

The Call to Sanctification

“Abstain, “Mortify” “Subjugate” “Flee” “Put Off” “Lay Aside” “Lay Apart” and “Cleanse Ourselves” are the terms coined in the New Testament in dealing with our unrighteousness – Acts 15:20,28,29; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5,8,9; 1 Corinthians 6:18/ 9:27; Ephesians 4:22; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1 – KJV.

Understanding the Human Condition in Light of Scripture

Acknowledging the Dark Aspect Within

Am I suggesting that there is a dark aspect within us? That’s the conclusion I’ve come to after examining the Scriptures, which states that “In my flesh dwells no good thing” and “evil is present with me” – Romans 7:14-25. That is what the Adamic transgression has brought us. Even though we have turned to Christ, we will still have to deal with two conflicting natures and authorities within ourselves until the day the Lord changes our sinful bodies. According to the apostle Paul, “evil is present with us”, in our flesh – Acts 7:14-21; Galatians 5:17.

The apostle Paul undoubtedly refers to himself, not as a Pharisee but as a genuine Christian, when he laments that despite his desire to do good, evil is always present, opposing and resisting his intentions and actions. This inner struggle prevents him from achieving the perfection he desires as a new man, with sin dwelling within him but not having dominion over him.

This is the “mind of the flesh,” (be renewed in the spirit of your mind – Ephesians 4:23) as some interpret it as the wisdom, sensuality, affectation, or desire of the flesh. This aspect remains even in those who are regenerated. However, its dominant power is eradicated in every soul that is genuinely born of God. It is gradually weakened as the believer grows in grace, and the Spirit of God gains greater ascendancy in the heart.

Conflict of Natures and Authorities

Some may argue against it because they have a biased interpretation of the Bible, selecting what aligns with their beliefs and disregarding what contradicts their rationality or because they don’t understand it well. But for how much longer will you overlook your weakness and tendency to sin? If you were perfect in that sense, you wouldn’t require the assistance of the Holy Ghost or the Savior Jesus Christ to intercede for you – Romans 8:26,27; Hebrews 7:25; not to mention, keep you from falling, and to present you faultless – Jude 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Biased Interpretations of Scripture

The devil wants you to focus on him rather than the source of the problem. Why? Because he knows, that if you diagnose and identify the problem, you will be able to repair or mitigate it. Ignorance renders numerous Christians inept, unproductive, and powerless.

Overcoming Ignorance Through Understanding

Understanding Ignorance

What exactly is ignorance? This indicates a failure to understand or a lack of comprehension regarding their position, their authority, the new covenant, and the doctrines of Christ. Hence, the scripture encourages us: Allow the teachings of Christ to reside abundantly within you, filled with all wisdom – Colossians 3:16.

Roots of Ignorance: Persistent Rejection of Truth

Will a person become ignorant in a day? No, it is his persistent rejection of the truth of the Word of God that leads to ignorance. He is preoccupied with life’s affairs rather than working for the spiritual meat – John 6:27/12:25; 1 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Timothy 2:4; Luke 8:14; Mark 4:19.

Investing in Labour: A Reflection on Passion and Priorities

Labour requires the investment of time and life. One would only invest time and energy in what they love; One would dedicate time and effort to pursue only the things that they are passionate about. And Jesus said, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also – Luke 12:34. But man would labour for the meat which perishes – John 6:27; 1 Corinthians 10:3; because he loves his life in this world that he would do anything to save it; He cherishes his life in this world so much that he is willing to go to any lengths to preserve it – John 12:25; Matthew 10:37.

Choosing Immaturity Over Spiritual Growth

He relies on his flesh instead of the Spirit. “He chooses to stay as a baby (immature) and be nourished with milk rather than solid food, which makes him inexperienced in understanding the principles of righteousness. He remains immature and focused on worldly desires” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2. “The heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant” – Galatians 4:1,2; Romans 8:17. Growing to maturity in Christ requires taking on responsibility and enduring hardness, unlike remaining a babe in Christ which comes at no cost. And the servant abides not in the house forever: but the Son abides ever – John 8:35. Sons are individuals who have grown and developed to be guided by the Spirit, who hath crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, one who is skilful in the word of righteousness – Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:24; Hebrews 5:13,14.

The Dangers of Spiritual Sloth

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster – Proverbs 18:9; they are slothful in business; and not fervent in spirit – Romans 12:11. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down – Proverbs 24:30,31. The double-minded (two-spirited) man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, as he is unstable in all his ways – James 1:7,8.

Legal Authority of the Evil Realm

Does the evil realm hold any legal authority over us? Yes, to a certain degree, it does. During the process of renewal, only the spirit is brought back to life – John 3:6, and our conscience is purified – Hebrews 9:14/10:2; we are changed into a new being in that we are now made alive in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13.

Introduction to Spiritual Regeneration: First Resurrection Experienced at New Birth

Understanding Regeneration as Spiritual Resurrection

The work of regeneration is the resurrection of the dead. Through His eternal Spirit, God in Christ brings the dead soul to life. Raising the dead is synonymous with resurrection; the two are inextricably linked. It is the act of resuscitating someone who has died. Weren’t we all spiritually dead when God saved us through Christ? This is mentioned in Ephesians 2:1,5 and Colossians 2:13.

The Link Between Raising the Dead and Spiritual Resurrection

Why would God save or revive us if we were not dead? For since by man (Adam) came death, by man (Jesus) also came the resurrection of the dead. This is not referring to the physical resurrection of the body, but rather the spiritual awakening that Christ came to bring about. Just as everyone dies because of Adam, everyone will be made alive in Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-21. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead; and we being dead, hath God quickened together with Christ – Colossians 2:12,13.

The Concept of Spiritual Death and Revival in Scripture

During the time of Jesus, raising the dead was considered remarkable. The focus on the bodily resurrection over the soul’s resurrection perplexes me; why would we give the bodily resurrection precedence over the soul’s resurrection? The people that Jesus raised from the dead were merely given their deteriorating bodies back; they did not obtain a glorious new body or undergo spiritual rejuvenation.

The Essence of Spiritual Resurrection in Christ

The Timing and Nature of the New Testament

This was because Jesus (the Testator) was still alive, and therefore the New Testament had not yet been established – Hebrews 9:16,17.

The First Resurrection and its Significance

The first resurrection of the saints’ bodies happened after Jesus Christ’s resurrection – Matthew 27:53. Jesus Christ is the first begotten of the dead – Revelation 1:5.

The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Rebirth

It was only after the arrival of the Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost that the apostles of the Lamb received the power to bring dead souls back to life. After receiving the Holy Ghost, the Apostles had great authority and power to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God – Acts 26:18. The Spirit of Truth was not given to them until the day of Pentecost because Jesus had not yet been glorified – John 7:39; John 14:17.

Our Identity in Christ and the Reality of Spiritual Renewal

In contrast to those in the time of Jesus, God has raised us and seated us together with Christ in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6. Not only did Christ’s resurrection signify his resurrection, but it also signified our own. The dead were being raised to life by God via Christ. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we are no longer in the state of death but rather in life; passed from death unto life – John 5:24. We were likewise raised from the dead and are no longer subject to death when Christ rose from the grave. It is already inherited rather than something we must wait for.

The Priority of Spiritual Resurrection Over Bodily Resurrection

Understand that it was through the gospel that they proclaimed that we were established – Romans 6:25; they didn’t even have the New Testament as we are now fortunate to have. Following the reception of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles of the Lamb began writing the New Testament; and the seven churches were established thereafter. The result of this is that we have been transformed into new beings in Christ; and we no longer know anyone according to the flesh in that sense – 2 Corinthians 5:16,17; Galatians 6:15. We have transformed into spiritual beings like Jesus Christ. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:45-48. We are not going to Mount Zion but have already arrived and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and the spirits of just men made perfect – Hebrews 12:22,23.

Having the understanding that Christ, who has been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over him – Romans 6:9. This also applies to those of us who are in Christ, as we have transitioned from death to life – John 5:24; 1 John 3:14. The former things are passed away – Revelation 21:4. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Why have a glorified body without a glorified soul? The glorified body is a gift from God to the faithful on earth, a result of being united with Christ – Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:21. It is a state attained through abiding in Christ. The spiritual renewal comes before the renewal of the body. Therefore, when we talk about “resurrection,” it primarily refers to spiritual rebirth.

The Greater Works and Impact of Spiritual Revival

While he was on earth, The Lord stated that “raising the dead” should not be considered as something more significant than what they are going to accomplish, although it does hold some significance in demonstrating His power to the sinful world. He said, “Greater works than these shall ye do” – John 14:12. What could he have meant by “Greater Works”? There is only one task that I consider to be greater than what Jesus did. It is the act of bringing forth spiritual offspring through the power of the Holy Spirit, which essentially means reviving souls from spiritual death. Prior to the revelation of the path to the holiest place and the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, they symbolically raised mortal bodies, signifying the forthcoming spiritual rebirth – Hebrews 9:8; John 7:39. Following the day of Pentecost, when Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled – Acts 2:16, the once feeble disciples transformed into spiritual powerhouses, causing a significant impact on the world.

Conquering Sin and the Reality of Spiritual Deception

Witnessing Jesus raise a dead body was impactful, but they truly revolutionized the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. They transformed hearts, leading to a transformation of the world and the dismantling of the enemy’s works.

We were previously devoid of spiritual life because of sin, but now we have been purified by the atoning blood of Jesus and have been brought back into a right relationship with God – Romans 5:1,10; 2 Corinthians 5:18.

It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that our physical bodies still possess the sinful characteristics that were passed down from our parents. The good news is that we can now conquer sin by living by the Spirit because Jesus’ death took away its sting – Galatians 5:16; Romans 6:14/8:3.

The Bible cautions against self-deception by believing that there is no sin within us, as stated in 1 John 1:8, and warns that this can lead to a heart empty of truth. According to Romans 7:17,20, sin is deeply rooted within us, giving the forces of darkness leverage. The dark world operates on lawlessness and is governed by sin, with no truth in its ruler, as mentioned in John 8:44.

The Imperative of Humility and Wisdom in Christ

Satan is capable of planting deceptive thoughts that may appear to be godly, but contradict the truth. If you allow these thoughts to take hold, they can influence your life and turn you into a hypocrite who believes they are morally superior. This is why we are encouraged to let the teachings of Christ be deeply rooted in us, guiding us with wisdom. Being humble (to be clothed with humility) is the only thing that can keep your life from being wrecked – 1 Peter 5:5.

The Ongoing Battle Against Sin and the Power of Obedience

Even though the influence of sin has been defeated for those who belong to Christ, it doesn’t mean that sin will not affect them. The important thing is that sin will not have control over them. However, it all comes down to who is in control. According to the word of God, whoever you choose to obey will determine the result “sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness” – Romans 6:16.

The Transience of the Physical Body and the Promise of Transformation

What happens to our physical body? It is now seen as a temporary dwelling on earth (a tabernacle), which will either be changed or dissolved. This outcome is determined by how we depart from this world – 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1,4. Either we put it off or be transfigured – 2 Peter 1:13,14.

The Path of Obedience and the Price of Complacency

Obedience then involves walking in opposition to the desires of the flesh and the values of the world. It is like swimming against the current. “And there will be a price to pay in life; otherwise, it’s not genuine life that you’re seeking, but rather complacency.”

The Law of the Spirit of Life and the Choice of Allegiance

Wouldn’t it be prudent to take a moment to carefully consider the paths you are taking? The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus alone sets you free from the law of sin and death – Romans 8:2, and applying one alone replaces the other. You will either loathe one and adore the other, or you will adhere to one while despising the other. “Consider the repercussions of trying to navigate your life with both legs in two different boats. This is similar to what happens when you attempt to be a carnal Christian, trying to combine two conflicting domains.”

