The book of James addresses this. Based on what it says, I have no assurance that someone who is deliberately disobeying God actually has a faith that is going to take them to heaven. They may, but I'm not sure of it, and I don't think they can be sure of it. There are plenty of verses that should put the fear of God into their hearts.
This is definitely a "thing" Gary, I remember a long time friend and dedicated Christ follower who made that exact concession in his life following a divorce from his wife of many years. I know it's not right, but “I'll still go to heaven”.
He passed away within 5 years from esophageal cancer. That is not to say it was a punishment for his indifference to his compromise, but it made me think twice when i experienced hard times in my marriage.
Selfishness is nothing new, however, it seems to be new in my experience within the greater church world in my generation. I did not see this sort of disregard from church goers way back in the 80's! It's very sad and must cause The Lord sorrow...but at the end of the day, I think the greatest sorrow is it's self-destructive potential. Who knows, truly, what the outcome of large scale compromise will be. Maybe it's true you still get to heaven, but sadly receive an inheritance that's nothing close to something that one who honored The Lord more diligently in this life received...and you will be able to perceive that when you arrive—"Saved as one through the fire".?
Chapter 5 is so good! Thank you Gary! Happy Birthday! I have a very long comment to your short post. This one spoke to me as a mom, and the view of the gospel and salvation that I've presented to my kids.
I consider the difference between salvation and sanctification. We can be saved & on our way to heaven, but if we are just focused on that end goal, we miss out on so much God wants to do in us and those watching. Every single one of us came to God with something(s) to confess and repent of. We all have struggles. And He wil continue to draw out things (in His timing) throughout our lives He wants to work on. God's grace and mercy includes not leaving us with those.
Even Jesus going to the cross had a ‘cup’ to bear. He said in Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me” talking about all He was going to have to endure on the cross, but where would we be if Jesus didn't accept the will of God and the cup He had to endure to give us the resurrection? If others could recognize the sin struggle that led to the affair, the addiction, whatever the ‘cup’ may be you want to run from, yes you've been forgiven of it and could be going to heaven, but part of His love is not to leave you still with that problem. We can choose to do what we think is easy, run off, marry someone else and start over, replace one sin with another and justify why it's not as bad etc. or we can accept that we are handed a far better life in Jesus when we get to the other side of that cup. We should be teaching that the gift of salvation is multifaceted, it includes a process of healing, restoration, repentance, a whole lot of grace, growth in self discipline and more. And He wants us to have all of it, not just a ticket to heaven. We short ourselves by avoiding the pain and hard times, allowing Him to help us endure the cup(s) we've been given. And that reconciling work He does, and our repentance, draws others to Him and is our witness and testimony. He wants to use it all for His glory!
“The more you indulge in sin, the more you will crave sin. Physical tastes and spiritual tastes have a direct analogy. We long for more of what we experience and where we find relief.”
I know it’s not the purpose of your post, but that statement has really helped me in my struggle to practice fasting!
More to your post…I was the child of the evangelical error of just “get-em-saved.” Yet, I found the conviction of the Holy Spirit brought me back into God’s will when I strayed.
I wonder if it’s not hearing the “whole gospel” or that seed was thrown on rocky ground…
Regardless, it is our responsibility as spiritual mothers and fathers to train up new believers in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
This is a very timely message. I've had similar conversations with several people recently. I appreciate you articulating this all so well. It will definitely be a help in future discussions.
The book of James addresses this. Based on what it says, I have no assurance that someone who is deliberately disobeying God actually has a faith that is going to take them to heaven. They may, but I'm not sure of it, and I don't think they can be sure of it. There are plenty of verses that should put the fear of God into their hearts.
This is definitely a "thing" Gary, I remember a long time friend and dedicated Christ follower who made that exact concession in his life following a divorce from his wife of many years. I know it's not right, but “I'll still go to heaven”.
He passed away within 5 years from esophageal cancer. That is not to say it was a punishment for his indifference to his compromise, but it made me think twice when i experienced hard times in my marriage.
Selfishness is nothing new, however, it seems to be new in my experience within the greater church world in my generation. I did not see this sort of disregard from church goers way back in the 80's! It's very sad and must cause The Lord sorrow...but at the end of the day, I think the greatest sorrow is it's self-destructive potential. Who knows, truly, what the outcome of large scale compromise will be. Maybe it's true you still get to heaven, but sadly receive an inheritance that's nothing close to something that one who honored The Lord more diligently in this life received...and you will be able to perceive that when you arrive—"Saved as one through the fire".?
Chapter 5 is so good! Thank you Gary! Happy Birthday! I have a very long comment to your short post. This one spoke to me as a mom, and the view of the gospel and salvation that I've presented to my kids.
I consider the difference between salvation and sanctification. We can be saved & on our way to heaven, but if we are just focused on that end goal, we miss out on so much God wants to do in us and those watching. Every single one of us came to God with something(s) to confess and repent of. We all have struggles. And He wil continue to draw out things (in His timing) throughout our lives He wants to work on. God's grace and mercy includes not leaving us with those.
Even Jesus going to the cross had a ‘cup’ to bear. He said in Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me” talking about all He was going to have to endure on the cross, but where would we be if Jesus didn't accept the will of God and the cup He had to endure to give us the resurrection? If others could recognize the sin struggle that led to the affair, the addiction, whatever the ‘cup’ may be you want to run from, yes you've been forgiven of it and could be going to heaven, but part of His love is not to leave you still with that problem. We can choose to do what we think is easy, run off, marry someone else and start over, replace one sin with another and justify why it's not as bad etc. or we can accept that we are handed a far better life in Jesus when we get to the other side of that cup. We should be teaching that the gift of salvation is multifaceted, it includes a process of healing, restoration, repentance, a whole lot of grace, growth in self discipline and more. And He wants us to have all of it, not just a ticket to heaven. We short ourselves by avoiding the pain and hard times, allowing Him to help us endure the cup(s) we've been given. And that reconciling work He does, and our repentance, draws others to Him and is our witness and testimony. He wants to use it all for His glory!
I'll take this as a wonderful birthday present. Thank you--much wisdom here
And... I just read and finished chapter 6, which echos much of this ❣️
“The more you indulge in sin, the more you will crave sin. Physical tastes and spiritual tastes have a direct analogy. We long for more of what we experience and where we find relief.”
I know it’s not the purpose of your post, but that statement has really helped me in my struggle to practice fasting!
More to your post…I was the child of the evangelical error of just “get-em-saved.” Yet, I found the conviction of the Holy Spirit brought me back into God’s will when I strayed.
I wonder if it’s not hearing the “whole gospel” or that seed was thrown on rocky ground…
Regardless, it is our responsibility as spiritual mothers and fathers to train up new believers in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
I found the same thing true with fasting, and eating in general
Amen, so true!
Wow! May the fear of God and love of Jesus propel us to dedication and service.
This is a very timely message. I've had similar conversations with several people recently. I appreciate you articulating this all so well. It will definitely be a help in future discussions.