Works of the Holy Spirit
Do you claim to be a Chris- tian? Have you seriously con- sidered your calling and your commitment to the Lord Jesus in your life? I have met Christians who take their covenant with Jesus Christ an inconsequential and trivial affair. I ask why? I witnessed a “conservative” news anchor celebrity, confessing to be a Christian, lose employment over claims of sexual infidelity and sexual insults toward women working for the network. Why does this happen among people who profess Jesus is Lord and Savior in their lives?
I’m aware many of these people never had a sound foundation, or their denominational teachings never gave them a sound footing in the basic truths of the Word of God.
Jesus related a story about building your house on a sand base. When the heavy rains came, this house was washed away, completely destroyed. He further foretold building on a rock foundation withstood storms, standing firm, read in Luke 6:47-49. The Rock referred to in this story is Jesus. First we need to understand as Christians we are born-again, a new creation.
Turn to I Corinthians 6:1520 where we read, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For the two shall become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” Your body, as a true Christian, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, therefore, we are to flee sexual immorality for, we were purchased at a price. “Therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Many Christians are taught that one is eternally saved, no sin can keep them out of heaven or the kingdom of God. Is this true? The Apostle Paul gives us the real truth of salvation when he states, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified,” I Corinthians 9:27. Also, I Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed less he fall.”
Now, lets look at another scripture on this important subject, II Corinthians 13:5. “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Test yourself. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you unless you are disqualified?”
Look at yourself in a mirror and see what is looking back at you. It may startle you, but remember, it’s not too late to change and be serious regarding your walk with the Lord. Walking, or living, with the Holy Spirit within us, we will not lust after the desires of the flesh. For the Spirit convicts us to flee wrong doing. Followers of Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s
passions and desires, study Galatians 5:13-25. A follower of Jesus has been reconciled, or has re-established a severed relationship with the Father, but this does not give one an excuse to practice unrighteousness, or sin.
As stated in Colossians 1:22-23, Jesus has, “In the body of His flesh through death on the cross to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight; If you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which you heard.” Notice the big little word, If — “If you continue.”
Yes, we must work at being a faithful follower of Jesus. There is “no free lunch” so to speak. James 2:17-18 refers to this where we read, “Faith, without works is dead.” Is your faith dead by the way you are conducting yourself? This is an important question that we must ponder. James goes on to write, “I will show you my faith by my works.” James was working for His Lord Jesus, being a good witness to those he came into contact with. How is your witness for Christ?
Romans 11 reveals the fall of Israel because of their rebellion against God’s will. Verse 22, “Consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you goodness otherwise you also will be cut off.”
I hope this study sobers you enough that you turn from false beliefs stating, “once saved — always saved.” This is only true if you continue in the faith.
In closing, read all of Hebrews 10:26-29, where we are instructed, “If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for our sins.” You don’t want the Lord stating to you, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness,” Matthew 7:23. Craig Joyner has worked and served in the Hot Springs area for more than 20 years. He has a passion for studying the Word of God and sharing with others his findings. His objective is for believers to draw closer to the Lord, cleaving to the truth of the Word and not be deceived during these end-times.