“The Redemptive Work of Christ”

Then you could wonder, what is the importance of Jesus bearing our sins or eliminating our sins? What does it signify that he removed our sins?

Significance of Jesus Bearing Our Sins

Jesus carrying our sins and removing our sins is significant because it symbolizes the act of taking on the burden of our sins and offering forgiveness and redemption. It means that through his sacrifice, he has taken away the guilt and consequence of the Adamic sin, allowing us to be reconciled with God. He removed our past sins – Romans 3:25; Acts 17:30; He destroyed sin’s power and removed its dominion – Romans 6:14/8:3; but that did not remove our natural inclination towards sin, did it?

Continued Significance of Jesus Removing Our Sins

Why does God still view our bodies as corrupt if it had been different? Philippians 3:1 Why does God declare our hearts as deceitful and desperately wicked? Jeremiah 17:9 Why does God tell us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds? Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23 What is the reason for purifying ourselves from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, striving for complete holiness? 2 Corinthians 7:1 What is the reason for being told to abstain from fleshly lusts, flee from all forms of unrighteousness, and put off the old man which is corrupt?

Distinguishing Between Sin and Works of the Flesh

Human Nature and Inclination Towards Sin

What about the wrongdoings that we engage in after accepting Christ? Can we label it as sin or works of the flesh? Firstly, according to the Spirit of Truth, anyone who continues to sin belongs to the devil – 1 John 3:8. Whoever is born of God does not continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them, and they cannot sin because they are born of God – 1 John 3:9. Is that a fact? This raises the question of whether sin is a collection of morally opposing traits within humans or the nature itself that Apostle John is referring to. Verse 10 highlights two characteristics of the new nature that differentiate the child of God from the children of the devil. It states that anyone who does not practice righteousness and anyone who does not love their brother is not of God – 1 John 3:10. This behaviour is the basis by which a person will be identified as belonging to one group or the other. One has the divine seed within them while the other does not, and that is what sets them apart.

Understanding the New Nature

One has a proclivity towards sin, that harbours hatred and is murderous as its founder – John 8:44; 1 John 2:9,11/3:15/4:20; the other, which is born of God, possesses a benevolent spirit that forgives and bears. The one born of God does possess both natures, so to speak; but the unregenerate is incapable or is dispossessed of working any righteousness at all. For sin dominates such.

The Struggle Between Spirit and Flesh

As a believer, I find joy in the law of God within my inner being – Romans 7:22. With my mind and spirit, I am devoted to serving the law of God; however, with my flesh, I am subject to the law of sin – Romans 7:25. The unrighteous are not so, they are dead to sin and at variance with God and the wrath of God abides in them as they are rooted in wickedness. But the righteous despite their frailty are rooted in the righteousness of God, as His seed remains in them.

Freedom from the Law

When we allow the Spirit to guide us (be led by Him), we are not bound by the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:14; sin is not relevant in this context. Why? The law is the only thing that makes us aware of what sin is – Romans 7 We can only be considered to have sinned when there is a law in place. Since the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus liberates us from the law of sin and death, and when we are led by the Spirit, we are not bound by the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:2, we cannot say we sin as sin has lost its power over us by the dismantling of the law.

Law and Sin

Law and sin are inextricably linked; they complement one another. One without the other does not exist. The law had a specific period of reign. It was instituted because of transgressions (the transgressions that were under the first Testament – Hebrews 9:15), TILL the seed should come to whom the promise was made – Galatians 3:19. The law was assigned as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ, that they might be justified by faith – Galatians 3:24. But because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, they stumbled at that stumbling stone – Romans 9:32.

The Law’s Purpose and Fulfilment

The law was given to Israel and does not concern Gentiles, so there is no need to even talk about it within the Gentile community. Why are we even bringing it up when it has no relevance to us as Gentiles? The Jews too who are part of the body of Christ should not be concerned, as they are now married to another since their first husband (the Law) has died – Romans 7:1-4. Anyone who seeks to uphold the law is obligated to follow the entire law. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all – James 2:10. Those who try to revive it are no longer benefiting from Christ, and by doing so, they fall from grace and are separated from his life – Galatians 5:4,5.

The Transition from Law to Grace

The Israelites: to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came – Romans 9:4,5. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse – Galatians 3:10. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness – Romans 9:31. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Galatians 4:21

The Role of Love in Fulfilling the Law

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself – Galatians 5:13-14. We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren (the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost – Romans 5:5). He that loveth not his brother abides in death – 1 John 3:14. Hence, love is the complete embodiment of the law – Romans 13:10. Use love as the standard by which you assess your life. Why would you subject yourself to any kind of condemnation when love can satisfy the entire law? Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of him that calls you – Galatians 5:7-8.

Living in Righteousness Through Faith

Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all of them that believe – Romans 3:21,22. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes – Romans 10:4.

Maintaining Righteousness Through the Spirit

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit – Romans 8:3,4.

Imputed Righteousness and Freedom from the Law

Even David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God IMPUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS without works – Romans 4:6-13. What is this righteousness? It is a blissful state free of the law. Do you now understand why it says, “Whoever is born of God does not sin” “for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God”? – 1 John 3:9 Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another – Romans 2:14,15.

The New Covenant and Cleansing from Sin

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Let us draw near (to God – having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus) with a true heart in full assurance of faith. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works – Hebrews 10:15-24. “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more”.

Living in the Spirit and Overcoming Sin

The question now is: How are we cleansed and justified when we sin or fall according to the flesh or stumble in our human nature? In Christ, everything is automated. Simply put, live and walk in the Spirit. What is considered a sin at this point? All unrighteousness is sin – 1 John 5:17.

Forgiveness and Cleansing through Confession

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – 1 John 1:9.
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin – 1 John 1:7.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins – 1 John 2:1,2.

Freedom from Condemnation and Transformation into Righteousness

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit – Romans 8:1.

Through our birth in God, we are transformed into the righteousness of God in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:48. As “the righteousness of God,” we are not subject to judgment by the law, which is allotted for the wicked, the lawless, the disobedient, the ungodly, and sinners, for unholy, and profane – 1 Timothy 1:9.

Distinguishing Between the Children of God and the Children of the Devil

How do we distinguish or how can we tell the difference between the children of the devil and the children of God? Whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother – 1 John 3:10. I recall a story that supports my point. By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous – Hebrews 11:4; Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous – 1 John 3:12.

Righteousness Based on Heart Alignment

They were all deemed righteous in the sight of God, not because they followed specific rules or regulations, but because their hearts aligned with God’s standards; the disposition of their hearts was consistent with God’s standards. One was driven by hate, while the other was motivated by love.

The Importance of Love and Self-Examination

Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him – 1 John 3:15. Do not pretend to follow Christianity and deceive yourselves, but instead, take the time to examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test and evaluate yourselves – 2 Corinthians 13:5. Know ye, not yourselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5 Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another – 1 John 4:11. He that loveth not his brother abides in death – 1 John 3:14.

Characteristics of Love and Wisdom

Love suffers long and is kind; it envies not; it vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hypocrisy – James 3:17.

Birth of the Spirit and Righteousness

To work righteousness, one must be born of God. Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, HE CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God” – John 3:5. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but RIGHTEOUSNESS, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost – Romans 14:17. When we are born of the Spirit of God, as mentioned in John 3:6, we receive the characteristics of God – 2Peter 1:4; Hebrews 12:10,11. Our spirit that is born of God is created after God in RIGHTEOUSNESS and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24.

Righteousness by Faith, Not Works

To him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace (for God imputes righteousness without works). But to him that works not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – Romans 4:4-6. Because Israel sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, they stumbled – Romans 9:32.

Living Out Righteousness

As we nurture the spirit within us – 1 Peter 2:2; Philippians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 13:9, we begin to live out the teachings of the Bible (doers of the word) – James 1:21,22, and develop expertise in understanding and applying righteous principles (become skilful in the word of righteousness) – Hebrews 5:13,14. This leads us to live in obedience to righteousness – Romans 6:16,17 – and strive for the perfection exemplified by our heavenly Father – Matthew 5:48.

The Futility of Law in Achieving Righteousness

Remember that there isn’t a single law that can help you achieve righteousness. Only God can be the source of righteousness, and it is obtained by faith. Your assumption that keeping the law will make you holy will only result in you being cast away.

Freedom from Condemnation and the Law

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin – Romans 4:7-9. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace – Galatians 5:4.

Sin is only acknowledged when there is a set law in place – Romans 7. However, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death, and when we are guided by the Spirit, we are not under the obligation of the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:2. Hence, we are unable to assert that we sin, since sin no longer holds power over us as a result of the abolishment of the law. Additionally, it is important to note that God condemned sin in the flesh of His Son, Jesus – Romans 8:3.

Wrath and Transgression

The law worketh wrath (For God hath not appointed us to wrath – 1 Thessalonians 5:9): for where no law is, THERE IS NO TRANSGRESSION – Romans 4:15. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace – Romans 6:14. If so, I don’t understand why preachers emphasize condemning believers for their sins (carnal disposition) instead of reminding them of their susceptibility (works of the flesh, which everyone is inclined towards) and the grace they receive to overcome it.

Unity in the Body of Christ

When a believer is “in Christ” (gets baptized into one body by one Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:13) he or she ceases to be an independent entity and will no longer be regarded as such; they are now an integral part of the unified body.

Brotherly Love and Compassion

Condemning a single part equates to condemning the whole body, which not only discredits Christ’s advocacy but also creates a division in the body, impeding its growth – 1 Corinthians 1:10/3:3/11:18.

Avoiding Judgment and Condemnation

Are we not one bread and members of the same body? Whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26. This represents the profound interconnectedness present within the structure of this living organism, called Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:12.

Freedom in Christ

He who loveth God love his brother also – 1 John 4:20,21. Love does no evil, nor does it take pleasure in a brother’s misfortune. Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love go hand in hand – 2 Peter 1:7.

Discerning Legalism and False Doctrines

We all must strive towards putting off the corrupt self to partake of the divine nature – Ephesians 4:22; 2 Peter 1:4, which is crucial to the effectual working of this body – Ephesians 4:16. No one is exempt from it.

Spiritual Maturity and Growth

Do Not Speak Evil of One Another

Do not speak evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who can save and destroy: who art thou that judges another? – James 4:11,12

Honouring All Men

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood – 1 Peter 2:17.

Rejoicing in Humility

Let the brother of low degree (humiliated, in circumstances or disposition) rejoice in that he is exalted – James 1:9.

Admonishing as a Brother

Count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother – 2 Thessalonians 3:15.

Despising the Brethren

He therefore that despises the brethren, despises not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit – 1 Thessalonians 4:8.

Forgiving One Another

We ought to forbear one another, and forgive one another, even as Christ forgave us – Colossians 3:13. Before you point fingers at others, remember that you are ultimately dependent on the mercy of God.

And if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted – Galatians 6:1. Know that for his name’s sake, we are forgiven – 1 John 2:12; we all appropriate the blood of Christ to cleanse us regularly, don’t we? 1 John 1:7,9 Do we not know who accuses the brethren? Revelation 12:10

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye – Colossians 3:12,13.

Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2.

Being Gentle and Instructive

We (who are spiritual – 1 Corinthians 2:15; Galatians 6:1) must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves (in the spirit of meekness – Galatians 6:1); if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Freedom from the Law through Christ

When we criticize (discriminate), we nullify the mediating roles of both the Holy Spirit and Christ. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ – Romans 7:4. Being then MADE FREE FROM SIN, ye became the servants of righteousness – Romans 6:18.

