Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Does it matter if a Christian lives in sin after coming to the knowledge of Christ? Is repentance necessary for salvation or is simply believing in Jesus enough? James 2;19 says,”You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.”
If this scripture in 2 Corinthians and many others are true, which they are, then salvation is much more than a belief system, it is a relationship. When we truly know Jesus, our lives are new in Him, so we will no longer do the things we did. When Saul became Paul through being converted, did he continue to murder? When Jesus set free the woman caught in adultery, He told her go and sin no more, He didn’t giver her an option but rather a command.
In Acts 16:30-31 it talks about salvation, “
30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
The writers of the book of Acts may have written in Greek but they thought in Hebrew. When they spoke or wrote about believe, included in the meaning of that word was obedience. Acts 16:30-31 is not only speaking of mental agreement but also obedience to God and His word.
God’s Word clearly states in 1 Corinthians 6,”don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves , or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people- none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Clearly these previous scriptures are re emphasizing that the ten commandments are still valid. His commandments are not the law which we are no longer under. The laws we are no longer under are the sacrificial laws and the dietary laws,which are the Law of Moses. His moral commandments, which is the Law of God still apply. God is looking for a holy people in this hour. A people in obedience to His Word out of love as well as respect and honor for Him.
God is healing and cleansing His church in this time that we are living. He is raising up mighty warriors who are fully in Him and separated from the ways of the world. This all starts through relationship. Start a love relationship with Him, not an obligatory one. No one is perfect and we all fall but the key is getting back up and receiving His grace which is abundant! When we live by His word and depend on Him for our all, we are changed by His Spirit. Yes, be changed by His Spirit!
Pastor Michael Cannatello
lazarusministry.com
