The Daily Word of Righteousness

Judgment and Rewards, #6

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (I John 3:14,15)

The "believer" who is practicing the sins of the flesh is not abiding in eternal life nor is eternal life abiding in him. He is abiding in eternal death, in the life of Hell. He is living close to the fire of God's wrath.

He is not being forgiven because he is not confessing and forsaking his sins. Walking in the lusts of the flesh is not the true Christian life, neither is it the way of eternal life. Any person who claims to be abiding in Christ and is continuing in sin is a liar.

The truth of Christ is not in him.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (I John 2:4)

Such an individual is dwelling in eternal death while he or she yet is alive physically on the earth professing to be a saint of God.

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. (I Timothy 5:6)

The true saint acts, speaks, and thinks in a godly, holy manner. He or she is making progress in godliness every day.

Any teaching that is contrary to this is delusion and death. The churches of God, as has been true throughout the Christian Era, are in rebellion against God and are trusting in the teaching and preaching of false apostles. We have made the Word of God of no effect by our traditions.

The day of reckoning is here for the Christian churches.

What is the relationship of our "accepting" Christ to the judgment and recompense that follow the awakening of our physical body from its sleep in the dust of the ground?

Does our assent to the truth of the atonement and resurrection affect the judgment and the recompense to such an extent that they no longer are to be regarded as significant determinants of our destiny? The hastiest review of the writings of the Apostles will reveal they hardly taught that!

Well then, what relationship does the atoning blood of Christ have to the judging and recompensing of the believer in Christ?

He who places his trust in the atoning blood of Christ comes under the protection of the God of Heaven. He is pardoned by the Father. His sins are cast behind God's back.

He will continue to be protected and pardoned throughout his lifetime on the earth provided he chooses each day to walk prayerfully in God's will. He cannot go forth sinning willfully and continue to be protected and pardoned by the Lord.

It is at this point that the author departs from the current tradition. The current tradition holds that the individual who professes belief in Christ will continue to be protected and pardoned whether or not he chooses to walk in God's will each day. This is how "grace" is being defined by many. We are teaching that this is incorrect.

To be continued.