I am not saying that we cannot rebuke a person when the Holy Ghost convict sin. Rebukes are a legitimate part of God’s work, but when they emerge from self-conceitedness and Pharisaic attitude, that’s when it becomes incongruous. I am simply trying to convey that the sins represented here are no longer seen as breaking the law, but as the works of the flesh, which is our inherent sinful nature.

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death (we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit – Romans 8:9). But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter – Romans 7:5,6.

We needed to be freed from the law not because it was evil—Romans 7:12–16 says that the law is spiritual, holy, and the commandments are good, just, and holy—but rather because we are carnal and the law wraths against such people – Romans 4:15.

Standing Fast in Liberty

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage – Galatians 5:1.

The Jewish members of the early church struggled to transition from their law-cantered way of life to the new life in Christ. They were so familiar with the Torah that it became ingrained in them. Some attempted to reintroduce or merge the laws of the old covenant into the body of Christ, which posed a threat to the growing Church. This is where the Apostle Paul intervened.

Some Christian denominations are trying to make a similar move. They aim to bring back or incorporate the old covenant laws into the Christian community, putting new believers at risk of losing the freedom found in Christ. Their commandments and regulations now serve as the criteria for accepting or excluding a believer. We are tolerated if we share their beliefs; nevertheless, those who do not are persecuted and condemned. If we conform, we are accepted; if not, we are ostracized and condemned.

Warning Against False Humility

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh? – Colossians 2:18-23

Challenges to Unity

Some Christians believe that wearing any type of jewellery, or colourful clothing, using expensive items, or indulging in eating and drinking is sinful and will harm their relationship with Christ. It is unfortunate how uninformed and misguided they are. Their baleful reaction to someone embracing such things in life can be quite intense. You can only imagine the level of hatred they may muster up when they witness someone accepting such things in life.

Avoiding Legalism

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye ABSTAIN FROM meats offered to idols, and from blood, and things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well – Acts 15:28-29.

Assurance in Christ

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies – Romans 8:33. Who is he that condemns? Romans 8:34 Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? – Romans 8:35. Didn’t Christ die while we were yet sinners? Are we so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3

Maintaining Spiritual Focus

You are effectively snatching fellow believers from the grace of God and returning them to a state of bondage when you try to scrutinize human weaknesses and judge them based on their frailties, or dispositions. When the Holy Ghost is warning us: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility – Colossians 2:18–why are we then subject to ordinances, like “touch not; taste not; handle not; which are nothing but the commandments and doctrines of men; which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh – Colossians 2:21-23. With the mind/spirit I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin – Romans 7:25.

Striving for Spiritual Growth

Regardless of whether we agree with it or not, the truth is that I am committed to serving the law of God with my mind/spirit, but I am also subject to the law of sin with my flesh (if we say that we have no unrighteousness, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us – 1 John 1:8). If there is sin in us, we are destined to serve it in some way; we are obligated to address it in some way. That is why, in His benevolence, God has assigned an advocate to intercede/ plead on our behalf – Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:27,34; 1 John 2:1. What is the purpose of Christ continuing forever and having an unchangeable priesthood if not? Hebrews 7:24,25

Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit

I wouldn’t say that both agree with each other; in fact, they are in opposition – Galatians 5:17, which is why a believer is constantly in a state of struggle. And as long as we are cocooned in an earthly tabernacle and have to deal with its dominion of corruption, we cannot pretend that it does not exist, nor can we starve it in any manner, until the Lord transforms our vileness to match His body – Philippians 3:21. It takes time and spiritual maturity to bring the flesh into subjection. To control our bodies, we must mature in the spirit and be led by God’s Spirit. If we remain spiritually immature, we are still focused on worldly desires. The heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant – Galatians 4:1; and the servant abides not in the house forever: but the Son abides ever – John 8:35.

The Path to Spiritual Maturity

We can only bring our bodies under control if we mature according to the spirit and allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit of God. Otherwise, to whom we yield ourselves, servants to obey, his servants we are to whom we obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness – Romans 6:16.

Maturing in Spirit

The power of a new believer in Christ is derived solely from the strength that is already accessible to them, which is their human nature. They are full of emotional energy during this time. Their spiritual maturity is still developing. Certainly, their soul was rejuvenated and their spirit was revived by the Holy Ghost, but there is still a considerable journey ahead to achieve full maturity. Such a one lacks spiritual strength (he/she is unskilful in the word of righteousness – Hebrews 5:13,14), but his or her flesh is strong, and it is only the available strength that we choose to rely on. Only when the spirit becomes stronger can the flesh be weakened.

Prayer for Strength

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16.

Overcoming Worldly Desires

How else are we going to subject our bodies? If we continue to remain immature in our spirit like the church in Corinth – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, we will still be focused on worldly desires and embrace earthly wisdom, driven by our senses, and influenced by the devil. This leads to discord, confusion, and the presence of every kind of evil – James 3:9-18.

Holiness Through Connection to God

As a result, our flaws or dispositions do not serve as criteria for evaluating holiness. God attributes holiness. It must originate from God and not from simply following a rule. We become holy because the source to which we are connected is holy; we become holy because His seed remains in us – 1 John 3:9; Ephesians 4:24. As we stay connected to Christ, we gradually become more like him in all aspects through the Spirit. The distinction between New Testament believers and the old is that they adhered to the law and failed – Hebrews 7:18,19/12:20; Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 10:3,4; John 6:48-50, while we now follow Christ and are transformed into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another, by the Spirit of the Lord – 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Value of Spiritual Criteria Over Fleshly Judgment

Churches have even elevated “the weakness of the flesh” to the level of divine prohibitions, employing them to pass judgment and discriminate against believers. However, the Holy Ghost reminds us that these things hold no true value, as they are not the criteria by which a believer is justified before God.

Acknowledging Trials in Life

Jesus declared, “In this world, you will have troubles” – John 16:33. Difficulties can manifest in various ways such as Family conflicts, broken families, divorces, unruly kids, illness, promiscuity, gluttony, mishaps, adultery, fornication, financial crises, covetousness, disasters, epidemics, premature deaths, and other situations can all be sources of trouble. No one can confidently claim immunity from such trials. It would be foolish to boast about being unaffected. A fool would just claim to be immune to it. Without the grace of God protecting us, no one can navigate this world without being affected in some way.

Equality in God’s Eyes

While some people have succumbed to their depravity (moral corruption), others, such as the modern-day Sadducees and Pharisees, can conceal their depravity, project an image of being above it, and win the favour of the public. However, in God’s eyes, we are all the same; our righteousness is like soiled clothes – Isaiah 64:6. You cannot convince God that your frail brother is unholy and you are a saint. If God were to examine our hearts, the person who appears to be righteous before others would fall shorter than the one who seems to be weak in the eyes of others.

Warning Against Hypocrisy

God abhors hypocrisy, as He has cautioned believers about it in Matthew 16:6. He likened hypocrisy to leaven – Luke 12:1, warning that if left unchecked, it can contaminate our entire being – Galatians 5:9.

Spiritual Standards of Behaviour

Who among men can claim they have never lusted in their hearts? Is there anyone among humanity who can honestly claim that they have never felt lust in their hearts? According to God, if you have lusted even once, you have committed adultery in your heart. Similarly, if you have harboured hatred even once, you have committed murder in the eyes of God. And if you have coveted or succumbed to any unrighteous act even once, you have committed idolatry. These principles are outlined in Matthew 5:28, 1 John 3:15, and Colossians 3:5.

Warning Against Gluttony and Hypocrisy

If you have a passion for food and indulge in eating excessively, it may indicate an idolatrous heart. I am aware of many preachers who criticize believers in other areas, yet they struggle with overeating (gluttonous), holding grudges against fellow believers, and loving Mammon. How do you make sense of that?

The Law of Christ and Sinful Thoughts

“When the law condemns someone for breaking a command, the law of Christ declares that even the moment a person’s heart entertains sinful thoughts, it is considered as a sin. Jesus ensured that no one could be considered righteous by their actions in front of God.”

None Righteous, No, Not One

As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one – Romans 3:10.

The Pharisee and the Publican Parable

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her – John 8:7.

Let’s understand the significance of the parable of Jesus, which reinforces the point I am presenting here.

Jesus spoke this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and DESPISED OTHERS:

Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you; this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; he that humbles himself shall be exalted – Luke 18:9-14.

Misconceptions in Church Judgment

Once, I remember a situation where I visited a megachurch pastor seeking guidance and support. Upon learning about a mistake, I had made in my life that they considered serious, the young pastor told me that I could stay with them for a while but was not allowed to take part in the Lord’s supper or serve others in matters related to the Lord.

I learned that Christ died for sinners, but now I see that some people believe Christ only belongs to those who are righteous and that the Lord detests anyone who falters in life; that the Lord would disapprove if someone made a mistake in life. That’s what their approach conveyed to me. It seems like you can only approach the throne of grace if your life is going well like theirs. How do they understand the passage “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”? Hebrews 4:16 And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous – 1 John 2:1.

I comprehended the message they were trying to convey. They were implying that my past actions had tainted me and made me unworthy of the Lord. It was clear that they saw themselves as holier than me, believing themselves to be faultless men chosen and anointed by the Lord. I can’t fathom the extent of their misconceptions and their ignorance of the principles of the New Testament life.

Jesus stated that those who are healthy do not require a physician, but those who are sick do – Luke 5:31 However, preachers claim that only the righteous can approach the Lord. What a contradiction!

Self-Deception and Spiritual Maturity

For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself – Galatians 6:3.

Living in Sanctification and Honour

Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour – 1 Thessalonians 4:4.

Called Unto Holiness

God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

Understanding Spiritual Growth

This is a set of instructions that communicates the level of maturity that God wants us to reach, rather than just a set of rules to read and instantly be changed by.

As a new believer, it’s normal to behave childishly, but as you mature in faith or grow spiritually, you put away childish ways. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, growth leads to leaving sinful behaviours behind. For a babe in Christ is unskilful in the word of righteousness – Hebrews 5:13,14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

The Refining Process

Looking back, I can see how foolishly I lived in the past, indulging in corruption even though I knew it was wrong. Sin had a grip on me until the Holy Spirit guided me through a refining process and sanctified me. The Bible teaches that suffering in the flesh leads to freedom from sin – 1 Peter 4:1. Our earthly parents verily for a few days chastened us after their pleasure; but God for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards (if we endure), it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby – Hebrews 12:5-11.

Compassion and Understanding

It’s concerning to think about how this might anger the Lord and how they will have to answer to Him eventually. Why do they fail to comprehend the compassion of Jesus, and when they claim to have the mindset of Christ, they display the mindset of the devil?

Jesus said, “Allow the little children (Paidion – figuratively, an immature Christian), and don’t forbid them to come to me: for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these” – Matthew 19:14. The Lord’s work involves healing those with broken hearts and tending to their wounds – Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18. The Lord has a grievance against the leaders of the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them – Ezekiel 34:4.

The Transformative Power of the Word

The word of God reveals to us the qualities our spirits should exhibit. It reminds us of the nature we should partake of, corresponding to the word of God. It is not just a list of rules, but a guide that directs us towards the kind of people we should strive to be. It is through aligning with the nature of God that we come to embody the principles of the word of God.

If a woman or man is not showing the nature portrayed in the Scriptures, it is not a sign of disobedience to the law but spiritual immaturity. One hasn’t grown according to the spirit. Humility or any other virtues are not the effect of following a precept but the fruit of the Spirit, which we yield when become doers of the word of God. We obey because we are. What we are within or what we ought to be is what the word reveals. The word of God shows us the real us and transforms us to its virtue.

