Scripture tells us that to be saved a person needs to find their name in the lamb’s book of life. Anyone whose name is not found in that book will find themselves thrown into the lake of fire (without exception). Anyone whose name is written in this book will inherit eternal life. The second death will have no power over them. Knowing what it takes to find your name in the lamb’s book becomes fairly important if a person wants to make sure they are truly saved. Jesus tells us that he who overcomes will never be blotted out of his book of Life (Rev 3:5). On the other hand, those who bless themselves and persist in following the dictates of their sinful heart will surely be blotted out and cut off from among the holy people (Dt 29:19-20).
License for Immorality defined
There are Christian heresies that will keep you out of Heaven. One of those heresies is the license for immorality. The notion people have license to do whatever evil they want without penalty because it is all covered in the blood of the lamb is heretical. The idea that no one is perfect this side of heaven so no effort should be made to reform themselves is equally dangerous. Those who turn grace into a license to commit evil are marked for condemnation (Jude 1:4); in other words, they are predestined to be condemned. God may redeem repentant sinners but he will not be a scapegoat for evildoers. This may appear a fine line to some, but the difference between the two is real.
Biblical truths that make License for immorality seem plausible.
On it’s surface, the heresy of license has a few biblical truths going for it. These truths make it look as the concept of license might be Biblical. The fact that Jesus came to die for sinners is a true saying worthy of full acceptance (I Tim 1:15). Christ died for them and promised them salvation even while they were still sinners (Rom 5:8). A person can be forgiven all their sins- past, present, and future. People do not have to worry that God’s grace will somehow run out; where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Rom 5:20). This is really good news. If a good man with good intentions in a moment of weakness stumbles, He will not ultimately fall. The reason is because the Lord will uphold him with his hand (Ps 37:23-24).
Where License for immorality deviates from the real gospel.
While all of these facts are true, the heresy of license deviates from the gospel in one key area; the area of repentance. No person can stay within their sin and hope to receive salvation. Anything can be forgiven provided the sinner changes their behavior; but not changing for the better is unforgiveable. Everyone who goes to hell ultimately goes there because they refuse to change. Jonah did not want to preach to the Ninevites precisely because He knew God was forgiving of those who would repent (Jonah 4:2). Jonah hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them destroyed. Jonah presumed he could disobey God’s command and get away with it precisely because God loved him. He was turned into whale vomit as a result. His experience inspired him to pen the words: “those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). If God threatens to destroy someone because of their sin and those people repent of their sins, then God promises to relent of the disaster He threatens (Jer 18:7-12). If people persist in their sin, God will always make good on his threats.
Running your Race: If you fall off the horse, make sure you get back on.
All Christians are expected to run a race. A race to change their heart and deeds before the hour of God’s judgment comes. The Apostle Paul describes this race as follows: a man can forget what is behind him. He does not have to worry about past sins. What is done is done and there is no use in crying over spilled milk. A person cannot change the past; it is water under the bridge, per say. A Christian must always be concerned with making right what is wrong in his life. He must always be concerned with becoming the godly person God wants him to be. In this sense, Christians must always strain for what is ahead. In other words, if a person stumbles and falls off the horse, make sure you always get back on. Postponing one’s repentance can quickly and easily turn into never.
The Unforgiveable sin in Scripture- defined.
The Bible teaches that all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (Matt 12:31). A person blasphemes when they deliberately and defiantly disobey someone (Num 15:30-31). To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to disregard and defy the very agent God sent to sanctify and cleanse a person. If a person is not cleansed, then a person has no part with God (John 13:8). God gives everyone the opportunity for Salvation, but everyone who disregards and neglects these offers will eventually find themselves suffering all the condemnations promised in Scripture.
No comments:
Post a Comment