Introduction

This article is part three of the series, What is Carnality.

Part one, covered the root of carnality which is the flesh. Flesh is identified as the lower—base part of man that contains the sinful nature. It looked at Romans chapter 7, where Paul identified the problem of indwelling sin; that there is a problem between the law, sin, and the flesh. Also, that while the law identified sin, it was powerless because of his flesh. In verse 18 he Wrote, “for I know that in me (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. So what he said is, while he had the will to do good, he couldn’t perform it because of his flesh. So part one concluded by acknowledging just how powerful the flesh really is. How the flesh makes wrong seem right, and right seem wrong. It also looked at the effects of being carnal—led by the flesh—how the flesh manifests itself according to Gal. 5:19-21, and it explored each individual manifestation and what it’s effects are.

In part two, we examined Romans chapter 8, where we looked at carnality in relation to the kingdom and the fact that, according to scripture, one who is carnal—led by their flesh, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [Rom 8:6-8; Gal 5:21; Eph 5:5] We also shed light on the fact that there is no such thing as a carnal Christian. We’re either Christian or carnal. Let’s take a fast look at Romans 8:6-8

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The carnal mind is enmity against God. The carnal mind hates God; the carnal mind cannot please God. Therefore, there are no carnal Christians, we can’t be Christians and have enmity against God.

Overcoming Carnality

Since we have defined carnality and made known its effects, this article begins by looking at overcoming carnality. In part two, we looked at Romans 8 regarding the flesh. In this article, part 3, we’re going to look at Romans 8 again, but this time regarding the Spirit. Let’s look at verse 1

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The scripture says that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Let’s look at the word condemnation. The root word is condemn. To condemn is to pass adverse judgment on: to declare to be guilty of wrong doing and inflict a penalty. So for those of us who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. Let’s look at further confirmation based on what Jesus said, John 3:17-18

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To not be in Christ is therefore condemnation. To be in Christ is no condemnation. But going back to Romans 8:1, Paul further clarifies what it means to be in Christ, he wrote, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. This spirit that Paul is referring to here is the Spirit of Christ—the Holy Spirit. [Rom 8:9; Gal 4:6; Phil 1:19; 1 Pet. 1:11] This is the spirit that we are to walk in. Looking at verse 4 which reads:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, … (Let’s pause here)

Now in part 1, we looked at scripture in chapter 7 where Paul declared the law Holy. Let’s look at chapter 7, verses 11 & 12:

11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Now if you’ll remember the point here is that the law makes us aware of sin. This is its God given purpose which is good. The law points to life: the path to righteousness. But since sin reigns in our natures, the law means death and judgment. So basically what Paul is saying here is that: sin took advantage of the law and deceived him or fooled him; it took the good law and used it to make him guilty
of sin—death. But still in verse 12 he wrote, the law itself is holy and right and good.

So we can’t keep the law ourselves—in our flesh, which is why Paul wrote in verse 24:

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

In other words, Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?

Going back to chapter 8, the answer is the Spirit—the spirit of Christ.

Looking at verse 4 again: “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, and Paul clarifies this again by stating: “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We in our selves cannot fulfill the law—the righteousness of the law; we cannot live righteous lives—in the flesh, but only in the spirit. Let’s look at verse 6 again:

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Carnality leads to death. We looked at this in part one according to Gal. 5:21 which surmise that those who live carnal lives will not inherit the kingdom. But Paul also gives the opposite scenario, to be spiritually minded, or to be led by the Spirit is life and peace.

Now just as we focused heavily on the manifestations of the flesh in part one, we’re going to focus just as heavy on the manifestations of the spirit. So let’s turn now to Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This passage addresses the fruit of the spirit. Fruit means the result, the end product, outcome or effect, produced by the spirit in a Christian’s life. Now here Paul compiled a list of the manifestations of the spirit, just as he listed the manifestations of the flesh earlier in the chapter (vss. 19-21). But Notice that the word “fruit” is singular, not plural. Unlike the gifts of the Spirit where generally a Christian possesses one or a few, the Holy Spirit has only one fruit. Here it is broken down into a list of traits in order to help us understand His nature. But the Spirit has only one nature, one fruit–love.

Therefore, when He lives within a person all these traits are present. The genuine Christian believer does not experience and bear just some of them: but the Spirit of God produces them all in the life of the believer.

Now having said that, an important factor to realize is that just as it takes time for fruit to grow and mature on a tree, so it is with the Spirit in that, it does not cultivate these virtues in the believer’s life overnight. This is a growth process. This is why it is very important for a Christian believer to grow. A Christian that doesn’t grow becomes a victim of carnality which is a downward spiral. A future article will address Christian growth.

Now for a conclusive summary, there are some who feel as it has been expressed, that we shouldn’t spiritualize everything. But the fact of the matter is, without the spirit we are lost. This is the very reason why Christ sent us the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at what it says In Romans 15:13

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

As we believe by faith and begin to exercise faith—by living righteous
lives, we receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith and righteousness is the fertile ground that allows the spirit to abound in us. Now the key word here is obedience. Let’s look at John 14: in this chapter we have Jesus’ initial promise of the Holy Spirit. Verses 15-21:

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. If you love me, you will obey what I command

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Now again this is Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit. But notice the order of this passage. He starts His promise by requesting what? Obedience!
He goes on to say: “(AND) I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” Let’s look at the last verse—verse 21: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: (you see love for Christ and obeying His commands are inseparable —we can’t do one without the other—we can’t say that we love Christ and disobey Him. 1st John 2:4 reads: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” back to our text in John) and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

The Holy Spirit is the very special manifestation of Christ within the Christian believer. But notice that this promised is bracketed by the first and last verses, based on obedience. God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is based on obedience to His commands—living righteous lives. This manifestation in a Christian’s life is paramount—for His survival as a child of God.

It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that God accomplishes his care for his people–giving us endurance, encouragement, unity, hope, joy, and peace. Hope comes as a by-product of the Holy Spirit’s work. It does not come from our own senses or experiences. This explains why immature Christians easily fall into temptation: they let their natural feelings make the decision, instead of being led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift—God’s tool—for overcoming carnality. Therefore, we must lean on the Holy Spirit. So the fact of the matter is we should spiritualize everything.

Now we all know right from wrong, but that’s only half the problem. The other half is doing right. The scripture instructs us to not just read the word, but “do what it says.” [James 1:22 NIV] and we can only do this with the help of the spirit.

Paul,—God’s greatest servant in the New Testament, by his own admission in the scriptures (that we saw in Rom 7) part one, knew what was right, but couldn’t perform it on his own. [Rom 7:18] But in our current text we see that it’s not so much of a problem if we would just walk in the spirit. He addressed this again in Gal 5:16 where he wrote: “this I say then, walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can overcome carnality. Therefore, we must sift everything through the Holy Spirit. Every thing that we say and do should be done through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As 1 Cor 10:31 instructs us: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Now this is instruction from God, and it is the Holy Spirit that helps us to carry out this instruction.

The Holy Spirit will never guide us wrong. We are created with freewill so He can’t stop us from doing what we want to do, but He will always guide us and prompt us in the right direction—to make the right decision—to do the right thing and not the wrong. As Jesus said regarding the Holy Spirit: “…he shall teach you all things” [John 15:26]

The biggest problem is doubt and unbelief—even for us Christians. We make ourselves unhappy by believing the Devil’s lies; and we become negative because we have no peace, and no joy, and end up living in unbelief. Instead of living faith to faith as the scripture says, many of us are on a see-saw. We live a life of going from faith, to doubt, to disbelief. Then back to faith, only to later go back to doubt and unbelief. We tend to be a little capricious with our faith, and we end up being miserable roller-coaster Christians, allowing our faith to take swells and dips. Many of us are double minded in our faith. One day, we’re a child of God and a disciple of Christ, and the next day, we’re in the flesh, acting like the world. The scripture says, “from faith to faith.” Also, “that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” [Rom. 1:17; 15:13] But if we have doubt and unbelief, we will quench the Holy Ghost, and will not receive from God. Again to repeat what the bible tell us in Hebrews 11:6: “but without faith it is impossible to please Him.” If God is not pleased, we certainly cannot receive from Him.

Now we’ve look at this in scripture from the front side—faith and hope, let’s now look at it with scripture from the back side—with wavering faith—doubt. Let’s look at one last passage: James 1:

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

We simply can’t receive from God when we approach him with doubt and unbelief. Verse 8 goes on to say:

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Now remember what Elijah asked Israel in 1 Kings 18:21: “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.

Listen, we Christians need to make up our minds that we will not live in a state of double mindedness. We will not live in disbelief and doubt; we will not walk in disobedience. God has a plan for each and every one of us, and we can’t let the Devil steal it away from us with his lies. We must rebuke him! The bible says that we are to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. [2 Cor. 10:5] AMEN?

So in closing we must develop a good personal relationship with the Father.

Know that he loves us, that He is full of mercy, which He will help us—we must have in a word: faith. We must get to know Jesus; that He is our friend. After all, He died for us. We must get to know the Holy Spirit; that He is with us all the time to help us. So we must let Him—help us—overcome carnality.

AMEN

Part four will continue with overcoming carnality with a focus on the sponsor of carnality. For part 4 click here

Please feel free to leave any question, comment, or concern below. You will receive an answer.

