"And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world" (1John 2:2, AMPC).
Jesus Christ came to the world, lived (to show man how to live) and died as a Sacrifice for the sin of mankind; and He is coming back again for us to be with Him forever. For as many as believe in Him and appropriate His sacrifice to their lives, they are saved. Saved from the wrath of the Almighty God to come on the sin of the world! God hates the sin, but He loves His creation. Hence He came in the flesh and took the condemnation and the eternal punishment of sin from mankind upon Himself. This is a sacrifice no other god or name has ever contemplated or done for their adherents throughout the centuries, since the creation of the Universe! Now, here is the crux of the matter.
You may have believed Him; it is good, but it is not enough! The Bible tells us there is one more step you must take: "So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples" (John 8:31, AMPC). Why must they 'hold fast' to His teachings? Because the devil, the enemy of the soul of man, just as he did in the Garden in the beginning, will try to steal the Word (teachings) from their hearts by misrepresenting the Word. But as they hold fast and continue in the teachings, and live in accordance with what they have learnt, it would be nearly impossible for the devil to steal the Word from their hearts. Jesus Christ called them His Disciples!
The Bible went on to describe these ones as righteous. Meaning, they do what is right by deliberately living a life that is pleasing to the LORD, in their actions and word: "No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God" (1John 3:9, AMPC).
Thus, a demarcation is drawn between those that are true Disciples of Jesus Christ and those that pay lip service to Him: "By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ)" (1John 3:10, AMPC). Because the devil knows his time is short, he has entered the Church and recruited among those who think they can live unrighteously and still claim the name of the LORD! These ones, at the drop of a hat, deny the deity of Jesus Christ. They realise that the Word of God does not condone their lifestyles and make a lie of their professed belief in the LORD Jesus.
This is not random but a coordinated attack on the Church of the Living God from the pit of hell. The reason why so many within the Church are denying the Lordship of Christ over their lives is that they were never part of Him from the onset: "They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us" (1John 2:19). Yes, they believed Him, but they did not continue (hold fast) in the Word they had heard. Hence, the enemy was able to sow doubt about the Word they had heard in their hearts. Like the Woman in the Garden, they had been promised independence and self-worth if they were able to question and deny the deity of He Who had come to live and die for their sin.
Beloved, the Return of the LORD Jesus Christ is imminent. The devil knows his time is short and has stepped up his wrath upon the world. The days of dilly-dallying with the Word of God have passed. This is the time to read, study and put in practice earnestly what you have learned. Do not be like the five Foolish Virgins who thought there was still time and were sure the Wise ones would do the "Christian thing" and share their oil with them.
Beloved, look again in the mirror and make sure what is reflected makes true this Scripture in your life: "Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is" (1John 3:2, AMPC). And NOT: "Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.] You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false" (John 8:43-44, AMPC).
May the LORD Grant you the grace to sincerely see yourself in the mirror of God’s Word and make the adjustments where necessary, in Jesus Christ Name, Amen! God bless you.
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