Ephesians 5:11, 13-14--And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."
Exposing darkness is never easy, but always necessary. Like a doctor telling a patient that they are struck with cancer, bound for death if changes are not made immediately, so is the minister that sheds light in an area that is filled with sin. I find no joy in correcting those that are in error, but I find extreme joy in knowing that God's "children walk in truth." III John 4 May this article, and others that follow, spur you to search out the Scriptures, testing yourself, seeing if what you believe is based on your opinion, or God's Word.
In last weeks paper a memorial was given for the passing of an individual. In the closing remarks, this was said, "(he) never talked about his religion, and Sundays were often just another day to him. But I truly believe that Heaven has a place for him." Is this true? Is it possible? Is it based on Scripture? I use this example not to point out an individual, but a teaching and mindset that has found its way into the church. Such teaching has occurred in many churches and funeral homes over the years. It is one that promises others that heaven is a place for anyone, no matter the life they lived. It upsets and frustrates me to see those that are to be grounded in God's Word lead so many down the path of destruction. Many that could be truly lead towards heaven instead leave the funeral service with an unfounded hope that they are o.k. It is blasphemy and those that teach it will be held accountable. Ministers attempt to appease and comfort man at the expense of discrediting and distorting God's Word. Galatians 1:10 says,"..do I seek to please man? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." The duty of a minister is to preach the Truth, no matter who likes it, because he realizes that his goal is to please the Father and not fickle man. When the gospel of Christ is elevated unashamedly, those that desire new life will come(though few in number--Matt. 7:14) and those that get offended will turn away. So, what is the truth about who goes to heaven?
You must repent. John the Baptist said it(Matt. 3:2), Jesus preached it(Matt. 4:17), Peter proclaimed it(Acts 2:38) and Paul pronounced it(Acts 17:30) as essential for anyone desiring to come to Christ. As John MacArthur points out, this is not a "mere academic change of mind, nor simply regret or remorse." This is a radical change in one's desire. And it is not a change that will be, nor can be hidden from others. It is an over joyous experience that one's heart has been changed from desiring to please oneself, to desiring to please God.
Let me express two things about repentance that every individual should know. #1 Repentance is not a one time occurrence, it is ongoing. A true believers sin will be exposed regularly through his reading of God's Word and fellowship with other believers, causing him to continually cry out to God for forgiveness and mercy.
#2 When one truly repents, righteousness will follow. John the Baptist, when speaking to the multitudes that came to be baptized, commanded them to bear fruits worthy of repentance. (Luke 3:7-8) A similar statement is made by Paul in Acts 26:20. As John MacArthur points out, "genuine repentance is inseparably linked to a changed lifestyle." We have been made to believe that one can be saved and continue living the lifestyle they did before salvation. It is not true!!! Let God be true and every man a liar. (Romans 3:4) By teaching such a doctrine we have totally disregarded Scripture. II Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if you are in Christ, you are a new creation, old things have passed away. Matthew 7:20 tells us that you will be able to distinguish true believers from the fake by looking at their fruit. If you are saved, your life will be a continual process of laying off your old self, and putting on the new.
Let me close by saying this, my desire is that you know the truth, because God's Word says, "you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free."(John 8:32) I desire for you to be free from the deception that is promoted and truly repent and wholeheartedly seek to follow in His steps. By doing so, you will guarantee yourself a home in heaven(otherwise your home will be hell).
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