 

 

 

Carnality and the Kingdom

This is a continuation with part two of the series: What is Carnality? In part 1, I covered the root of carnality which is to be sensual, worldly, non-spiritual; relating to or given to the crude desires and appetites of the FLESH or body. Flesh was identified as the lower—base part of man that contains the sinful nature. The focus was on Romans chapter 7 where Paul identified the problem of indwelling sin; that there is a problem between the law, sin and the flesh. Also, while the law identified sin, it was powerless because of his flesh. In verse 18 he Wrote “for I know that in me (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. So what he said I, while he has the will to do good, he couldn’t perform it because of his flesh. So I concluded by acknowledging just how powerful the flesh really is. How the flesh makes wrong seem right, and right seem wrong. I also pointed out the effects of being carnal—led by the flesh—how the flesh manifests itself according to Gal. 5:19-21, and I covered each individual manifestation and what it’s effects are.

So let’s take a fast look at these again and I’ll move into the current segment.

Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Danger of Carnality

Now this is where the first article ended—the manifestation of the flesh—in the natural. But in this article, we’re going to look at the manifestations of the flesh in the natural and the spiritual—the eternal consequences of being led in the flesh. Paul mentions this in verse 21, he wrote, taking it from “of the which I tell you before—as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul wraps this thought up by telling the Galatians what he had told them before; that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. This does not refer an isolated lapse, that involves our confession and repentance (1 John 1:9), but it does refer to willful, continuous sin. We’re talking about a lifestyle here. Now everybody slips sometimes, but sin should be an accident, an occasion in the life of a believer, not a way of life. The NIV phases it: that those who live like this—shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Simply because, evil practices are sure evidences of a hardened, unbelieving heart. So the first danger of carnality is the manifestations of the flesh. Also, if the condition isn’t turned around, if an individual doesn’t repent, the second danger is having no part in the kingdom of God—the spiritual consequence.

There are many who feel that after we accept salvation through Christ, we receive the reward—the kingdom, regardless of how we live; that when we are carnal we still receive the reward. This has fueled the acceptance to categorize individuals who have accepted Christ, but remain sinful as “Carnal Christians” (we’re going to look at this). This title has derived mostly from a passage of scripture In 1st
Corinthians, where the apostle Paul addressed those who had accepted Christ, but remained carnal. But we are going to continue in the book of Romans tonight.

In the book of Romans, the first point to observe is that Paul is addressing (brethren) Christians [E.g. 7:1; 7:4] He is not addressing non-believers.

Let’s take a look at Romans 8: now remember in chapter 7 Paul addresses the weakness to control the flesh; that no matter how good our intentions may be, we are powerless to obey the law—to do right. In chapter 8, Paul gives the solution. Verses 1-13 reads:

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Paul again addresses the weakness of the flesh making the law non effect. In recognizing the weakness of the flesh, he acknowledged the fact that God, in sending His own son in the form of a man—“in the likeness of sinful flesh,”
condemned sin in the flesh. What the law couldn’t accomplish because of the weakness of the flesh, Jesus did. In other words, God destroyed sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Why did He do this? The answer is in verse 4, it reads:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

God did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully fulfilled for us who no longer follow our sinful nature but in its place follow the Spirit. Remember what Jesus said in Matt 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

The scriptures tell us in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God has made a way for us to overcome sin and death and live forever! But there’s a condition—an obligation—after we receive Christ. Verse 1 says There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, [but after the Spirit]. Verse 4 says: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who (again) walk [not after the flesh], but [after the Spirit]. Simply put, we cannot receive the blessings of God walking after the flesh. We must walk in the Spirit of Christ as opposed to the flesh. In other words, we are to be led by the Spirit instead of the flesh. Paul goes on to explain why. Verse 5 reads:

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Now I’m not going to cover too much about the spirit in this article, because I’m going to cover that fully in the next one.

In this article I’m going to cover with the flesh—carnality. To repeat what Paul wrote, “for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.” This is why we as Christians are not to walk after the flesh; be controlled by the flesh. Because, if we walk according to the flesh we’re going to do what the flesh dictates. We open ourselves up to all of the manifestations of the flesh that we just saw listed in Gal. 5:19-21: adultery, fornication, murder, envy, so on and so on. We become in a word: carnal. This is a very dangerous position to be in because these actions become strongholds. This is when we simply lose control of our lives. We no longer know right from wrong—until it’s too late. This is what happens if we’re not vigilant and continue in prayer. But again, I’m going to cover the remedies for overcoming carnality in the next article (maybe the next two articles) because this is important. If we can’t control our flesh, we’re in serious trouble. Let’s look at another passage Galatians 6:7-8

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Now this applies to the natural. If we sow to the flesh—use our lives and sow our resources in wasteful indulgence to do no more than please our flesh, we will earn a harvest of destruction.

Remember what Paul said in Romans 7 verse 18, “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” So it is paramount for us to overcome the flesh.

We have three enemies as Christians: Satan, the world, and the flesh; and all three will dictate to us: have whatever you want, any way you want it. Because any way you want it, that’s the way you need it. The flesh wants what it wants, however it wants it, whenever it wants it, and will convince us that we need it. But we must not allow it to control us. Because again: in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.

This brings to mind what God told Cain way back in Gen 4:7, …“sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” NIV

So while we live and walk in the flesh as humans, we are not to be in (or controlled by) the flesh. Now back to Romans 8, Paul gives further explanation in verse 6.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

This is self-explanatory To be minded (dominated) by the flesh, the sinful nature, is “death.”

Now that doesn’t mean that when we sin, we’re going to drop dead like Ananias and Sapphira did. [Acts 5:1-10] This death is spiritual—eternal. Carnality in a Christian’s life, is spiritual cancer. Cancer in the physical is a disease whereby a human’s beings physical body destroys itself. Carnality is when a human being spiritually destroys itself.

Notice other similarities in the words cancer and carnal. They both begin with the letter “C,” they both have six letters; they both spread and cause havoc, destruction, and death. They both need to be cured in the very early stages to limit damage. The only difference is, one is more terminal than the other. It’s not always possible to turn cancer around, leading to physical death. But if one is carnal, he can always be cured through the prescription of confession and repentance. But to remain carnal is spiritual death; it is spiritually terminal. Paul goes on to explain why.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Now let’s look at this word enmity. Enmity is opposition—hostility. But even worse, enmity is deep-seated animosity or hatred. Paul here confirms that the human mind in its natural
state has a natural “enmity against God.”

Let’s look at another Scripture that deals with this enmity, James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

The world is carnal; worldly and carnal are synonyms.  Therefore if an individual is carnal they are worldly and a friend of the world.  As the Scripture reads, a friend of the world is the enemy of God. [So what is a carnal Christian?  More to follow]

In part 1 we looked at what Paul wrote in Ephesian 2:3 where he wrote in part:, that we were ”… by nature the children of wrath…” We are by nature at enmity with God because of indwelling sin—inherited from Adam. We are born with a carnal mind—born with hostility against God—born in opposition against God—born with deep-seated animosity and hatred against God. This is how we entered into this world. As I mentioned in part 1, you never have to teach a child to do wrong, but you have them to teach them real hard to do right. Again, “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” Which is why Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:3] So again I say, we cannot see the kingdom of God— if we are led by the flesh. For more on born again, see the article, What does it Mean to Be a Born Again Christian on this website.

Moving on, the scripture says the carnal mind is an adversary of God. It cannot submit to God’s law. Therefore, it cannot discern right from wrong. The carnal mind operates in complete opposition to God seeking only worldly (materially and physical) interests. It wants its own will, not the will of God. It wants to be its own master, not to bow to God’s rule. It’s nature is such that it cannot be subject to God’s law. It is not only the aspiration that is missing, but the capability as well.

The flesh is dead toward God, operating spiritually by manifesting itself in doubts, fears and anxieties (strongholds). The carnal mind is unregenerate, meaning not spiritually reborn or converted, as well as obstinate. In the next verse, Paul gives the result.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

It is impossible for a carnal [sarkikos] minded person to please God. We can’t walk in opposition to God and please Him. It is simply impossible. He sent His son so that we could be free from sin—that we could be reconciled with Him. If we could walk in sin and please God, then there would be no need for Christ and His death was in vain. But we know fully well that we need Christ. We need the sacrifice of Christ in order to appease God’s anger against sinful man. Therefore Christ’s propitiatory death was absolutely necessary. God provided Christ as our savior; and when we accept Him as our savior, we are to walk in His spirit, allowing it to manifest fruit in us.

This is what a Christian is. But if we remain carnal—in the flesh, we are in opposition with God. That’s why verse 8 says: “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” So the words Carnal and Christian do not belong in the same category. Simply put, there’s no such thing as a carnal Christian. Carnal and worldly are synonyms, carnal and Christian are not. Either we’re a Christian (sanctified, regenerated, justified) or we’re carnal.