If a person does not exhibit the nature portrayed in the Scriptures, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity, not disobedience to the law. Humility and other virtues are not the result of following a rule, but of yielding to the Spirit and becoming doers of the word of God. We obey because of who we are. The word of God reveals our true selves and transforms us to reflect its virtues.

If a woman or man does not exhibit the character depicted in the Scriptures, it is not an indication of disobedience to the law but rather a sign of spiritual immaturity. One has not matured according to the spirit. Humility or any other virtues are not the result of following a rule but the outcome of the Spirit, which we demonstrate when we become practitioners of the word of God. We obey because of who we are according to the spirit. The Word reveals what we are within or what we are meant to be. The word of God reveals our true selves and changes us to reflect its virtues. We receive life, freedom, and authority through the knowledge breathed into us by the Spirit of God, which reveals our true identity and position.

The Example of Christ

Jesus KNOWING (became aware – as he grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him – Luke 2:40) that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God, and went to God; He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself – John 13:3,4. As we mature in the spirit, the Spirit of God imparts knowledge to us through the word of God, enlightening our minds to understand. Christ left us an example, that we should follow his steps – 1 Peter 2:21; and as he is, so are we in this world – 1 John 4:17.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple – Psalm 119:130.

Holiness and Authority

Simply being adept at following some of the New Testament commands doesn’t elevate a pastor or believer above others in terms of holiness; nor does obtaining a college degree automatically place you at the pinnacle of authority (it is the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered – Colossians 2:19 – if the root be holy, so are the branches – Romans 11:16 – we partake of the divine nature and His holiness by abiding in Christ. His word and the Spirit are what cleanse us). For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? – Luke 22:27.

The Reality of Spiritual Position

Regardless of your spiritual position, can you honestly say that your flesh has any goodness? How dare many of us then bring accusations against the brethren? Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord – 2 Peter 2:11. But you believe that just because you have a degree and serve in the Church, you are immune to judging God’s elect?

The Ministry of Equipping and Perfecting

Certainly, as we grow in spiritual maturity, God may appoint some to judge those within the faith community in order to equip and perfect the believers. This is why the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is provided – Ephesians 4:11. We are given authority to address disobedience once our own obedience is fulfilled – 2 Corinthians 10:6. I am not opposed to this, but speaking ill of others from a self-righteous attitude is what leads to evil.

Walking in the Spirit and Fulfilling the Law

By following the Spirit, we fulfil the righteousness of the law within us – Romans 8:4; it’s as simple as that. How do we address our flesh’s tendency to engage in sin and unrighteous works? The answer is in the holy Scriptures. According to 1 John 1:7, if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. It is essentially an automated process. God expects us to move and live in the Spirit, appropriating the merits of Christ Jesus.

Maturing in the Spirit

Walking as he is in the light can involve labouring in the Spirit, praying in the Holy Ghost, actively following the word of God, doing his will, living in the Spirit, and walking in love, among other things. Achieving this state requires a level of spiritual maturity. The young lamb can only rely on the scent of its mother sheep because its vision is not fully developed, while the adult sheep recognizes the voice of its shepherd and obediently follows him. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me – John 10:27.

Understanding "They Cannot Sin"

The statement “They cannot sin” does not imply that a born-again person would never sin. It does not mean that in that sense. Rather, it means that since the seed of God remains in them, they are rooted in the love of God, in which all the law is fulfilled – as stated in Galatians 5:14 and Romans 13:8-10.

The Nature of Sin and Law

There can be no sin if there is no law. Sin is the transgression of the law – 1 John 3:4; and where no law is, there is no transgression – Romans 4:15. Sin became a sin with the bringing of the law – Romans 5:13/7:5,7,9. If no law is enacted, does a court have the authority to condemn anyone? No, a person can only be deemed a transgressor based on a law that has been passed. If not, what offence has he or she committed? How would you convict someone of a crime if you are unable to identify the specific legislation that they broke? A court cannot exist without legislation being enacted. It is known as “the court of law” for this reason.

Understanding Righteousness

Similarly, when you read in the gospels a feature being conferred to few that says, “They both were righteous” Luke 1:6 was not discussing their inner disposition, but rather their reaction to the set of laws to which they are subject. Those who obeyed the law of Moses were considered righteous.

Righteousness Through Regeneration

A person who upholds or obeys God’s law is said to be righteous. However, members of the body of Christ are not made righteous by observing the law, but rather by regeneration, as they receive the Spirit of Sonship, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 4:24. At regeneration we awake to righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30/15:34. A person receives a new identity at the new birth; they are now a different creature – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15—more specifically, they are the righteousness of God. What sets them apart is the incorruptible seed that they contain. If the root is holy, so are the branches – Romans 11:16.

The Impact of Sin

Is sin still a significant force to be considered? If God had condemned sin in the flesh of Jesus and declared that it should not have dominion over those born of God to the extent that the word of God states that we cannot sin, then does sin still hold any value or power as we often emphasise or amplify it?

“The Law, Grace, and Christian Identity”

The Nullification of Sin's Power

If the law revealed sin, and the power of sin is the law, does sin still have any worth, or can it gloat over us now that the law has been repealed; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances? – Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 7:18,19; Galatians 5:18 The law made sin apparent and gave strength to sin – 1 Corinthians 15:56; then by annulling the law, sin no longer holds merit or can crow over us. Thereby, our covenant with death and our agreement with hell got disannulled – Isaiah 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:55.

The New Covenant and Grace

Hadn’t God cancelled the old covenant because he found it to be faulty? He built a new covenant based on better promises – Hebrews 8:6-10. The law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound – Romans 5:20; which grace, came by Jesus Christ – John 1:17. We are become dead to the law by the body of Christ – Romans 7:4. And sin is not imputed when there is no law – Romans 5:13.

The Purpose of the Law

The law was merely a supplement—it was added in response to violations – Galatians 3:19; The law was introduced as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ – Galatians 3:24,25; the law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons – 1 Timothy 1:9,10; and the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression – Romans 4:15.

The Superiority of the Promise

However, the covenant that God established with Abraham existed before the law was even introduced, and it was validated before God in Christ. As a result, even though the law was created 430 years later, it cannot invalidate and render the promise of no effect – Galatians 3:17.

The New Way of Righteousness

Now how are the unrighteous deeds being considered? It has been reduced to mere “works of the flesh” and the righteous deeds as the fruit of the Spirit. The law is incapable of imparting God’s righteousness, so it was stripped of its power, so to speak. Now a new and living way, hath been consecrated for us – Hebrews 10:20; by which we can bring forth fruit unto God – Romans 7:4. By following this path, we not only receive the righteousness of God credited to us, but we also fulfil the righteousness of the law within ourselves – Romans 4:6,11-24/ 8:4. Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested – Romans 3:21. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness; to whom the Lord will not impute sin – Romans 4:6,8. Hasn’t another law been implemented? Yes, the law of the life-giving Spirit in Jesus Christ. It is a law of the heart that the Holy Spirit has inscribed – Hebrews 10:16. By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified – Hebrews 10:14; the spirits of just men made perfect – Hebrews 12:23.

The Practical Outworking of Salvation”

The Battle Against Fleshly Lusts

Is it possible for us to break and overcome that law of the heart? Indeed, we certainly could, if we don’t refrain from giving in to our sensual cravings (fleshly lusts) that war against our souls – 1 Peter 2:11; which war against the law of our minds, to bring us into captivity again – Romans 7:23. If we deviate from the path and follow the desires of the flesh, we will be considered to have sinned against Christ –1 Corinthians 8:12. It’s a violation that affects the entire body.

Living Beyond the Flesh

In the New Testament, when you encounter the phrase “sin not” as found in 1 John 2:1, it does not simply mean to avoid breaking the law, but rather to refrain from living according to fleshly lusts. For if we live after the flesh, we shall die – Romans 8:13. “Abstain, “Mortify” “Subjugate” “Flee” “Put Off” “Lay Aside” “Lay Apart” “Cleanse Ourselves” are the terms coined in the New Testament in dealing with unrighteousness – Acts 15:20,28,29; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5,8,9; 1 Corinthians 6:18/ 9:27; Ephesians 4:22; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1 – KJV.

Guarding the Heart

For this reason, before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, we are instructed to think about recognising the body of Christ into which we are infused – 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body – 1 Corinthians 12:13. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread – 1 Corinthians 10:17. “Since life’s challenges stem from the heart – Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:45, it is crucial to protect it with great care – Proverbs 4:23.” You risk corrupting yourself if you choose to ignore it or lower your guard – Mark 7:20-23; Hebrews 12:15; James 3.

Living in Righteousness

If we ignore it, we could bring condemnation upon us in the form of infirmities, sickness and even death – 1 Corinthians 11:27-30. Sin is no longer just breaking the law, but rather the result of human nature. We need to control or counter it by walking in the Spirit and partaking in divine nature and holiness; Righteousness is no longer achieved by obeying the law; instead, we are made righteous through the process of regeneration. The presence of the incorruptible seed within us leads us to live a holy life –1 John 3:9; 1Peter 1:23. We are begotten into an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled – 1 Peter 1:4; God hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light – Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18.

Unity and Responsibility in the Body

Committing sins (or carnal living) after accepting Christ is viewed as a transgression against Him, as we are no longer seen as separate individuals but as integral parts of the body of Christ – 1Corinthians 12:12. The whole body is now fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies; holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together – Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; ye are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit – Ephesians 2:22; fitly framed together as a holy temple in the Lord – Ephesians 2:21. If we harbour hatred towards our fellow believers, even though it may not result in physical harm, it is still equivalent to killing them in the eyes of God. It shows that we have not truly embraced the life of Christ and are merely pretending to be part of the Christian community – 1 John 2:9,11/ 3:15/4:20. Jesus said, for every tree is known by his fruit – Luke 6:44.

Sinning within this living organism (the ecclesia of God) is a sin against the entire body. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or when one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26; Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular – 1 Corinthians 12:27. It is crucial to strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, as stated in Ephesians 4:3. This is because there is only one body and one Spirit, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:4. Additionally, sinning against fellow believers is considered as sinning against Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 8:12. The efficient functioning of each part is anticipated – Ephesians 4:16, and this can only be accomplished by remaining connected to the vine, which is Christ, and allowing His word to dwell in us abundantly with all wisdom – John 15:5; Colossians 3:16; James 1:21,22. Perfecting of the saints is what the Holy Ghost does to make it grow unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ – Ephesians 4:12,13; Philippians 3:15; James 1:4; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Corinthians 13:9; Matthew 5:48 – KJV

What exactly does a law represent? Or What does a law signify?

The Authority of the Law

It has the authority to either bestow life or death. No one is exempt, yet everyone within its jurisdiction must follow the law. Now we’re talking about a legislation that affects the members of our body – Romans 7:23. Unlike the law of the Spirit of Life, which empowers you to work righteousness and leads to eternal life, the other one coerces you into sinful passions and unrighteousness, resulting in death. “Obedience to life or sin to death”. The outcome is determined by whom we submit ourselves as servants – Romans 6:16.

Works of Righteousness and the Spirit

Works of Righteousness are not simply good behaviour, but rather a state of being. If it were merely good traits, then that would imply that the unregenerate, who receive common grace, are also righteous, but this is not the case. Righteousness comes only from being born of God. It is the presence of the spirit of God within a person that makes them righteous – 1 Corinthians 2:12. No one can be justified by their actions or deeds of the flesh.

The Power of Sin and Obedience

“It is a power that one must constantly struggle against, especially if it resides in our body, making the struggle all the more difficult” – Romans 7:3 Non-believers are bound by sin (enslaved to sin); therefore, they do not resist it but instead take pleasure in it; whereas believers are repulsed by it and must confront it as its purpose is to bring them back into the bondage of sin – Romans 7:23. The righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds – 2 Peter 2:8.

