Someone remarked the other day: 'It is like 'shame' is no longer shame these days!' People care less about decorum, modesty or the consequences of misspent opportunities. Good sense and righteous living are slowly becoming a thing of the past on our watch as sons and disciples of Christ. Something is not quite right! We look to the Church pulpits and pews, perhaps a change for the good can be ignited from there. Alas, the products of many of these pulpits and pews leave much to be desired.
The other day, a young man, with his pocket filled with condoms, made it his goal to fornicate as much as he could because his Pastor told him all his sins have been forgiven and taken away, both now and in the future. In fact, nothing he does can jeopardise his place in eternity with God because of His grace! Thus, he feels, he will make up for lost time and thoroughly enjoy himself in every form of debauchery possible because he is completely covered with grace!
This attitude brought to mind the young man in Proverbs 7:1-27. Some excerpts from the chapter: "And among the naive [the inexperienced and gullible], I saw among the youths A young man lacking [good] sense, Passing through the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house...Until an arrow pierced his liver [with a mortal wound]; Like a bird fluttering straight into the net, He did not know that it would cost him his life...For she has cast down many [mortally] wounded; Indeed, all who were killed by her were strong. Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death" (Proverbs 7:7-8, 23, 26-27, AMP). From the foregoing Scripture, sin is seductive and desirable, but its way is the way of destruction, and its destination is death! It had destroyed many strong and great men (male and female)!
Many of the incidences in the Bible were written for us as a warning not to fall into the same pits as many did (1 Corinthians 10:11). Presently, many are being erroneously taught that God's goodness and grace are redefined to make people live lives without consequences. Our All-Knowing Father, seeing what our time will become prepared us for these lies from the pit of hell. For instance, have you ever wondered at this Scripture: "...And [see to it] that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears" (Hebrews 12:16-17, AMP).
The incident that led to the Scripture above can be found in Genesis 25:27-34. For it to be repeated in the New Testament means God wants us to learn and draw lessons from the incident that happened in Genesis. Meaning, that the consequences of the action of Esau to satisfy a present appetite are still relevant to us today. Beloved, we were told "to see to it", meaning we must be vigilant, conscious and discerning not to fall into the traps of the enemy that will cost us our place with the LORD when He comes to take us home to be with Him! These erroneous teachings are seductive and right-sounding, but they lead the hearers to hell! Beloved, this is beyond just wishing or even praying, it is an action thing! The same God Who opens the Heavens is the same God Who shuts it against those who have become unrepentant and willful! For this reason, any gospel that tells us to live as we please because we are saved is not of God but designed to drag as many as they can to hell.
The argument that one will live right once one knows their salvation is secured is so wrong on many levels. Such has forgotten that man's innate desire is to do evil. That is why we were told: "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]" (Romans 12:2, AMP). This relationship with the LORD is a progressive one, that helps us grow and mature into becoming like Him in every facet of our lives! Thus, this growth mandates us to watch out for the wiles of the enemy, and to make every effort to add His virtues to our faith (2 Peter 1:4-11).
May the LORD help us to live lives that are pleasing to Him so as not to fall into the errors being peddled in these dark times, in Jesus Christ name, Amen. God bless you!
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