Galatians 5:17:

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  [This is all about Spiritual warfare]

The flesh and the Spirit of Christ (carnality and righteousness) are contrary to one another. They war against each other constantly. So if carnality is in opposition to the spirit of Christ, how can one be a carnal Christian? It won’t work! [James 1:8] The flesh—stifles—quenches—stamps out —the Spirit. [1 Thess 5:19; Eph. 4:30] Jesus said: “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other…Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

For one to label themselves as a carnal Christian is to say: “I’m living on the fence-walking in compromise; double minded. But the bible clearly tells us: “a double minded man is unstable in all he does” and that includes his walk with God. [James 1:8] There clearly is no middle ground; no “hybrids” will be found before God’s judgment throne! Now it’s okay to confess this condition. After all, confession is good for the soul, but not to continue in the sin. So back to Romans 8, Paul goes on to say:

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

We are debtors means: we have an obligation. But not to the flesh. After we receive Christ, our obligation is to the spirit. Paul goes on to say:

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Notice the word brethren in verse 12; Paul again is addressing Christian believers—those who have accepted Christ. He distinctly tells Christians that if they live after the flesh they will die. Now if you’ll remember, God told Adam the same thing regarding the forbidden fruit. He said: “…for in the day that thou eastest therof thou shalt surely die.” God has not changed since the Garden of Eden and the same holds true today. Flesh produces ill fruit—forbidden fruit, and if we partake in it verse 13 says: “ye shall die.” But Paul adds also in verse 13, that if we through the Holy Spirit of God turn from the flesh, put to death “the deeds of the body,” we will live. So the fact is even believers; Christians, have a choice: life or death. We as Christians have a perpetual choice. So we Christians must remember what Paul said in Galatians 5:21: “as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is the ultimate danger of carnality—which comes from the leading of the flesh. Again: “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” Simply put: we cannot enter the kingdom of God in the flesh.

Now understand we are all carnal when we first except Christ.  However, we are not to remain in that state. We are to allow the Spirit to lead us and grow into maturity.  Christian maturity is paramount!

We are either moving forward or we falling backwards!

In the next article, part 3, we’ll look at overcoming carnality. For part 3  click here.

Blessings

Comments, questions, and concerns are fully welcomed below.  You will receive a response.

 

 

 

Carnal, the root word for carnality, is a word that covers a plethora of common behaviors. How do these behaviors fit into the life of a Christian? Let’s find out as we take a close look at; what is carnality?

What is Carnality

One of the ways that Satan’s assaults manifest themselves on a Christian is through carnality. Carnality is a condition which is the result of being carnal. So what does it mean to be carnal?

To be carnal is to be sensual, worldly, non-spiritual; relating to or given to the crude desires and appetites of the FLESH or body. The apostle Paul distinguishes spiritual individuals— those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit—with those who are carnal-those under the influence of the flesh (1 Cor. 3:1-4; Rom 8:5-7). The word carnal is usually found in the New Testament to describe those who are worldly—led by their flesh. So now the question becomes, what is flesh?

The scriptures refer to the flesh numerous times. In fact in the King James Version, the word flesh appears 420 times in four different applications. So to lay a foundation for this article and this series, let’s look at these four applications.

The first application is the physical bodies of humans or animals. When God removed a rib from Adam with which he created Eve, he closed up the opening with flesh. Let’s look at this in Genesis 2:21

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

The apostle Paul spoke of the flesh of men, beasts, fish, and birds. Let’s look at this in 1 Corinthians 15:39

39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

For the second application, the word flesh is also used in a figurative sense. The imagery of flesh expresses several different ideas in the Scriptures. It doesn’t only include the “fleshy” parts of the body the word could additionally denote the entire body. We can find an example of this in Colossians 1: We’re going to look at a description of how Christ’s death provided reconciliation with God through the death of His body. Verses 21 reads:

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Now here in the next verse, we see the use of flesh to describe the whole body—it reads:

22 [In the body of his flesh] through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Now from this idea, the concept of a fleshly or human bond between people come into play. For example: a man and his wife “shall become one flesh” Let’s go back to Gen 2:24

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Also, a man can tell his family “I am your own flesh and bone.” Let’s look at this in Judges 9:2

2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal [jer uh BAY uhl], which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

Now here we have Abimelech’s bid for king of Israel, and he closes it by reminding them that he was a relative that he was of their bone and flesh.

Christ Himself was described as being “in the flesh.” Let’s look at this in 1 John 4:2

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is [come in the flesh] is of God:

Moving on to the third application “Flesh” is even used occasionally to describe all of mankind. Let’s go back to Gen 6:3

3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

For the fourth application, last but certainly not least, in an even stronger sense, flesh is the earthly part of man, representing lusts and desires. This application is the focus for this series on carnality. In this context, flesh represents man’s sinful nature: the human, sinful, depraved, and corrupt nature of man. Let’s look at this in Eph 2:3

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 

We all are born with the nature, the inclination, of fulfilling the desires of our flesh “by nature the children of wrath.” More on this to follow.

The scriptures also inform us that the flesh in this context is contrary to the Spirit. Let’s look at Gal 5:17

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Gal chapter 5 continues on in verses19-23 contrasting works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit – the Holy Spirit.

So we know that carnality is the result of being led by the flesh in the context of the lower—base part of man—the sinful nature.

The Dangers of Carnality

Now the title of this series is, The Dangers of Carnality. So the question becomes, what are the dangers of carnality? The main danger of carnality (the leading by the flesh) is the manifestation of habits and behavior that led us into sin. This is the main danger of carnality. To put it more simply: Flesh makes us sin. Flesh causes us to do things that we know—that we as Christians—shouldn’t do. Nobody explains this better than the apostle Paul.

Let’s look at Romans 7: In this chapter, Paul addresses the law and sin. Specifically in verses 13-25, he addresses the fact that the law cannot save us from sin and the fact that there is a struggle between two natures. Looking at verse 12 it reads:

12 Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Now we must constantly remember that there is nothing wrong with the law of itself. [e.g. The Ten Commandments—the base of the law] The law was given by God
and was therefore perfect as an expression of His will for His people. The weakness of the law lies in the “raw materials” it has to work with, the sinful nature. It was originally given to people who were already sinners. God’s people needed the law to give them the knowledge of sin, but beyond that we needed a Savior to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin. As I often say, the law condemns and convicts, it does not give the power to obey. This was the purpose of Christ’s life and sacrificial death. So the law itself is good. Paul goes on in verse 13:

13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Here again “what is good” is in reference to the law. Paul brings up the question and asks; did the law become death to me? In other words, is the law the cause, dooming Paul (and all the rest of us) to death? The answer, of course, is certainly not! The fact is; Sin is the cause. The law didn’t originate sin, but it showed sin for what it was. “By the law is
the knowledge of sin” [Rom. 3:20b] But that is not all! Our focus lies in a question which is how does man’s sinful nature responds; when God’s holy law forbids it to do something? The answer is well-known. What may have been a sleeping desire instantly becomes a burning passion! [e.g. the forbidden fruit] —Satan used the law for his own evil purposes. So as Paul wrote in this verse, “sin through the commandment becomes exceedingly sinful.”

The fact is this: The law by itself can neither improve the old nature on the one hand nor cause it to sin on the other. It can reveal sin, just as a speedometer reveals the speed of a vehicle. But a speedometer is limited in that it cannot control the speed only an accelerator can control the speed. So it is with the law—it cannot control sin—only the Holy Spirit can control sin. Therefore, the law cannot save us. Let’s look at Romans 3:20

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But what actually happens and is also the focus of this article is this. Man’s fallen human nature—the flesh, instinctively wants to do whatever is forbidden. So sin uses the law to awaken otherwise-dormant lusts in the sinner’s life. The more effort man puts in, the worse the situation gets, until finally he is brought to have no hope. So sin uses the law to cause any hope of improvement to die in him. And he observes the extreme sinfulness of his old nature as he never saw it before. Paul goes on to say (back to chap 7)

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Here Paul addresses the conflict between the two natures and the impossibility of finding deliverance from the power of indwelling sin through his own strength. Paul acknowledges that the law is spiritual—that is, holy in itself and given for man’s spiritual benefit. But he realized that he was carnal
because he was not experiencing victory over the power of indwelling sin in his life (I’ll address indwelling sin shortly). He was as the scripture reads, sold under sin. He felt as though he was sold as a slave with sin as his master. When in fact all of us were born, we were sold into slavery with sin as our master. Let’s look at Romans 5:12.

12 Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

What this means is that because of Adam, we are stuck with inherent—indwelling sin. We inherited sin from Adam; it’s in us, our DNA. This is why you never have to train children to be bad…they are born bad, disobedient. They have to be trained to be good.

We are all born with sin as our master. Which is why Jesus said: “unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:3] We cannot see God’s kingdom with a sinful nature. We must be born again—we must live lives as born again Christians, “servants of righteousness,” (Rom 6:18) if we want to see the kingdom of God. Paul goes on to elaborate in Romans 7.

15 For that which I do I allow not: [or understand not] for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Here Paul describes the struggle that goes on in a believer who does not know the truth of his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. It is the conflict between the two natures, in the person who climbs Mount Sinai on his own in search of holiness.

In describing the struggle between the two natures, Paul says, “what I am doing, I do not understand.” He is somewhat of a split personality, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He finds himself indulging in things that he doesn’t want to do, and practicing things that he hates.

In verse 16 He concludes that in committing acts which his better judgment condemns, he was taking sides with the law against himself, because the law condemns these acts as well. So he gives inward consent that the law is good. In other words his conscience tells him that what he is doing is wrong and his conscience is in agreement with the law, making the law good. In verse 17 we have another conclusion.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Paul reached the forgone conclusion that the culprit is not the new man in Christ, but the sinful, corrupt nature (the old man) that dwells in him.

Now I want to pause and sidetrack for a moment: we must very be careful here. We must not excuse our sinning by passing it off to indwelling sin. We are accountable for our actions, and we must not use this Scripture to pass the buck All Paul is doing here is tracking down the source of his sinful behavior, not excusing it.