The positive aspect is that Jesus, understanding the weakness of humanity, requested from the Father, and bestowed upon us His eternal Spirit to dwell within us. Therefore, a believer is inhabited by the Spirit of God and has the Spirit of Sonship, enabling us to call out to God as our loving Father. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift a standard against him to give us victory – Isaiah 59:19. If we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh – Galatians 5:16.

The Battle Within

In every believer, there are two opposing laws at work. The flesh desires against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. One law supports the desires of the flesh, while the other supports the Spirit. One seeks to harm you, while the other seeks to save you.

The Influence of the Heart

Jesus taught that the streams flow from within the heart; and that what comes out of the heart is what truly matters. Whatever we labour and maintain within the heart is what will ultimately flow out from our hearts. “The tongue has the power to bring both death and life” – Proverbs 18:21. Can the tongue speak without the influence of the heart? The words spoken by the mouth reflect the content of the heart or the character and wisdom of the spirit within a person. A change of heart or a spiritual transformation is the only way to set things on the right path. If the heart is filled with darkness, it will affect the entire being, and the words spoken will reflect that darkness. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks – Luke 6:45. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting – Galatians 6:7,8.

Transformation Through the Heart

Do you understand the importance of Jesus’s statement “You must be born again”? In saying this, Jesus was implying that the only way for a person to truly change their ways is by making their heart right, and this can only be achieved through God’s intervention. The influence of the law or any other external factor can only go so far, but true transformation comes from the touch of the divine on the heart.

The Consequence of Ignoring the Heart

We are advised to guard our hearts diligently because it is the source of our life. This caution is necessary due to the dual nature that a person experiences after being born again. The outcome is determined by what we sow inside, and plant within. The Sower must sow the Word to bring its bounty – Mark 4:14; to him that sow’s righteousness shall be a sure reward – Proverbs 11:18,19. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? 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 – Matthew 7:16-18. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit – Matthew 12:33.

I went by the field of the slothful (one who refused to sow the word of God into his spirit), and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down; and bring no fruit to perfection – Proverbs 24:30,3; Mark 4:7,18,19.

The Two Streams

See why the Holy Ghost forbids us from pursuing fleshly lusts? Since it battles the soul – 1 Peter 2:11. The stream that emerges from within gets murkier the longer you allow it to run wild. On the other hand, rivers of living water will gradually but surely start to emanate from within us if we mortify the works of the flesh (put to death the actions driven by worldly desires, the sinful passions) and live by the Spirit, or the law of the Spirit of life (the principles that Christ hath set forth).

Cultivating Spiritual Growth

Fruit cannot be expected to develop while the plant is still tender and young. To watch it develop into a high-yielding fruit-bearing plant, we must give it the necessary conditions and nourishment. Before it can produce much fruit, it needs to undergo some pruning and purging when the time is right – John 15:2. Because this plant underwent grafting, in contrast to other plants – Romans 11:17,24, it will go wild if left unchecked; care must be taken to stop the old shoots from emerging.

Guarding Against Spiritual Corruption

Are old shoots a representation of the wild nature? Isn’t it written in the Bible to “Put off” the corrupt old man? Doesn’t the Bible tell us to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”? Isn’t it also written to “abstain from fleshly lusts”? And doesn’t the Bible instruct us to put away our wicked traits? Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:1 These are the superfluous shoots that have the potential to proliferate and destroy the plant. Let’s see what the master gardener says. Jesus said, if we let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, pleasures of this life and the lusts of other things enter in or infiltrate our hearts, it chokes the word we received in the heart, and makes us unfruitful – Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14.

The Essence of Eternal Life

Can you now say that simply believing in Jesus Christ is enough to bring about life, or is there a way of life that Jesus has introduced that must be followed to enter into life? I’m not discussing the justification of life that we receive through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. I’m referring to life beyond the initial point of being justified by faith; being freed from the condemnation of Adam and being made right with God. I am referring to the concept of “moving beyond the basic teachings about Christ and advancing toward maturity,” “and” perfecting holiness” as stated in Hebrews 6:1; and 2 Corinthians 7:1.

The Gift of Eternal Life

Many people assume that eternal life is something we receive after we die, but in reality, it is a gift that we receive at the moment of our spiritual rebirth, and it is experienced in the present age. We come to know that we have eternal life when we believe in the name of the Son of God – John 10:10/20:31; 1 John 5:13. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son; He that hath the Son hath life – 1 John 5:11,12. In simple terms, if you have the Son, you possess eternal life. How can you possess Christ? Through the work of the Spirit’s regeneration, you partake in His life. When you acquire God’s love, it signifies eternal life within you – 1 John 3:15; Romans 5:5. “Incorruptible seed” refers to a life-giving and eternal force that brings about a new birth – 1 Peter 1:23 Your renewed spirit is the key to eternal life, and the spirit you receive from God is both incorruptible and eternal. It is God’s seed, and when the incorruptible seed is infused into you, you may say that death has been swallowed up in victory; the corruptible has put on incorruption; and we have passed from death to life. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive – 1 Corinthians 15:22. That is why we are urged to put on the new self, created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3;10. Your election by God makes it possible. It is the entrance into God’s kingdom – John 3:3-6 – through which the Holy Spirit pours out His love in our hearts – Romans 5:5. Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death has no more dominion over him – Romans 6:9; therefore, how can we, who are dead and have been raised with him, die anymore? Colossians 2:12,13; Ephesians 2:4-6; Romans 6:4 Doesn’t that imply that possessing eternal life makes us immune to death?

The Transformation of the Body

Putting on Incorruption

When it is said, there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, nor makes a lie – Revelation 21:27; flesh and blood cannot inherit; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption – 1 Corinthians 15:50, it means, that we must put on incorruption– this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality—this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:53,54. When do we get to put it on? At new birth – 1 Peter 1:23. “Putting on” immortality also means being “clothed upon” with a heavenly body – 2 Corinthians 5:2,4.

Transformation Through Eternal Life

What I am trying to convey is that without eternal life dwelling within a person, the body won’t transform. The body’s transformation is contingent upon the presence of eternal life within. The unification of the divine spirit and the renewed body culminates in a state of magnificent liberation of the children of God upon the fulfilment of salvation (the glory which shall be revealed in us – Romans 8:18-25). This is when the process of salvation is finished. We eagerly await the redemption of our bodies.

The Power of Resurrection

Jesus said that only as a child can one enter the kingdom of God – John 3:3-6, and that it is only through the regeneration of the Spirit that we can become like little children – Matthew 18:3. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory – 1 Corinthians 15:54. By the new birth we have passed from death unto life – John 5:24; 1 John 3:14. Death has no more hold on a person who is risen with Christ – Colossians 2:12,13; Ephesians 2:6; Romans 6:5. If we’ve been raised with Christ how can we say that he will resurrect us again. Only our vile bodies require a transmutation – Philippians 3:21. We have experienced the power of the resurrection at the new birth; we’ve been raised to life according to the spirit by the resurrection of Christ.

Christ's Achievement for Us

Know this truth: what Christ achieved; he did not achieve for himself. Being the life, he did not require any of these things, but he did all this so that we might come to possess all that he has. Therefore, when he achieves this, it is as if we have achieved it. His triumph and overcoming are seen as ours. His triumph and accomplishments are regarded as a shared collective honour. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26. That’s why we get to share in His sufferings – 1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Corinthians 1:5. The only difference is that he did it for us, as we were unable to accomplish anything. Just as the transgression of Adam was attributed to us and all died as a result, in the same way, through the righteousness of one, life has been attributed to those who believe – 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5.

Quickened and Raised with Christ

When we were dead in sins, God hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:5,6. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13.

Completion of Salvation and Resurrection Power

I’m not claiming that salvation is complete and that we’ve attained it; we can’t say that because our bodies must also experience the resurrection power, or the victory will be incomplete. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect but I follow after to attain – Philippians 3:12; I keep under my body and bring it into subjection – 1 Corinthians 9:27; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead (the amalgamation of the revived spirit and the transformed body) – Philippians 3:11.

Spiritual Awakening and Physical Transformation

The concept of “resurrection of the dead” has two aspects: spiritual awakening and physical transformation. People that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined – Isaiah 9:2; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6. And this knowledge of God is life eternal – John 17:3. This is the spiritual awakening that occurs to those who are born of God. The quickening of God is the new birth, awakening a soul to righteousness. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light – Ephesians 5:14. Arise, shine; for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee – Isaiah 60:1. The Psalmist prayed, let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live – Psalm 119:77; Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned – Lamentations 5:21; And through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light (of the knowledge of the glory of God) to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death – Luke 1:78,79.

“Oh Glory to God He has lifted me up,

He has lifted me up I know.

He stretched out His hand and He lifted me up.

And that’s why I love Him so

I love Him more and more (2)
And when I stand upon the other shore
I’ll praise Him more and more.”

Resurrection of the Body

Without undergoing the initial phase, you cannot undergo the second. The awakening of the spirit, or the work of regeneration, precedes the resurrection of the body. Both the wicked and the righteous will experience the resurrection of their bodies, but the distinction lies in one being unto life (glory and honour and immortality, eternal life – Romans 2:7) and the other unto damnation – John 5:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Romans 2:8,9/9:22.

Presence of Love as Evidence of Eternal Life

Passing from death to life is known by the presence of love (of God) within you. If love is absent, it is a sign that you are in a state of death and do not have eternal life within you – 1 John 3:14,15/4:20,21 Eternal life is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ – John 17:3; now, after that, ye have known God, or rather are known of God – Galatians 4:9; 1 John 2:13,14; every one that loveth is born of God, and knows God – 1 John 4:7; He that loveth not knows not God; for God is love – 1 John 4:8. When you are born again of the incorruptible word seed – 1 Peter 1:23 – that is how you get begotten unto a lively hope, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled – 1 Peter 1:3,4. And the evidence is the love of God in your heart – as stated in 1 John 3:14,15. The outcome is also determined by the type of wisdom you choose to embrace. The “law of sin and death” is draped with a wisdom which is earthly, sensual and devilish; but the wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hypocrisy – James 3:14-17.

Need for Regular Self-Reflection Guided by the Holy Spirit

Is it not essential to regularly self-reflect? And can we accomplish it on our own? No, we require the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires time to become familiar with the ways of the Spirit, and it is only by the sanctification of the Spirit and the washing of water by the Word that we shall achieve perfect alignment with God.

I can assure you that you cannot develop a profound and authentic relationship with God overnight. I have been striving to follow the guidance of the Spirit for nearly 37 years, and I can attest that God will test every step you take towards Him. He will evaluate the motivations of your heart through His Word before fully entrusting Himself to you – Hebrews 4:12; Psalms 7:9/ 105:19; Proverbs 17:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Deuteronomy 8:2.

The Potency of Christ's Blood

The blood of Jesus renders the power of sin ineffective in a believer, but it causes chaos in the heart of a sinner as it holds such control over them. Are you aware of the seriousness of this situation? I am because I was the worst of sinners saved by God’s grace. I understand the burden of sin and how it has affected me. I know its cruelty and its deceitfulness. But I also understand the strength of God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus.

Yes, it is real and I have tasted it in my life. God’s grace reached out to the most miserable and found me. O taste and see that the Lord is good – Psalm 34:8. Have you experienced the joy of the Holy Ghost and the Love of God?