Now back to our passage, verse 18 reads:

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

There can be no growth in holiness until we learn the same lesson that Paul learned here—that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells. The flesh
here means the evil, corrupt nature which is inherited from Adam and which is still in every Christian. We may be Christians, but we still have the corrupt nature within us. It is the foundation of every evil action that a person performs. There is nothing in it that is good. We as Christians must be aware of this so that we can be on guard.

When we are aware of this, it releases us from ever looking for any good in the old nature. It delivers us from being disappointed when we don’t find any good in our flesh, and it delivers us from relying on ourselves. There is no victory in self-reliance. We’ll cover this later in the series.

To confirm the hopelessness of the flesh, Paul laments over the fact that although he has the desire to do what is right, he doesn’t have the resources in himself to translate his desire into action. The trouble, of course, is that he is casting his anchor inside the boat to stabilize it, instead of outside in the water. Looking to verse 19:

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

In this scripture the conflict between the two natures rages on. He finds himself failing to do the good
he wants to do, and instead doing the evil that he despises. This is the power of the flesh. Now the whole point in going through this passage is to show the awesome power of the flesh.

Other scriptures address this weakness of the flesh as well. For example in Psalm 56:4 the Psalmist wrote, “In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” The flesh being weak was also referred by Jesus in Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion. In Mark 14:38 he said: Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

As I addressed earlier, It leads us to do what we know is wrong. It stamps out what is right and replaces it with what is wrong. We are warned about this in the Old Testament [Isaiah 5:20]

Let’s move over to chapter 1. In the last half of this chapter, Paul addresses God’s wrath on unrighteousness. He wrote in verses 24-25

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who [changed the truth of God into a lie], and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

The scripture says, “changed the truth of God into a lie.” This is the power of the flesh. When we are carnal and led by the flesh, we are bent on doing wrong. This is the danger that lies in carnality.

Now I mentioned earlier that the main danger of carnality (this leading by the flesh) is the manifestation of habits and behavior that led us into sin.

The Manifestations of Carnality

So now the question becomes, what are these manifestations? The answer of course is in the scriptures.

Let’s look at Galatians 5: In this chapter, Paul again addresses the conflict between the two natures. But in verses 19-21 he spells out the manifestations of the flesh. Starting with verse 19, Paul now gives the Galatian believers a sample listing of the works of the flesh, even though such works should be as the scripture says, “manifest.” This means that the source of these vices was “obvious” or “readily apparent.” They illustrate the kind of things the flesh will do when it is uncontrolled. Looking at verse 19 it reads:

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Adultery heads the list.
This is a sexual union outside of the bond of marriage by either husband or wife. It can also occur by looking on a woman or a man to lust after them. Looking at and lusting after an individual whether in person, magazines, books, on beaches or anywhere else is adultery. Envisioning and desiring within the heart is exactly the same as committing the act. Jesus said in Matt. 5:28: “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in- his- heart.” As I always say, it’s all about the heart.

Fornication is second. This usually refers to sexual activity by unmarried persons. This is basically a singles issue. We have Single Christians sneaking in and out of motels, even with married folks, just like the people of the world. It is a manifestation of the flesh and it is wrong. It may also refer generally to all forms of sexual immorality, because the word fornication is from the underlying Greek word where our word “pornography comes. The same principles that apply to adultery, apply to fornication. Imagining and lusting after a person in the heart, is the same as committing the act itself.

Uncleanness/impurity describes the kind of moral impurity that makes a person unfit to enter the presence of God. It is moral impurity; doing things that dirty, pollute, and soil life. For example foul language simply pollutes the atmosphere. [e.g. Isaiah’s commission—chap “6:5” His lips had to be purified]

Lasciviousness/debauchery It is total disregard for decency—in public or in private. It means unrestrained
evil thoughts and behavior. It is giving in to brutish and lustful desires; also a readiness for any pleasure. The world says: if it feels good—do it: do it till your satisfied! Such sins can easily result when fleshly appetites are not restrained.

Verse 20, continues with more works of the flesh.

Idolatry can be worshiping an idol or simply the putting some part of our lives ahead of God. It can be a house, car, boy or girlfriend, husband or wife, a career, or anything else that’s coveted—strongly desired above God. Covetousness is called idolatry in the scriptures. Let’s look at Colossians 3:5

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence [desires], and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Witchcraft refers to the use of magic potions, spells, and chants in an attempt to tap into supernatural powers. It is sorcery; the use of evil spirits to gain control over the lives of others or over one’s own life. In the world of today, it would include all forms of seeking the control of one’s fate including astrology, palm reading, séances, wejee boards, fortune telling, and other forms of witchcraft. Those who practice such sorcery or “magic arts” are subject to eternal destruction. Let’s look at this in Revelation 21:8

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

In light of this, the modern revival of pagan practices such as Wicca (witchcraft) is sobering to say the least.

The last seven vices in this verse could be called “social offenses.” Some of them aren’t evil themselves, but can be used in an evil way.

Hatred is enmity, hostility, animosity. It is the hatred that lingers and is held for a long, long time—a grudge, a hatred that is deep within.

Variance means a fracturing of unity within a family or group. It includes discord, contention, fighting, struggling, quarreling, dissension, and wrangling.

Emulations are feelings of jealousy: wanting and desiring to have what someone else has. It can be material things, honor, recognition, or position. Not all jealousy is evil—the Bible describes God Himself as jealous In Exodus 20:5. Paul also alludes to what he calls “godly jealousy.” [2 Corinthians 11:2]

Wrath is the explosion of temper or “fits of rage” NIV. This includes, bursts of anger; indignation; a violent, explosive temper; quick-tempered explosive reactions that arise from stirred and boiling emotions; a release of some building resentment. Again, anger is not evil in and of itself. Just as there is godly jealousy, there is such a thing as righteous anger, [Mark 3:5; Romans 2:8, 9] but such anger is kept under control. What Paul condemns is out-of-control anger. In Ephesians 4:26: “be ye angry, and sin not.”

Strife/selfish ambition, is similar to variance: what leads people to try to pull others down so they can try to climb above them; that a person fights against another person in order to achieve something: position, promotion, property, honor, recognition. He deceives—doing whatever has to be done to get what he is after.

Seditions/dissensions, sometimes translated “divisions,” [Romans 16:17] are literally “acts of standing apart in rebellion.”

Heresies are acts of choosing up sides over pet doctrines. It is rejecting the basic values of God, Christ, the Scriptures, and the church, trusting and embracing some teaching other than the truth.

Moving to verse 21, while jealousy may not always be bad, envy is. This word goes beyond jealousy. Envy not only covets what the other person has, it would rejoice to see the other person lose it. It is the spirit… that not only desires the things that another person has, but begrudges the fact that the person has them. Additionally, not wants only the things to be taken away from the person, but wants him or her to suffer through the loss of them.

Murders
are the unlawful taking of human life.

Drunkenness is the intoxicated state that comes from indulgence in drugs and alcoholic beverages.

Finally, revelings are riotous wild parties that include orgies involving drinking and sexual immorality. Just let it all hang out.

Now these are the manifestations of the flesh. These manifestations result when we are led by the flesh and carnal. This is the danger of carnality.

Paul wraps this thought up by telling the Galatians what he had told them before: that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. This does not refer an isolated lapse, that involves our confession and repentance, [1 John 1:9] but to willful, continuous sin. Because Evil practices are sure evidences of a hardened, unbelieving heart. So the first danger of carnality is the manifestations of the flesh, and if the condition isn’t turned around, if an individual doesn’t repent, the second danger is having no part in the kingdom of God.

In the next article, part 2, we’ll look at the second danger of carnality; how carnality can keep us from the kingdom of God. For part 2 click here

Questions, comments, and concerns are fully welcomed below.  You will receive an answer!

Blessings!

 

 

 

Forgiveness—a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith. But oh how many of us Christians are failing at this very substantial principle? It seems that we are failing to realize that violation of this principle is a sin and can keep us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. But please don’t take my word for it, let’s see what the Word of God says about it as we take a look at the Bible and Forgiveness.

What is Forgiveness?

For starters, what is forgiveness? Forgiveness is the act of excusing or pardoning another in spite of his or her slights, shortcomings, and errors.

As a theological term, forgiveness refers to God’s pardon of the sins of man.

The Bible teaches that God completely forgives sin. In Psalm 51, we have David’s plea for forgiveness for his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband.

Ps 51:1, 7, 9:

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. KJV

After David was rebuked for his transgressions by the prophet Nathan, David went to the only One who could forgive him and make him clean again.

Let’s look at this promise from God regarding our sins. Heb 10:14-18

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

This passage includes two quotations from Old Testament Prophesy regarding the new covenant that arrived after Christ. This new covenant guarantees that sins will be effectively and completely forgiven (vs. 17) because no additional sacrifice for sins is needed (vs. 18). The blood of Christ is the “one offering” for the remission and forgiveness of sins (vs. 14). This forgiveness is a crucial part of the gospel message. To be forgiven is to be identified with Christ in His crucifixion and resurrection.

The Conditions for Forgiveness

This forgiveness is granted by God’s grace but it is not unconditional. In order for God to forgive sin, four conditions are necessary.

The first is sacrifice. A life must be taken as a substitute for that of the sinner. Lev 17:11 reads: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” In the Old Testament, the sacrifices entailed the shedding of blood of animals for the atonement (penitence) of the sin of the soul.

New Testament Scripture confirms this by stating that “without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Heb 9:22) and we see in the passage above (vs. 14), that Christ is the one offering for remission.

So we see that the first condition has been covered by God through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The next three conditions are upon us. Therefore, the second condition is a sinner must approach God’s sacrifice in a spirit of repentance. Let’s look at Mark 1:4:

4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ and he preached repentance to prepare the way. A sinner must repent (turn away) from his or her sins to receive forgiveness. The Scripture reads in Prov. 28:13

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”  Therefore it’s not enough to confess sins but to turn away from them in order to receive from the Lord. For more on repentance, please read the article: Repentance and Sin on this website.

The third condition is: a sinner must have faith. In order for a sinner to confess, repent, and receive mercy from the Lord, the sinner must believe in God by faith; the sinner must believe that God exists in the first place. Scripture clearly tells us in Heb 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Faith is the initiator of the Christian’s journey. [Don’t leave home without it!] For more on faith, please read the article: What is Faith about—The Incontestable Engine of Christian Doctrine on this website.

The next and final condition: the sinner must be willing to forgive. Jesus
said in Matt 6:14-15:

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

God’s forgiveness of us demands that we forgive others, because grace brings responsibility and obligation. If we don’t forgive others, we will not be forgiven of our sins either. Let’s recognize this and look at what Jesus said in Mark 11:25-26:

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

This is for an ongoing follower who is praying. Jesus said if you have an issue with someone, forgive them so that the Father in Heaven may forgive that follower (the one who’s praying). But if that follower doesn’t, he or she won’t be forgiven of their sins either. We are to walk in forgiveness. A forgiving spirit serves as evidence that one is a true follower of Christ. Jesus placed no limits on the degree to which Christians are to forgive their fellowmen (Luke 17:4). Forgiveness is a duty and a command that Christ takes very serious; to the point that if we don’t obey it, our sins won’t be forgiven.

Jesus is the epitome of forgiveness and He exemplified it perfectly.  After being brutally beaten and crucified on the cross He said “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  Luke 23:34

Just to be clear, none of these conditions are to be met solely upon the beginning of the Christian journey, but throughout the journey. We must always have faith, we must always repent, and we must always forgive others. After all we are all born into sin, and we all fall short (Rom. 3:23). So is it wise to practice a behavior that won’t allow us to be forgiven?

This is where the rubber hits the road; because there are countless professing Christians lacking in these areas; especially in when it comes to forgiveness. Instead of walking forgiveness many are walking in unforgiveness.

What is Unforgiveness?

Unforgiveness is the opposite of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is when an individual is disinclined or incapable to forgive someone for betraying, hurting, or breaking their trust or otherwise causing them some deep disturbing pain. Last but not least, unforgiveness is sin. This is why we are not forgiven of our sins if we practice it.

Now let’s face it; there are a lot of people dealing with some emotional pain as the result of another and this is not a laughing matter. But those who are walking in the Spirit of Christ can overcome this distressing situation. For those who are not, there is nothing but trouble when traveling down the road of unforgiveness. It is a manifestation of the flesh and it is a blessing blocker.

What are the Consequences of Unforgiveness?

Well, one consequence has already been covered. But to elaborate, when we walk in unforgiveness; harboring it in our hearts, we are sinning. In addition, we aren’t forgiven for our other sins. Therefore, we are living in a state of sin. It is not possible to be in God’s favor while we are in a sinful state.

Unforgiveness wears many hats:

• Anger—this is generally the first reaction
• Holding a grudge—after being angry for a period of time, it becomes a grudge
• Revenge—this anger has become so intense that you just want to get even and you won’t be satisfied until you do.
• After being angry, holding a grudge and desiring revenge that hasn’t been accomplished, you just get bitter and miserable. This has the same effect as constant worry.

How can a person with this unfavorable spiritual condition have favor with God and Christ?  You can’t; unforgiveness is an evil  spirit. This is why Jesus said again in Mark 11: 26″ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Keep in mind that this anger doesn’t only have an effect on the person holding the anger, but it can affect others around them as well. It can ruin innocent relationships; causing collateral damage. It can wreak havoc in a personal relationship (marriage, friendship, parents, employer, etc.).

I can tell you from experience, if you want to put a relationship on a slippery slope, any relationship, hold a grudge. Understand that it accomplishes absolutely nothing but negativity.

In addition to damaging ourselves spiritually, unforgiveness causes physical damage as well. Unforgiveness puts undue stress on the body. As a result, an unforgiving spirit can manifest itself into numerous physical conditions. Medical evidence shows that unforgiveness can lead to:

• Cancer—61% of cancer patients have forgiveness concerns
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of self-love stem from not forgiving oneself or self-acceptance; yes we must forgive ourselves.
• Bitterness— this causes an increase in the risk of depression
• Sleep deprivation and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

It’s just not worth it! Let it go!

This is a serious situation. Unforgiveness is an insidious sin and many don’t realize how damning it is. But understand, no matter how much one attends church, studies and know the Scriptures, or gives to charity, if they are harboring an unforgiving spirit, they are living in sin and an unfavorable spiritual condition.

I can attest the insidiousness of this condition. Not until I was born again and the Spirit empowered me to release my unforgiveness did I realize what a weighted burden I was carrying. Believe me, it is a great release!  Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves; the greatest gift we can give ourselves after receiving Christ.

How to Overcome Unforgiveness

First, we must know that Christ forgives. Therefore, we must pray for forgiveness and the strength to overcome our unforgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t an easy accomplishment when we have been terribly hurt. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. For more on the Holy Spirit, read the article: All about the Holy Spirit on this website. After praying, try these below:

The first step is to be aware of the negative emotions that we feel towards the other person including anger, hatred, bitterness, hurt, and oh yes, jealousy. Awareness will help to acknowledge the need to forgive. As mentioned earlier, holding on to the negative emotions is highly toxic and not good for health.

Next release the emotional pain by making a deliberate decision to forgive and let go; we must consciously set our minds to it. Now again this isn’t easy and this process may take time; especially if this ongoing pain has been in existence for a long period of time and due to different emotions that we have to process. Some unforgiveness is aged and has been embedded in our spirits and souls.

True forgiveness is when we forgive and forget. However, because we are imperfect human beings and although we may forgive but we may not be able to forget, the initial resentment and pain is gone. Therefore, even if it is a struggle to forget, it’s very important to forgive by letting go of the emotional pain that has been produced. Then the rest will fall into place

Take responsibility for that part that we played. We can’t control anyone; the only person that we can control is ourselves. Therefore, did the other person really mean to hurt us or did we over react? Do they know that they hurt us? Did we play any part in the situation? Is there something we may have done to avoid the situation? Taking legitimate responsibility for why we got hurt enables us to reflect on how to not put ourselves in the same situation again.

When we discover what part we played, we must be willing to forgive ourselves, move on and learn from the experience.

It may help to talk it over with the person. Sometimes people are unaware that they’ve offended you and that you’re harboring unforgiveness. It may help for you to let them know how you feel. It can aid in releasing the hostility and resentment.

If that isn’t feasible, write out your feelings on paper. You don’t have to send it or present it but it is still expressing how you feel and can help with release.

Last but not lease, continue to pray. We must pray for strength to overcome

the temptation to harbor any unforgiveness in our hearts both presently and in the future., because situations are likely to arise that will cause dissension. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, we shall overcome!

Questions, comments and concerns are welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

This article is not solely a condemnation of homosexuality. Rather, a balanced and candid observation of the Bible and homosexuality in relation to sin.

What is Homosexuality

Homosexuality is the quality or state of being a homosexual. Without getting too technical, a homosexual is an individual, male or female, that has a tendency to direct their sexual desires toward another of the same sex.

Last but not least, homosexuality is a sin and is therefore sinful behavior.

What is Sin

Sin is transgression of God’s Law and will either by omitting to do what God’s law requires or by doing what it forbids. John 3:4 reads:

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Sin can occur in several forms. For example, the transgression can occur in thought. 1 John 3:15 reads:

Whosoever hateth
his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Also, Matt 5:27-28

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

So we see that we don’t have to engage in a physical act to commit sin, but we can do so by harboring a sinful thought.

The transgression can occur in word, Matt 5:22

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

The transgression can also occur in deed Rom 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death…”

Therefore, take note that sin can occur without committing a physical act by: thoughts, words, as well as deeds.

Sin separates us from God.

Homosexuality is sin

The Bible is clear: homosexuality is a sin. Let’s look at the Scriptures. Lev 18:22

22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

A man is not to have sex with another man as he would with a woman. It is an abomination. An abomination is a sin that God considers particularly detestable. Other practices that fall into this category are: idolatry, the sacrificing of blemish animals, the practice of magic, witchcraft and spiritism. Hebrew words translated abomination for the most part have the meaning of “impure,” “filthy,” and “unclean”-that which is foul-smelling and objectionable to a holy God.  After all, He destroyed an entire city because of homosexuality.

Homosexuality is condemned throughout the Scriptures and there are other Old Testament Scriptures that address it. But there are some who will say: that’s Old Testament and we are free from that law because we are in the New Testament. So, let’s go to the New Testament.

Rom 1:26-27

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

This passage describes the sexual actions between women with women and men with men as “unseemly” or shameful and indecent acts. Again—New Testament Scripture.

A Closer Look at Sin

We’re going to look at another New Testament Scripture. 1 Cor. 6:9-10

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders (10) nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. NIV—I used a modern translation for clarity.