Authenticity of Conversion and Transformative Power

Have you truly encountered the essence of life, which is found in Christ, or are you merely a believer in name only, having joined the community of believers because your family are Christians? Do you witness the transformative power of Christ working within you? Have you experienced the Holy Ghost’s transformational power? Have you ever felt convicted by the Holy Ghost of your sinfulness? Have you felt the joy of the Holy Ghost and the love of God? Do you sense Christ’s power transforming you from the inside? Are you hungry for God’s word? These are the conditions that a true conversion must meet.

The potency of Christ’s blood is such that it dispossessed the enemy of our soul of his power and control. Sin was the weapon of the choice of the wicked, but God condemned sin in the flesh of His Son Jesus, rendering the kingdom of the wicked powerless. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:2

Contrasting Wisdom

The book of James discusses the contrast between two types of wisdom that every believer must navigate – James 3. One realm follows the “law of sin and death” while the other follows “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”– Romans 6:22/7:5/8:2,13. However, for the unregenerate, sin reigns supreme.

Sanctification and Spiritual Warfare

Our struggle against sin starts the day we come into Christ’s life. Only believers, as opposed to the wicked, face an opponent. Given that sin is his master, why would a sinner engage in combat? However, once he or she is set free from the power of sin, a born-again believer faces opposition. The kingdom of the dark world desires to reclaim its captives, and it will pursue them until the body of sin is put off. Sanctification is therefore essential to living a successful life –1 Thessalonians 4:3/5:21-23.

Consequences of Good and Evil

“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul that does evil; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good” – Romans 2:9,10. This statement seems to reflect a contrast between the consequences for those who do evil and those who do good. It suggests that tribulation and anguish will befall those who engage in wrongdoing, particularly those who live according to their base desires and are spiritually immature. On the other hand, glory, honour, and peace are promised to those who engage in good deeds. This dichotomy implies a moral framework where actions have corresponding outcomes, with negative consequences for evil deeds and positive rewards for good actions.

Putting on the New Man

We must always put on the Lord Jesus Christ (that is, to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness), making no provision for the body to fulfil its lusts – Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul – 1 Peter 2:11; and thus, giving no place to the devil – Ephesians 4:27. The process of sanctification is just the replacement of the old corrupt nature with the divine nature and holiness – Hebrews 12:10; 2 Peter 1:4.

Purification through Trials

Corruption is not entirely eradicated but rather diminished or desensitized by subjecting individuals to challenging experiences or trials. It mentions a metaphorical “baptism with fire” that serves as a sanctification process, allowing the spirit to operate more freely by reducing resistance. This concept suggests that facing difficulties or hardships can purify individuals and facilitate spiritual growth. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God – 1 Peter 4:1,2; Hebrews 12:5-11.

If you see previous inclinations coming back, don’t be surprised; they may even seem to be present. Though it could give the impression that it is still alive, it has ended and is lifeless. It may fool us into thinking it’s still powerful, but that’s not the case. Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord; and yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead – Romans 6:11,13.

Participation in Christ's Death and Resurrection

Through the crucifixion of Christ, we are called to recognize that our old selves were also crucified alongside him. The Bible confirms that we have been made alive with Christ, sharing in his death and resurrection, which is symbolically represented in the act of baptism. Ephesians 2:1,5,6; Colossians 2:12,13; and Romans 6:3,4 all convey the message that God has brought us back to life with Christ, enabling us to participate in his death and resurrection, a significance that is deeply ingrained in the ritual of water baptism.

We are instructed to discard the corrupt old nature, as there is no reason to carry something dead. It is akin to shedding old skin. The old sinful nature, which was crucified with Christ, must be removed to avoid becoming unpleasant.

The Genesis Analogy

The book of Genesis reflects the condition of the human heart. Just as a baby’s soul is surrounded by the womb’s water, so is the soul of man. When God says, “Let there be light,” the soul breaks forth from the dark watery realm into the world’s light. Jesus Christ is the light that shines in darkness; the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world – John 1:5,9. God must speak for something to come forth into being—for He upholds all things by the word of his power (before and after) – John 6:44; Hebrews 1:3.

The Human Condition and God’s Sustenance

If God doesn’t uphold all things, nothing can remain intact. Even the very breath that sustains all living creatures comes from God. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life – Job 33:4. God Yahweh, created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it – Isaiah 42:5. David, the Psalmist, and the prophets all grasped this concept, as David expressed it when he said, “the earth is abundant with the goodness of the Lord” – Psalms 33:4,5.

Raising the earth from the watery depths can be compared to the emergence of a soul. The soul originates from its maker – Job 12:10; Ecclesiastes 12:7. While the body is earthly, it is also formed and supported by the divine creator – Psalms 139. Despite man’s innate nature to hate the Creator – Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21; God loves the human beings He has created, as they are His children – Acts 17:26-29. No wonder the Lord God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust – Matthew 5:45. The Lord God does not delight in the death of the wicked; rather, He desires that the wicked renounce their ways and live – Ezekiel 33:11. For the Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works – Psalm 145:17.

Divine Care and Justice

The Lord executes judgment for the oppressed: which gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind: the Lord raises them that are bowed down. For He loves righteousness. He preserves the strangers; he relieves the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turns upside down – Psalm 146:7-9.

The Mystery of the Soul

It’s still unclear how a soul is generated, and man simply wishes to deny the existence of a creator God. Tell me where the soul goes after death, you who consider yourself intelligent. Since you are unable to respond to that question, and since the Bible is the only source of doctrine that is acknowledged as inspired by God, I will quote from it instead. It states that no one has the authority to control the spirit or to hold onto it after death since the spirit will ultimately return to the Almighty – Ecclesiastes 8:8/12:7.

Divine Imprint in Human Creation

All that man designs, and uses is the product of human creativity, but he is unaware that in making things, he is embodying the quality of his heavenly father. Man cannot attest that it is God that gives to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though He is not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your poets have said, For we are also his offspring – Acts 17:25-28.

Redemption Through Christ

But sin, which paved the way for ignorance to set in, blinded him and led him to believe that the Godhead is like gold, silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device – Acts 17:29,30, which God has come to remove through Christ. Through the destruction of sin in his flesh – Romans 6:14/8:3; Colossians 1:22, Christ made it possible for anyone who believes in him to have that life and walk in it. There is no need for a pilgrimage or sacrifices to receive this spiritual emancipation; because anyone calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, that is the offer – Romans 10:13. And as many as received him, to them, He gave power (freedom, authority, strength) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name – John 1:12. For those He picked, He took away the scales from their eyes, enabling them to see and be amazed at God. The eyes of their understanding were enlightened, and they could see not only the reality of God but their nakedness as well – Ephesians 1:18.

The Struggle with Sin and Identity

The Soul's Emergence from Sin

The soul then must break forth out of the watery grave, which represents the sinful realm. Didn’t the Psalmist recite, Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me? Psalm 51:5 That’s what the watery grave represents. Every child born into the world, because of the Adamic sin, must come through the realm of sin. No other way can you come. Even Jesus the Messiah had to take that route. This is going to shock many who claim that the body that Jesus Christ possessed was unlike ours. Wouldn’t that imply that the body of Mary too would thus be realized? It was from this that the immaculate conception doctrine originated. And if that be true, wouldn’t that make all her lineage sinless? But the truth is far from it.

Mary's Lineage and Jesus's Humanity

Tell me, did Mary not come from the Adamic line and was she not born in sin, as mentioned in Psalm 51:5? If we look at the lineage of Jesus according to the flesh, it is the worst lineage that he came from. It ranges from murderers, adulterers, wicked kings, prostitutes etc.

Humanity and Christ's Incarnation

What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Job 15:14 Jesus too was made of a woman, made under the law – Galatians 4:4. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same – Hebrews 2:14/4:15. His body was taken from man, which man, you might ask? King David to be precise. Was he not dead and buried ages back? But is there anything too hard for the Lord? People are willing to believe the declarations of scientists, who are only mortals, but they are reluctant to believe what God says. Whose report would you believe? If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son – 1 John 5:9.

The Sacrificial Role of Christ

The Incarnation and Davidic Lineage

I believe in the word of God. For it says, Jesus Christ was born of the seed of David according to the flesh – Romans 1:3; David being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise Christ to sit on his throne – Acts 2:30; Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David – 2 Timothy 2:8. Here we see the Holy Ghost speaks through three holy men about its validity. Isn’t that enough to convey that the body that Jesus Christ took upon was vulnerable to all sinfulness and weakness as we also are? Yes, the Bible confirms it – Hebrews 2:10,14,18/ 4:15/ 5:8,9; Romans 8:3.

The Necessity of Christ's Humanity

Death would not have affected his body if Jesus did not partake of the same, which would jeopardize God’s purpose; not to mention, that he would be unable to prove that he is a high priest capable of understanding us – Hebrews 2:14,18/4:15. Death is the result of sin. The last Adam also took upon him the sin of the world. The Messianic Psalms tell us the cry of the Messiah pleading for forgiveness of his sins. Isaiah 53 says, thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back – Isaiah 38:17; Job 33:24. He became the scapegoat and absorbed all the wrath of God, which was due toward us. He thus condemned sin in the flesh – Romans 8:3. The recorded declaration that he condemned sin in the flesh would therefore be unacceptable if he had chosen a different body. So how are you going to accept it?

Christ’s Example and Our Spiritual Journey

Jesus' Victory Over Sin

How did he survive the pull and tug of the body of sin? His total reliance upon the Father helped him succeed, leaving us an example, that we should follow his step – John 5:19,30. Through the eternal Spirit, he offered himself without blemish to God – Hebrews 9:14.

Exaltation Through Humility

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name – Philippians 2:8,9. Just like any of us, Jesus too had to grow in spirit – Luke 2:40, to realise his identity and his purpose. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God – John 13:3 – KJV.

The Divine Intervention in Creation

The Spirit's Role in Birth

The soul comes out breaking the sin barrier with the help of the unseen hand of the Spirit of God, which moves upon the face of the deep or darkness. Psalm 139 clearly states the work of God in the birth of every child. To Jeremiah God says, before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee – Jeremiah 1:5.

Meaning of "Come Forth"

Come forth is the same word that is used throughout the Bible when God commanded something that was held back to come forth, to issue, causatively, to bring out, to draw out.

The phrase “to come forth” means to appear or make an appearance, often in response to a call or invitation. “To issue” refers to the act of making something public or available, such as a statement or order. “Causatively” is an adverb that means in a way that produces a cause or effect. “To bring out meaning” means to reveal or make clear the significance of something.

God's Creative Work in Womb

Psalm 139:13-16 says it is God who creates our inmost being; He knit us together in our mother’s womb; my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Why would he say, “when I was woven together in the depths of the earth“? Isn’t he relating or drawing a parallel between the birth of humans and the verses in Genesis 1?

God as the Sole Creator

Isaiah 44:24 says, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: ‘I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.'”

The Breath of Life and the Light of Christ

The phrase “God breathed life into man” refers to the biblical creation story found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 2:7. In this verse, it is written: “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” The phrase “breathed life” is often interpreted symbolically, representing the idea that God gave Adam a soul or spirit, making him a living and conscious being. In the context of the Hebrew language, the word “breath” is “neshamah,” which carries a deeper meaning beyond mere physical respiration. It refers to the vital force or spirit that animates a person, often translated as “soul” or “spirit of life.”

Christ: The Life and Light of Men

I am going to shock you with this. Do you know what was that breath? It was the life of man, which was Christ. Hard to digest? In him (the Word) was life, and the life was the light of men – John 1:4. Of course you knew it. But wait, there’s more. He is the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world – John 1:9. He lights up every man that comes into the world! Recall the verse in Genesis when God commanded the light to shine out of darkness in verse 3 before creating man! It doesn’t exactly say in Genesis that God commanded the light to shine out of the darkness but when the mystery was revealed in the New Testament, apostle Paul understood it and he said, For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The Pre-Creation Light

Do you see the parallel? The cosmic light that we see created on the fourth day is not the same as this light, that was brought forth before God began creation itself. It not only came forth but also God divided the light from darkness in verses 4 and 5. Unlike the cosmic lights He created on the fourth day; this one is unique.