Once again: New Testament Scripture addresses homosexuality as a sin. Further, homosexuals will not inherit the Kingdom of God—they will not make it into heaven.

But…wait a minute…neither will the other sinners listed. Homosexuality isn’t the only sexual sin; “the sexual immoral.” The sexual immoral includes fornication; sex outside of marriage and how popular is that today? I am sure that a significant percentage of the US population engages in this practice.

What about “adulterers;” not exactly a rare occurrence these days. Prostitutes and all of the other non-sexual offenders listed in verse 10 will not inherit God’s Kingdom. While they may not be homosexual sins, they are heterosexual (straight) sins. However, sin-is-sin. The Scriptures are very balanced and this one is no exception. None of these will inherit the Kingdom of God (Heaven) as they are classified as “wicked.”

The Issue with Homosexuals

The issue with homosexuals is they want their lifestyle to be fully accepted.

To accomplish this, they first repel that it is sinful in spite of what Scripture says and even go as far as to disbelieve Scripture as a whole and that’s ok; if you’re not a Christian. There’s more on that to follow.

Further, they make the excuse: they were born that way. Well, that is Scriptural! Let’s take a look: Ps 51:5

5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. NIV

In this psalm Scripture, David reflects on the fact that we are sinful at conception and therefore born with an inherent sinful nature—all of us! This sin nature manifests itself in the various behaviors listed above in verses 9 and 10 of First Corinthians 6. This is why God sent Jesus: to redeem us [John 3:15]. To continue with the 1 Corinthians passage, verse 11 reads: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from these vices if we accept Him and follow Him as our Savior.

Therefore, being born into any sin is a given but it is not an excuse to remain in that sin. The Lord has provided a way for us to repent of our sins and to be “justified” before Him. The Scriptures make no excuses for sin and makes it clear that we all
are guilty initially and need to be saved from sin. Rom 3:23 reads: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Again: “the wages of sin is death.” This is why we “must be born again” to inherit the Kingdom of God. [John 3:3]

For more on being born again read the article: What Does It Mean to be a Born Again Christian on this website.

Another piece of reasoning I hear often is: God is a God of love and He loves everybody. Well, that is true; He does. But He hates sin; He loves the sinner but hates sin. This is obvious in John 3:16-17:

16 For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God loves the sinner so much; and hates sin so much; that He sent His only Son to save the world from sin. God does not and will not excuse sin—any of it.

God loved Adam and Eve. After all, He created them.  But when they sinned, He handed down judgment against them and consequences were experienced.  These sin penalties have been passed on to the present and we need a Savior which has been provided.

However, sin is so accepted in society these days. Sin is ubiquitous and pervasive in the land and homosexuals feel that since straight sins are so accepted in society theirs should be also. But take note of what the Scriptures warn: Prov 14:34

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. NIV The more sin a nation embraces, the greater the consequences and the ultimate disgrace.  We must be careful of what we embrace.

A Warning to Christians

Christians as a whole are quick to condemn homosexuals. But…why? Are Christians angels? Are they perfect? Hardly! There are professing
Christians that are guilty of the same activities listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 making them highly hypercritical. Scripture deals with this also.

Matt 7:3-5

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. NIV

Here Jesus uses a bit of hyperbole to make the point: before you condemn the sin in somebody else’s house (life), look first at your own and correct it. Then you can address and help somebody else’s.

There are other passages of Scripture that make it clear that Jesus took issue with hypocrites. We must be careful.

What personally astounds me is the fact that Christians are split over homosexuality. Some condone it because: “it’s been around since forever.” Well, that’s true; so have all of the other sins. Homosexuality was a sin then and it’s a sin now just as all sin.

There are homosexual priests in some denominations. This is confusing. Church leaders are to set an example for the flock [1 Tim. 4:12] and should not be openly engaged in sin. They should not be liars, thieves, adulterers, fornicators—but they can be homosexuals?

Some churches are even performing same sex marriages—really? What is the Scriptural justification for that? Somebody please tell me! There is no wonder that God has allowed a virus that has even stopped worship gatherings. The world has infiltrated the church.

There are professing Christians engaged in same sex marriages including Christian ministers. Based just only on the Scriptures I’ve shared, is this justified? Here’s another one: Gen 2:23

24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. NIV

A man joins his wife and a wife is united with her husband. I don’t understand the confusion. How does a representative of God and the Bible not get this? God created and married Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve or Eve and Eva. How does any Christian not get this? This is not rocket science!

For the non-believers, the natural beings, it’s understandable. After all, they are “spiritually discerned.” [1 Cor. 2:14] But for Christians these thoughts and actions are reprehensible and is the epitome of hypocrisy. While Christians shouldn’t be too quick to criticize homosexuals, we shouldn’t join them either as we should not join any other sinful behavior.

Obviously the difference is between professing christians and practicing Christians.

But understand this: society can condone homosexuality and legalize same sex marriage until the chickens come home, but it is not the will of God and there will be a price to pay.

To the professing Christians I say this. Take a look around, we are living in the last days and it would be good idea to take an inventory and get your house in order. Don’t just read the Word, apply it. [James 1:22] Remember what Jesus said in Matt 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise

the other…” You can’t stay on the fence forever.  Don’t make excuses for your sins and make changes; or pay the price.

Practicing Christians aren’t sinless but they don’t maintain a sinful lifestyle. To a practicing Christian, sin is an accident, almost involuntary; yielding only because the flesh can be so strong. They confess, repent and move on—in Christ.

To the practicing Christians I say this: do your best to stay in the will of God. Remember we are to bear one another’s burdens. Therefore, when you witness someone that is straying says: “don’t judge me” remember what the Scripture says in Gal 6:1-2:

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We who are spiritual should observe and gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path without condemning.

All questions, comments, and concerns are fully welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

What is Treasure

Treasure is something of great worth or value such as money, jewels, and precious metals. It can be wealth of any kind or any form; in a word—riches. But It can also be something non-material or not of a physical nature: conceptual or spiritual. So…what do you treasure?

What is your Purpose

What in your life makes you feel like it’s worth getting up in the morning? What keeps you going day after day? What do you really live for or what is your reason for living?

A Time of Despair

This pandemic we are experiencing has been a time of despair for many and the statistics are startling: income is cut off and unemployment is at a record high, businesses have been shut and some or many may not reopen, schools and places of worship are closed, in many places we are shut-in with no socializing, no sports, no concerts, no clubs, and no shopping (except for food).

Crimes are increasing. There an increase in drug abuse, strained relationships resulting in domestic violence, anxiety and alcoholism. Worst of all, there is an increase in suicides. This is indeed a time of despair with no real end in sight.

The Cause of Despair

The cause of the despair is what we depend on, what we trust in and our reason to exist has been slammed. Many are on the verge of losing everything they’ve hoped for. This is the cause of great despair.

But there is an answer. If you are a regular reader of this website, you know where I’m going…the Scriptures

The Bible is packed with wisdom and we are going to look at the wisdom of one individual in particular; King Solomon, Son of David.

When Solomon first became king, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him what he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom and it was granted, and God added riches and honor that no other king possessed. [1 Kings 3:5-15]

Solomon became the wisest of all men. [1 Kings 4:29-34] He is the major author of the book of Proverbs and is the author of the book of Ecclesiastes. Both books are packed with astounding wisdom. Ecclesiastes is basically an essay on life.

In the first chapter, Solomon addresses the vanity (emptiness) of life. The reason for this emptiness will be covered later. As a result of this discovery there is evidence of despondency as he wrote in Eccl 1:17-18

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Solomon realized that the more humanistic wisdom gained, the more sorrowful he became in his spirit. So he decided to pursue another route.

Next Solomon reveals what happened when he tested the true meaning of his great accomplishments in Eccl 2:1-17

1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. KJV

Solomon started out by seeking laughter and found it to be meaningless (vs. 2). He then turned to alcohol thinking that he could continue to pursue wisdom while indulging in wine (vs. 3).

Next, he went on to acquire material things (vss. 4-10).

In verse 11, he did an evaluation and looked at all he had accomplished only to discover that it was meaningless, with no profit; it was like chasing the wind and he was left with a feeling of emptiness.

In verse 12 we see that even though he was a king and on top of the world, he had a vexed spirit.

In verses 13 and 14 he discovered that wisdom is better than folly (foolishness) yet the wise and the foolish share the same outcome; “that one event” is death.

Since both will die, in verse 15 Solomon asks: since he will end up the same as the fool, what was the value of all his wisdom? He concluded that it was all so meaningless.

In verse 16 he also concluded that both the wise man and the fool would be forgotten and the wise man wouldn’t be remembered any longer than the fool.

In verse 17 King Solomon reached the drastic conclusion that he “hated life” because everything is meaningless. Imagine: the man that literally had it all—hated life!

Now this is a sad commentary on life isn’t it? Is it any wonder why there are so many miserable rich people in the world?

Now I mentioned earlier that the more humanistic wisdom Solomon gained, the more sorrowful he became in his spirit. There are two kinds of wisdom: Godly wisdom and the wisdom of the world. Humanistic wisdom is wisdom without God and it is the commonplace in the world today.

The world is very materialistic with the focus being on things and stuff; financial gain and the accumulation thereof. So much so that when this accumulation and this focus is halted, there’s nothing left but despair. We begin to hate life and some of us decide to end it.

So the reason for this despair, this desperation, this hopelessness; is life without God. Solomon came to the realization of this through his experience. Later he wrote in Eccl 3:11

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. NKJV

Solomon acknowledged that God has placed eternity in the hearts of man. Even though man lives in a world of time, we have Intimations or hints of eternity. Instinctively and unconsciously we think in terms of eternity or forever. But we just can’t figure it all out and when we limit our focus and place it entirely on the finite—the natural-material things we leave a void that cannot be filled. No amount of alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, movies, television, videos, travel, or work can fill this void. When we focus on these things, it’s like chasing the wind. It’s “vanity and vexation of spirit.”

The Answer to Despair

Is there an answer? Of course there is! Scripture gives us sound advice how to avoid this empty state.

Solomon reached the conclusive answer. But before we get to that lets look at some more Scriptural wisdom.

2 Cor 4:18

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

So the things, the stuff that I listed above are temporal-temporary and have limited value. When we die, we can’t take them with us. Even while we are living their value is temporary. Material things don’t last and we often lose interest in them before they cease to exist. Temporal things also include hardships, trials and sufferings which are also not to be our main focus making them our demise. We are to deal with them and keep it moving.

But the things that are unseen-the eternal things, such as Christ and our eternal destination; those are the things we are to focus on. With this mindset, we will not despair when the temporal things are threatened. Therefore, this void that God has placed in our hearts need to be filled with Christ—our Savior

Let’s look at some advice from the wisest man that ever walked the earth—Jesus!

First, we have a warning.  Luke 12:14

Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

I could write an entire article on this one verse alone!  Anyway, contained in this Scripture is a stern warning against covetousness which is an intense craving and desire for more and includes both material things and fleshly indulgence.  Jesus wants us to realize that life isn’t measured by how much we own; our possessions—a beautiful home, the latest clothes, a new car, property, money and  wealth.  While these things are nice to have, they are not the whole of life.  There are happy poor folks who are probably happier than the rich—as we saw with King Solomon.

This Spirit of covetousness has infiltrated the world and is a principal instrument in Spiritual Warfare.  But just as we reboot our computers for a fresh start, we must reboot our minds and flush out this spirit.  For more on Spiritual Warfare, read the article: All About Spiritual Warfare.

Next we have some advice.

Matt 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Jesus is addressing the fact that there is no security in material things. Material things can be destroyed by elements of nature (moth or rust), weather, corona virus, etc. and are poor investments. The best investments are treasures in heaven because they are the only ones that are not subject to loss. The treasure we put our trust in is where our hearts are.

We must keep in mind that we cannot do both completely for Jesus said in Matt 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mammon represents money and the natural things it buys. We cannot put our sole focus on both—period.

So after all was said and done, Solomon reached a conclusion and ended his essay on life.

Eccl 12:13-14

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Bottom line: our duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. Our duty is to keep our focus on that.

And to conclude with a Word from our sponsor—Jesus Christ: Matt 6:31-33

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

So brothers and sisters let us not despair but pray; let us not devalue our lives to the point that we deem them worthless because of our earthly circumstances. We must be wise and not be fools as the worldly.  But let us keep our focus on the things above: the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and not on things of the earth and He will take care of us. Amen.

Questions comments or concerns are welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

We are living in difficult times.  In fact there have always been difficult times.  But they have reached a crescendo with the Covid19 pandemic we are currently experiencing.  However, Christians have an advantage over the rest of the world.  We have access to a source that enables us to look beyond this and every other encounter of adversity we may face.  We have Hope.  But what is the reason for our hope?

What is Hope

Well, there are two meanings: the world’s and the Biblical.  The world’s definition is to want something to happen or be true; it is basically a wish without any belief or confirmation that it will materialize.  The Biblical meaning however, according to the Nelson’s Bible Dictionary: a confident expectancy. In the Scriptures, the word hope stands for both the act of hoping

and the thing hoped for.  Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assertion about things that are unseen and still in the future.

Hope sets apart the Christian from the unbeliever, who has no hope.  Scripture makes this clear when it references the prior state of individuals before accepting Christ in Eph 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Undeniably, a Christian is one in whom hope lives (1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 3:3). On the contrary to Old Testament hope, the Christian hope is far superior.  Heb 7:19 reads:

19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The law is the Old Testament which was introductory in that it prepared us with having knowledge of sin and that we needed a savior.  The New covenant (New Testament) ushered in a”better hope” because it assures us complete redemption and brings us into the very presence of God.

What is the Reason for Our Hope

Now that we know what hope is, what is the reason for our hope?  Scripture says that we must always be ready to give an answer for the reason of the hope in us.  [1 Pet. 3:13]

Our hope is in Jesus Christ.  As pointed out in the Scripture above (Heb. 7:19), before Christ we only had the Law which made us guilty and separated from God because nobody can keep the Law perfectly.  But with the arrival, death and resurrection of Jesus, we now have hope because we have been reconciled with God.  Let’s look at one more Scriptural confirmation of this great truth.  Rom 3:20-25

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

God sent forth Christ Jesus to be a propitiation (a sacrifice through an offering) for when we transgressed the Law in the past.  “all have sinned” everybody needs Christ.  But this hope only applies to, as verse 22 states: “upon all them that believe.” It’s all about faith.  For more on faith, read the article: What is Faith About.

The law condemns and convicts, it does not give the power to obey.  Only the Holy Spirit we receive by accepting Christ as Savior can give us the power to obey the law.

So it is by maintaining faith in Jesus that we have this hope, this expectation, this assurance, that we are free from the enslavement of sin and its consequences.

But, why?  Why do we need to be free from the enslavement sin?

What are We Hoping For

There are two things in our lives that are undeniable: death and taxes.  For the sake of this article, we are going to focus on the former: death.  For starters, death is certain and we need to cease being in denial of it.

Moving on, when death arrives, there is one destination: eternity (Heb 9:27).  But there are two directions to eternity: eternal life or eternal death (damnation).  Those of us who have faith in Jesus have the hope of eternal life with God.  Those who do not, the unbelievers, have the ultimate destiny of eternal death with Satan.  The former is heaven and the latter is hell.

Christians must keep their focus; their hope, on the ultimate destination—heaven.  We must keep this hope in spite of what is going on around us and what we may be going through.  In my observation, we do not maintain our focus on our ultimate destination.  Nowadays I rarely hear the word Heaven or hell for that matter.  Preachers and teachers aren’t preaching  and teaching it because it is not what people want to hear and they are becoming people pleasers instead messengers of God.  This has been prophesied in Scripture: 2 Tim 4:3 reads: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” Preachers and teachers need to take heed because there is a judgment awaiting those that lead the sheep astray (James 3:1).  That’s I’m going to say about that—for now—stay tuned.

There is an expression which says something to the effect: don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good.  But I also say: don’t be so earthly minded that you are no heavenly good.

The fact of the matter is we are so ingrained in our pasts (childhoods and experiences) and the present; the earthly things, that we totally lose our

focus on our heavenly destiny.  This is the work of Satan; to take us off course and it is so dangerous.  This is Spiritual Warfare.

Everything has a proper time and a proper place in our lives; including our trials and tribulations.  Scripture, as always, tells us the proper perspective we must have on our trials.

Let’s take a look: 2 Cor 4:14-18:

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul begins this encouragement (vss. 14 & 15) by focusing on the resurrection and the fact that the same God that raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us up and all of this is to the glory of God.

In verse 16, in spite of our earthly experiences, we never give up.  Even though we are dying on the outside, our spirits are being renewed every day—our trials strengthen us.

Paul describes our afflictions as light and short in comparison to eternity and they result in earning us a glory that outweighs them forever.

We are not to focus on the things that are seen or the troubles we see now.  We walk by faith, not by sight. [cf. 2 Cor. 5:7] But we are to focus on the things that cannot be seen: the eternal because they last forever.  This is where our primary focus should be—our eternal destiny.

So for the balance of this article, the focus is going to be on our ultimate destiny—Heaven!

 Our Ultimate Hope

We are now going to take a look at the book of Revelations—Yes Revelations—that mysterious book that no one wants to tackle because of the judgment it contains.  Here again you probably don’t hear may sermons or teachings from the book of Revelations.

So for a brief background, Revelations was written by the apostle John who was exiled to the island of Patmos as a result of persecution.  At this time Christians were undergoing intense persecution.  While in exile, he experienced a series of visions that depicted the end of the present age and the coming of God’s future kingdom.  Its mystique is the result of the use of images, symbols, and numbers.

After the judgments were completed, an angel escorted John to see the New Jerusalem.

Rev 21:10-27

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

So we see that the New Jerusalem will be a glorious city for it will have the splendor of a jasper stone.  Jasper is a stone that excels in splendor.  It is a stone of physical force and power.

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

We see here that the New Jerusalem will be a walled city with gates guarded by angels.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The New Jerusalem will be a city of untold stability with twelve foundations—wow!

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

The angel that was escorting John had a golden measuring stick to measure the city, it gates and walls.  The measurement was twelve thousand furlongs which is 1,500 miles in all three directions (width, height, length).  This city will be enormous!  Just for some perspective.  The span is from Main to Florida, and the Atlantic (in the US) to 600 miles west of the Mississippi.  The walls-1500 miles high!

And note that this is only Jerusalem and doesn’t include the rest of the new earth.

Remember there will be no seas in the new earth (Rev. 21:1) so there will be plenty of land mass around.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

Next, the angel measured the thickness of the walls and they were 144 cubits which is 216 feet.  Nothing will be able to penetrate these walls!