Jesus Christ: The Breath of Our Nostrils

Who is the breath of our nostrils? The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord (mashiyach) – Lamentations 4:20; who is the Mashiyach or Messiah? Jesus Christ is the Christos – John 6:69/20:31. And he is before all things, and by him, all things consist – Colossians 1:17. This light, which lights up every man, came first, then the creation. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end – Revelation 1:11,17/ 22:13. He is the firstborn of every creature – Colossians 1:15. Keep in mind that unlike us, the Word of God is not a created being but came forth from God Himself. Now you know why man is nothing without Jesus Christ. God brought forth the Word of God first and through and by and for Him created everything. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made – John 1:3. And man was created after His image and likeness. He is the exact representation of the invisible God. For, he who hath seen Him hath seen God – John 1:18/14:9; 1 Timothy 6:14-16.

This is the life that Adam was cut off from. His name is called the Word of God – Revelation 19:13; and it isn’t just in him that the life is, but He is the very life of man – John 1:4; 1 John 5:11,12. He upholds all things by the word of His power – Hebrews 1:3.

The Dual Nature of Man

So, darkness was upon the face of the deep, which means, not only was I shaped in iniquity but in sin did my mother conceive me – Psalm 51:5. And because God divided the light from darkness, man is now endowed with two spiritual realms. One is his spirit, and the other is his carnality. The spirit realm can be seen as the tree of life and the fleshly realm as the tree of good and evil. Since the fall, the tree of life has been withheld from man as sin became the dominant force. Until the Son of God comes and destroys sin, he won’t have access to the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life and the Overcomer

The Promise of Overcoming

I want you to carefully glean the revelation that God has given me through the scripture verse I am giving you. If you can see it, it will blow your world and will transform your life.

The Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God – Revelation 2:7.

Revelation's Relevance

We have learned that this overcoming and everything else and because the book of Revelation is attached to the end of the Bible, we deem it not only as an eschatological order of life but written for people of that times. On the contrary, it is written about us. I will show you.

Wisdom as the Tree of Life

The Scripture tells us in the book of Proverbs 3:18, that the Wisdom is a tree of life; The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life – Proverbs 11:30; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations – Revelation 22:2; Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates (pulon) into the city – Revelation 22:14.

Understanding "Pulon" and the Entrance

“Pulon” is the doorway of a building or city. Who is the door, a portal or entrance? Jesus said I am the door: by me, if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out (of the heavenly city) – John 10:9. Have we not come in yet? Indeed, we have come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22.

The Concept of Overcoming

Overcomes is “Nikao”. The Greek word “nikaomai”, means “to be victorious” or “to win”. This word is derived from the Greek root “nikē”, which means “victory”. It means “to win the game”, and the phrase “nikao ti zōi” means “to overcome life’s challenges”. Overall, while the word “nikao” itself is not a Greek word, it is likely related to the Greek word “nikaomai” and shares its meaning of “to win” or “to be victorious”. To be victorious, to conquer, to triumph.

Victory Through Faith

Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith – 1 John 5:4.

The Reality of Overcoming

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them (overcome the spirit of antichrist, the world and the wicked one – the world is that great whore, the Mystery Babylon): because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world – 1 John 4:3,4 (he hath delivered us from this present evil world – Galatians 1:4); the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one – 1 John 2:13,14; To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne – Revelation 3:21; God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6. He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son – Revelation 21:7.

Victory through Christ

Before the founding of the New Testament with His blood – Hebrews 9:15-22; Jesus said to his disciples, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world – John 16:33. But after the inception of the Spirit of God upon all flesh on the day of Pentecost, which is the promise of the Father; the Lord says, all who are born of God are overcomers like Jesus is. Because as he is, so are we in this world – 1 John 4:17.

Zion: The Ecclesia of God

The Promise of Comfort

For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein thanksgiving, and the voice of melody – Isaiah 51:3.

Transformation of Desolation

And they shall say, This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced and are inhabited – Ezekiel 36:35. Didn’t the Lord build all the ruined places and plant that that was desolate? Indeed, he did.

Zion as the Ecclesia of God

Zion is where the ecclesia of God is; it is the heavenly Jerusalem, the spiritual body of Christ. God has made her like the garden of Eden and the tree of life in the midst of it, whose leaves were for the healing of the nations. Where the nations of the world were like this before the inception of the kingdom of Christ?

Transformation of the World

The world has been transformed by the triune entities of God that are in the world, which are the Spirit, the Word, and the Ecclesia. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manners of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations – Revelation 22:2. Are we waiting for this to transpire? Listen, people of God, we are in it. Don’t you see?

Present Reality

The saving health (yshuw`ah = salvation) among all nations is already made known – Psalm 67:2; 1 Chronicles 16:23,24; Psalms 22:27; Jeremiah 3:17; Isaiah 35:5-8. The Gentile world or the nations of the world has come to possess the “Tabernacle of Witness” – Acts 7:44,45; Romans 9:25,26; Hosea 1:10. The “Tabernacle of Witness” also known as the “Temple” or “Home of the Lord.” The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22.

The Future Manifestation

It is inevitable that the Church of Jesus Christ, a living entity that exists presently in a spiritual state, will descend from heaven to manifest on Earth, where she will be visible to everyone and establish her dominion as the exclusive possessor of all that God possesses – Revelation 21:2.

The New Humanity in Christ

The Consequence of Adam's Choice

After eating from the forbidden tree, Adam ought to have acquired two distinct fruit-bearing trees, but God barred him from accessing the tree of life. Moreover, a soul only becomes dual-identity capable when it undergoes spirit regeneration. Although that is not how God meant for man to exist, he must put up with it until the Lord grants him a new body.

The Neutralization of the Tree of Life

By embracing the domain of darkness, which is what eating from the forbidden tree represents, Adam neutralized the tree of life, so to speak. By coalescing with the dark world, Adam rescinded the godly order. He was cut off from life and his spirit, which was the tree of life had become defunct. That is what Jesus Christ came and restored.

The Restoration by Jesus Christ

That which is born of the Spirit is spirit – John 3:6; which is the candle of the Lord – Proverbs 20:27. The light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon us – Isaiah 60:1; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The New Humanity in Christ

Unlike Adam, who was made a living soul – Genesis 2:7, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. That was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:45-48. God hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3.

The Revelation of Salvation

God created a superior species of humanity in Christ, one that is composed of both flesh and Spirit. Even the Old Testament believers could only look through the prophets’ eyes but couldn’t experience it. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come – 1 Peter 1:10. They were shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed – Galatians 3:23.

The Heart Transformed by Spirit

Now, the voidness and formless heart have become functioning—as the spirit of man is revived or quickened by the Spirit of God. Darkness, which was upon the face of the deep in Hebrew is “Choshek”, which is the antonym of “Shalom”. The word “darkness” in Hebrew is “Choshek,” and it means darkness, misery, destruction, death, sorrow, and wickedness. It can refer to physical darkness or metaphorical darkness, such as spiritual or moral confusion. In the Bible, the concept of “Choshek” is often associated with the punishment of sin and the need for repentance.

The Departure from Darkness

The darkness is past (ignorance is past – Acts 17:30), and the true light now shines – 1 John 2:8. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves (the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light – Isaiah 9:2). They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted – Isaiah 49:9-13.

The Dual Nature of Man

So now, as new creatures – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15, we must contend with two opposing forces; the spirit and the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other – Galatians 5:17; Romans 8:13.

Man is now endowed with two traits, so to speak. He through Christ is granted access to the tree of life but the effects of eating from the tree of good and evil are still stuck in his teeth that he cannot get it out, that it is so ingrained in himself that God must transform his vile body to get rid of the sinful nature – Philippians 3:21.

Personal Testimony of Inner Struggle

Recognizing a Void

Coming back to me: As I said in the beginning, ever since I have grown to understand things, I realized that something was off in me; I felt a void in me, and chaos ensued. I didn’t have the slightest idea what it was. I thought it was me. It was miserable and utterly hopeless and chaotic I wanted to end my life somehow.

Exploring Masochism

I would say, I was kind of a masochist. Masochism, or the pursuit of personal anguish or seeking pain for oneself, is another phenomenon that affects not only confused teenagers but adults as well. These customs were also observed by ancient civilizations or groups.

Understanding Masochism

A masochist is a person who derives gratification from their pain or humiliation; a person who enjoys an activity that appears to be painful or soul-destroying. I now realize that both sadism and masochism are fueled by a craving for atonement.

Redemption through Christ

It is the effect of the original sin in humans, which the Savior of the world has come and taken away. One must only believe in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to appropriate the merits of the redemptive work on the cross of Calvary.

The Descent into Despair and Discovery of Faith

Because of the lack of Spirit-inspired teaching in the body of Christ, and the lack of the demonstration of the power of the Holy Ghost within the local churches, people are not seeing the life of God percolating in their lives. It took me years of learning, and the grace and mercy of God to realize what was it that I was wrestling with. Though my conversion was a radical one, and I was filled with the Holy Spirit multiple times and have experienced the joy of salvation; as I grew in the spirit, when I began walking on my feet, as a child would grow and walk on his strength—The reality strikes and the comfort of the parents’ nurturing now missing—our face droops to all of life’s struggles. The Holy Spirit of God is the one who was with me nurturing me and giving me all the comforts that I needed—and suddenly, I felt I could no longer enjoy His pampering.

The Dark Night of the Soul

It wasn’t that He left me, the truth was that I had grown and that I must now begin to walk on my own. And the pressures of the world and the lusts of the flesh and the deceitfulness of riches began dragging me again back presumably to a failed life. I started to see my life falling apart and I couldn’t achieve anything. I was a total failure according to the world’s standards. My father said, you are accursed and good for nothing and there was none left in my family that did not reject me and disowned me. Even my friends, whom I thought were friends mocked and left my life. I was left alone starting to experience the old haunting depression and oppression and hopelessness trying to drag me back to my old life.

Renewal through the Word

It wasn’t until the day that I found a Gideon pocket Bible, which I treasured and began to eat from it like a ravenous wolf—I realized how impoverished I was in the spirit, and that was the cause of my voidness. I would sit on a chair and read like I would die if I didn’t. As I read through its pages, I felt a sweetness, which I cannot describe spreading all over my mouth. As the apostle John described in Revelation 10:10; it was in his mouth sweet as honey; it was in mine too. But I wasn’t aware that it had another side. As soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter – Revelation 10:10.

The Struggle and Triumph of Faith

When you receive something in the spirit, your flesh will enter into a struggle. After ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions – Hebrews 10:32. Yeah, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12. By activating your spirit man, you are now working against all that the devil has built in you. There will be a battle that one would have to endure. Paul charged Timothy to war a good warfare – 1 Timothy 1:18. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ – 2 Timothy 2:3. What else would wage war on us? Other than the demonic spirits, the fleshly lusts, war against the soul – 1 Peter 2:11. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, but we use our mighty spiritual weapon to thwart the work of the enemy and subdue the flesh – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

The Lifelong Battle with Darkness

The battle did not end there. I had to contend with the devil and flesh for many years. It’s been thirty-two years now having come to the Lord, and I’ve had innumerable heavenly spiritual experiences. I have seen God change people’s lives through my ministry; I have seen lives transformed by the power of the Holy Ghost; I have seen people delivered from the power of the enemy when I would lay hands; I have seen barren wombs blessed when I prayed; I have seen God heal many when I prayed; I have experienced the saving work of angels multiple times; I have experienced the touch of the Master countless times in my life; yet I could not pray in the Holy Ghost, which is praying in tongues. Something deep down prevented me from experiencing it.