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

The city will be pure gold—so pure that it will be clear.  Imagine streets of pure gold!  No asphalt or concrete but gold—pure gold!

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Now remember in verse 14 there were twelve foundations and we see here that each foundation was made of a precious stone and they will be different colors.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

The high walls will have twelve gates made of pearls.  Each gate will consist of one huge pearl.  Talk about pearly gates!

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

There will be no temple for God and the lamb (the Son of God) will be present.  In the old earth, the temple represented the presence of the Lord, but with Him being present the temple won’t be needed.

Because of this presence of God and the lamb, their glory will provide plenty of light making the sun or the moonlight unnecessary.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

All of the righteous and the kings of the earth shall enter the city and no one of an impure nature shall enter the city but only the saved; the righteous which are written in the Lamb book of life.

This is a magnificent vision of what is to come.  Now just imagine, this is only the capital city; not the surrounding areas or where the righteous and “the kings of the earth” will reside.  After all Jesus said in John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”  I may not live in a mansion now, but I’m looking forward to the one in heaven!!

Let’s now go to 22:3 of revelations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

There will be no more curse. Remember the old earth was cursed because of the original sin which bought great trial to mankind.  But in the new earth, there will be no trials because there will be no more sin.  That means no more sickness, death (no more corona virus), crime, heartache or sorrow. There will be no further imperiling of the soul.  Everything will be perfect!

This is the reason of our hope; our heavenly hope.  To be able to witness this for ourselves; to be with and in the presence of our Lord—forever!

Scripture informs us that we (Christians) are strangers and pilgrims on earth. [1 Pet. 3:11]  Our citizenship is in heaven and we are only here for a short time.  Therefore we cannot allow what we experience here to be our main focus because our destiny is heaven—the new earth!

We must not allow Satan, the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2) to

distract us and take our focus off of our ultimate destiny.  And above all, we who follow Christ, must follow the advice  given to us in the Scriptures in Col 3:1-11:

3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. NLT

The Scripture says: “since you have been raised to new life with Christ.”  For any reader who has not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, take note of verse 6.  I urge you to do so immediately!

So…be encouraged brothers and sisters!  We must hold on to our hope in spite of what is going on!

We must continually press on toward the prize: heaven!

Questions, comments and concerns are fully welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

Is God and Jesus the same?  Is Jesus God?  These are questions that engage a lot of discussion.  During these difficult times it is of particular importance to understand as much as we can about Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Most of us in our knowledge of Jesus have only scratched the surface about Him.

A discussion of this sort is futile without consulting the Scriptures.  Therefore that is exactly where we are going.

One of the clearest explanations of who Jesus is in found in John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

The Scripture starts with: “In the beginning.”  So, when was the “beginning”?  This is a translation from the Greek word, En archē  [pronounced en ar-chay’] which means before there was a beginning. This is a statement of eternity; it doesn’t mean from the beginning but eternity past.  God is preexistent and has no beginning, He just was and just is
and just will be.

So “in the beginning was the Word.”
 The word “Was” in this passage is translated from the Greek word ēn [pronounced heyn] which is often used to express deity.  It means to be or I am. To be means everlasting existence, without commencement or basis.  God used this term as reference to Himself when He was commissioning Moses. [Exodus 3:14]

So we see that from eternity past, God who has always been in continuous existence was “the Word.”  The “word”
represents the course of action by which God makes Himself known, proclaims His will, and brings about His purposes.  It was the commanding Word of God that brought creation into existence (Genesis 1:3), and destroyed the world through the flood (Genesis 6:7), announced impending and future acts of judgment (Exodus 9:20-21, I Kings 2:27), as well as His commitments and promises to His blessings (Genesis 15: 1, 4) and even particular instructions (Joshua 8:27).

To sum this up, the “Word” is God’s expressed will.  Therefore this “Word was with God.” And “the Word was God.” The word “with” is translated from the Greek word pros [Pronounced: pros] and carries the meaning of both being with and acting toward.  Therefore (the Word) was both with God and acting with God in total agreement.

And verse 2 ties this thought up by saying “ The same was in the beginning with God.  The eternal God and the eternal Word existed from eternity past.

Verse3 addresses God’s sovereignty in creation.  “all things were made by him.”  If it isn’t verbalized by God’s Word; if it doesn’t come from the mouth of God it simply won’t exist.

Verses 4-13 go on to address the arrival of Christ and then we come to verse14 which reads:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

So here we have it.  “The Word was made flesh.”  This is the manifestation of Christ.  “The Word;“ the same “Word” in verse 1 was made flesh and blood.  This is God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.   He became a man.  No greater message could ever be announced to man.

So we see that Christ is preexistent. This means He was there before creation. He has always existed with God.  He was and is face to face with God forever.  God’s speaking of His Word reached a pinnacle in the sending forth of His Son.

Here we witness in Scripture how God and Jesus is the same.  But Scripture confirms itself so we’ll look at more confirmation of this fact.  Col 1:12-15

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

In this passage, Paul is encouraging the Colossians to be thankful to God for the gospel of His Son Jesus that has delivered redemption trough the shedding of His blood which allows for the forgiveness of our sins.

Next he addresses Christ’s preeminence.  Verses 15-18 reads:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The Greek word translated “image” eikōn [pronounced i-kone’] means the exact image, the very person of God. It means that Jesus Christ was the very depiction of God—God in every respect. It means that Jesus Christ was the perfect manifestation or revelation of God.  God is unseen, but Jesus has revealed God to the world. He reveals God by being the exact image, as the perfect depiction of God.

He is the “firstborn of every creature.”  There are teachings that use this phase to base the doctrine that Jesus was a created being.  However that is baseless since John 1:1 states: “…and the Word was God.” And John 1:14 states:  “and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”  

Firstborn means: priority, superiority, preeminence, supremacy. Firstborn in this context is Jesus Christ is above all things. Therefore the word “firstborn” does not mean that Jesus Christ was the first created being of the universe. It means that He was in existence before all creation and is the Supreme Being of the universe.

Verse 16 confirms Jesus’ sovereignty in creation: “all things created” “were created by him, and for him.”  This is the same proclamation stated in John 1:3 in reference to God.  Therefore, Jesus in conjunction with God is the creator of “all things.”  This illuminates Genesis 1:26 where it reads: “And God said, Let us make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…: 

So, who was He speaking to? God was speaking to Christ His Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  This is the Godhead; the Trinity.  For more on the trinity click the article: All About the Trinity.

There are more revelations in this passage (perhaps in a future article) but the point for now: Jesus is the perfect revelation of God because He is the Word and He is God.

Phil 2:5-8

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

This passage illuminates the humility of God.  Jesus Christ is the supreme example of humility. To sum up this up, the passage says that Jesus Christ is God, nevertheless He humbled Himself and became Man to save humanity.  Jesus Christ is the Person who dwelt in all the glory of perfection, but He humbled Himself and came to this corruptible world.

Just think of the enormous step down that Jesus had to take to become a Man. It is utterly impossible for us to comprehend the humility it took.  However, this is exactly what He did.

Let’s look at some acknowledgements Christ Himself made of His deity.

John 10:30:

I and my Father are one.

Here Jesus was staking His claim before the Jews.  The claim of Jesus was that He is “One” with God, specifically, He is God Himself. But Jesus was not claiming to be the same person as God. The word “one.” means thing, not person.  Jesus is of the very same thing, of the very same substance as God.  He was claiming to have the same nature of God, to be One with God…in nature, substance, essence, being, power and glory.

There is no doubt  that this is exactly what Jesus was claiming.  His claim was perfectly understood by those standing around Him as indicated in the verses that follow (vss. 32-33). They wanted to stone Him for blasphemy.

Col 2:8-10

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

This was Paul’s warning to the Colossians to not be influenced the false teachings of men instead of Christ’s.  Because in Christ was God and we are complete in our union with Him because He is the head of every ruler authority.

One more: John 14:8-11

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Anyone having problems understanding the union of God and Christ should not despair.  The disciples didn’t either until they were indwelt with the Holy Spirit.  But here we have the unmistakable testimony from the Man Himself: “I am in the Father, and the Father in me.”

Jesus Christ is not the same Person as God the Father, but He has the same perfect nature. Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person in the trinity. Therefore, the person who has seen Jesus Christ has seen the Father in all the fullness of the Father’s nature—that person has seen in Jesus the very embodiment of perfection, the perfect embodiment of Being, both perfect love and perfect righteousness.

God was inside Jesus, and Jesus was inside God. This can be called the joint Indwelling Presence of God and Christ, each dwelling in the other. This simply means that each has the nature and being, the Spirit and Mind of the other. Each has the Presence, the very Being and Spirit of the other dwelling within Him perfectly.

Note the point Jesus was making. The proof that He was the manifestation of God, that He was the One who came to earth to reveal God, is clear: God’s presence is not only with
Him; God’s presence is in Him. He Himself is God. He Himself; His Person, His Being, His nature, His character, His love, His care, His just dealings, all that He was—revealed exactly what God is. Note also that Jesus asked Philip a question: “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?”

The conclusion: Jesus Christ is the express image, the exact representation, the perfect manifestation, the very Person of God Himself. There is no other person who can bring us near God nor any other life-style to follow in

reaching God. Jesus Christ is the Sovereign Majesty of the universe who came to earth as God to save men.  And as Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 [cf. 1 John 5:20]

Amen!

All questions, comments and concerns are welcomed below.  I am waiting to answer and address them.

Blessings!