Healing through Partnership and Prayer

God started another profound work in me just a few years ago after I met my wife, who is from Kyrgyzstan. I didn’t know that I had deep wounds of rejection and childhood abuse and the spirit of failure had its sway in me, despite my spiritual stance.

Victory and Liberation in Spiritual Warfare

When all hell broke loose in my life and all my family disowned me, I felt the same harrowing hopelessness haunting my life once again. Even after coming to Christ, its hold was deep down in me waiting to pounce when the time comes. This time it emerged and showed a suicidal intent. It wanted to kill me. The Lord placed a burden on my wife’s heart regarding me. She believed that I was her ministry. I recall her attempting to persuade me that I am a king’s child and that she is come to assist me break away from my routine. She would declare, “We will defeat the adversary and reclaim what is rightfully yours—that which the devil has taken.” Was it that simple? I will tell you that my wife had to go through a lot of pain trying to fix my life. The devil was enraged at her, but God’s mercy was with us. I can’t thank God enough for my wife, whom He has blessed me with, who prayed and prayed and fought until I was healed in many areas. I am still a work in progress, and she has borne the brunt of it. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” – 1 John 3:16. How effective it would be if all Christians heeded this amazing idea to act as their brethren’s protectors and defenders in times of need.

The Power of Speaking in Tongues

Embracing the Gift of Tongues and Divine Rest

My spirit, which was throttled, is finally starting to speak in heavenly language after all these years of struggling and warfare; having been cleansed from numerous interior scars and traumas.

I sensed the formlessness or emptiness that was trailing my existence disappearing as soon as the Lord opened my mouth to speak in tongues. It could no longer plague me as I employed the gift of tongues. To keep our spirits steady and avoid getting throttled once more, we must fight this war every day. It takes a constant effort to keep our flesh, through which the evil spirits operate, under check.

A Testimony to the Power of the Spirit

Speaking Mysteries in the Spirit

By the spirit, I was speaking to God, mysteries. Every time, I would feel emptiness come, the spirit would begin to speak, which my mind could not understand. But the word of God says, for he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries – 1 Corinthians 14:2.

Edification through Speaking in Tongues

He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself – 1 Corinthians 14:4. I wonder how “the Cessationists” edify themselves, and how they would counsel those who are oppressed by the devils due to deep traumas.

The Role of Spiritual Development

While the presbytery’s laying on of hands is important, it is not sufficient in and of itself to finish a person’s healing process. Certain healings can be received from God’s prepared ministers, but others can be achieved only via the use of our spirit man. Because our flesh works in opposition, we cannot win the struggle unless we employ our spirit. That is why the word of God enjoins us: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby – 1 Peter 2:2; let us go on unto perfection – Hebrews 6:1. That is why spiritual development is so important. Every time I would experience heaviness, my spirit would spring into action speaking mysteries and I would see darkness dissipating when I prayed in tongues.

Refreshing and Healing

Not only do I see and experience darkness fleeing, but I have also felt refreshed and light on the inside and light/life permeating through me. This is what prophet Isaiah was saying: with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak. This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing – Isaiah 28:11,12.

Entering into God’s Rest:

Labouring to Enter Rest

Let us labour therefore to enter that rest – Hebrews 4:11. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his works, as God did from his – Hebrews 4:9,10.

The Promised Rest

Let us, therefore, fear, lest a promise being left us of entering his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it – Hebrews 4:1. This is the promised rest that Jesus was telling about; he said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest – Matthew 11:28. It is Jesus Christ that will baptize you with the Holy Ghost – Luke 3:16. And one must come to him, the source of all life to obtain that rest. Not only should one come to him, but they must also speak forth what the Spirit prompts them to say for life to flow from inside. They must approach him in a childlike manner and accept without question what he has to offer them. There’s a good chance that one would be sceptical since what Jesus would offer would not make sense to a rational mind. A person who harbours subtle pride may find it difficult to receive anything from the Lord.

The Importance of Speaking in Tongues

Preachers who fail to explain to believers the importance of this rest that comes from speaking the heavenly language are preventing them from fulfilling God’s greatest promises.

This is the rest multitudes including “the Cessationists” have come short of and are guilty of.

Surviving Spiritual Taint

The gift of speaking in tongues may not have seemed all that important in the Western world, where the spiritual atmosphere is not as tainted as it is in Asian countries with their abundance of temples and idol worship; however, a Christian would realize that he or she is helpless without the gift of tongues if they wanted to survive in any of those nations where voodooism, occultism, sacrilege, and similar practices are common. One might just be able to survive but at what cost?

Prayer and the Gift of Tongues

People have survived without exercising this gift, but they have also been plundered by the devil in many areas. Given that the Bible itself says that we are ignorant of what to pray for, how are you going to pray? Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought – Romans 8:26. If not for this gift, how do we even follow the command “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17?

The Unseen Battle: A Testimony of Spiritual Warfare and Victory

An Encounter with Earthly Challenge

I would like to end this discussion by telling you another incident. When my wife and I tried to rent a house, the owner told us that we could avoid paying rent each month if we gave him a certain amount right away since he required a big sum of money. We felt it was fantastic as it would benefit us as well. He agreed to return the money at the conclusion of the contract when it was signed. When the time came, he was reluctant to give us any money and instead tried to evict us from the residence. Numerous horrors befell us, and we were at a loss for what to do. We were powerless and could only talk to God about this and that, but our prayers were ineffective. It was a meaningless exchange of sentimental words.

The Breakthrough of Spiritual Tongues

Thank God for this trauma; it was during this period that I began speaking in tongues and received my victory. A barrage of stupid phrases came shooting out of my throat, and I had no choice but to spit them out. My natural thought claimed that it was dumb since it was so illogical. I started to clear it out, though, because what is there for me to lose? I’ve chosen specific terms on purpose to convey what I went through. I had no idea at the time that it was the start of a stream that came from deep within.

Embracing Childlike Faith

I now know what 1 Thessalonians 5:19—”Quench not the Spirit”—means. Oh, how many people stifle His presence by refusing to accept His gifts? With our conceited and arrogant attitude, how often do we grieve the Holy Spirit of God – Ephesians 4:30? Didn’t Jesus say, Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein – Luke 18:17.

The Power of Spiritual Language

Like a child, I began to speak all of the inexplicable words aloud, and that’s when I started singing in tongues. Mysteries and songs that I had never heard before began to emerge from me. When I talked in tongues, I felt a surge of energy that I had never experienced before. I understood that my spirit was binding and destroying the enemy’s works. In short, everything transpired so quickly that the entire amount of money was transferred to our bank account within a few days. I can promise that we would have lost everything if God hadn’t given us the ability to speak or pray in unfamiliar tongues.

Conclusion:

The Victory of Faith

In the vast landscape of life’s trials, this story stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of faith over adversity. Our challenges and moments of despair served as a crucible, revealing the might of God’s power in our lives. Through the unexpected gift of speaking in tongues, we tapped into a divine strength that propelled us beyond our limited understanding and into a realm of spiritual breakthroughs.

Our experience underscores the enduring truth that our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that aim to weaken our faith and determination. It is in our weakest moments that God’s strength shines brightest, manifesting in mysterious and profound ways, such as the language of the Spirit.

Now, as we reflect on our victory, our hearts overflow with gratitude, and our spirits resonate with the deeper cadences of God’s grace. We are reminded that our spiritual weapons are mighty through God for the demolition of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The once seemingly foolish words and melodies were, in reality, expressions of liberation, a sacred vocabulary of the Spirit that transcended human languages and situations.

Our journey from despair to deliverance is not just our own, but an invitation to all who walk the path of faith. It urges us to seek God with a childlike heart, to embrace the spiritual gifts He provides, and to stand firm in the knowledge that our spiritual language is key to unlocking the chains of our trials.

May this testimony inspire bravery in the face of life’s storms, encouraging believers to cling to their faith, to trust in God’s invisible hand, and to declare, with unwavering conviction, the dominance of His power in every facet of life. For in Him, we are more than victors, and through Him, we can bring light to the dark corners of our journey, filling them with the unquenchable light of His everlasting love.

ESTHER’S Becoming: A Tapestry of Grace, Grit, and the CHURCH

Esther’s story isn’t a quiet footnote—it’s a bold stroke of divine art, pulsing with purpose. In Esther 2:9-12, she enters a year-long forge—12 months of purification that crown her a queen. She’s no mere symbol; she’s a woman shaped by struggle and grace, her journey running parallel to the Church’s own becoming. Together, they mirror a Bride refined for glory—one in Persia, one eternal.

The Forge of Twelve Months: A Shared Refining

Esther’s 12 months unfold deliberately—six with oil of myrrh, bitter and tied to sacrifice (John 19:39), six with sweet odors, fragrant with worship (2 Corinthians 2:15). Twelve rings of completeness—twelve tribes, twelve apostles—a season ordained. She “pleased” Hegai, who “speedily gave her things for purification” (Esther 2:9)—tools of transformation. The Church walks this road too: “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Both receive the same gifts—blood that cleanses (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:14), the Word that washes (Ephesians 5:26), the Spirit that sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2). For Esther, myrrh strips away exile’s scars; for the Church, it’s sin’s death. Sweet odors lift them both to beauty.

Christ’s own path seals the parallel—at “about thirty” (Luke 3:22-23), His three-and-a-half-year ministry ends at 33, His death the ultimate purification. Esther’s 12 months, symbolic not literal, align with this: a season of preparation for a kingly encounter, just as the Church is readied for the King of Kings.

Seven Maidens, Seven Churches: Strength in Unity

Esther’s seven maidens (Esther 2:9) aren’t props—they’re her backbone, echoing the seven churches of Revelation (Revelation 1:4, 12), golden candlesticks aglow. The Church mirrors this, built by “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11-12) “for the perfecting of the saints.” Esther’s favor with Hegai—her “kindness obtained”—shows her leaning into community; the Church grows the same way, refined not alone but together.

Mordecai’s Watch, Our Guide: The Spirit’s Thread

Mordecai “walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did” (Esther 2:11)—a steady presence, like the Holy Spirit who “abides with you” (John 14:16). He doesn’t dictate; he guides, trusting providence. Esther chooses to follow, her resolve hardening. The Church, too, yields to the Spirit’s nudge (Romans 8:26), both Bride and bride learning trust in the shadow of care.

Deepening the Tapestry: Esther and Us

Esther’s layers enrich the parallel. She’s Hadassah—“myrtle”—resilient, fragrant, linking myrrh and sweet odors. An orphan in exile, she rises; the Church, once scattered, is gathered. Vashti’s defiance (Esther 1:19) contrasts Esther’s surrender, as the world resists where the Church submits. Her later fast (Esther 4:16)—three days—echoes Christ’s tomb, tying her grit to our redemption.

Crowned and Glorious: A Dual Destiny

Esther steps before Ahasuerus, adorned, chosen—a queen by grace and guts. The Church follows: “He sanctifies and cleanses her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:26-27). Esther’s 12 months forge her; the Church’s journey perfects her. Both bear the bitter and the sweet—myrrh and fragrance, blood and Spirit—into a shared unveiling.

Our Call in the Mirror

Esther’s not just a type—she’s a sister in the story. Her becoming bids the Church—and us—embrace the forge. Blood, Word, Spirit, and community shape us, step by gritty step, for the Bridegroom’s gaze.