LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD 2

14 THE sinners in Jerusalem shake with fear. Terror seizes the godless. “WHO CAN LIVE WITH THIS DEVOURING FIRE?” they cry. “WHO CAN SURVIVE THIS ALL-CONSUMING FIRE?”
15 THOSE WHO ARE HONEST and FAIR, who REFUSE TO PROFIT BY FRAUD, who STAY FAR AWAY FROM BRIBES, who REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THOSE WHO PLOT MURDER, who SHUT THEIR EYES to all ENTICEMENT TO DO WRONG."
Isaiah 33:14,15 (NLT)

• I have heard it said by some that God does not punish those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour; the proponents of such ideology or doctrine usually substantiate their views with a number of Bible passages:
THAT there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
THAT there is no one to bring a charge against God's elect, to condemn them (Romans 8:33,34).
THAT nothing can separate the elect from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35).

• But those who said this, usually quote those Scriptures which they used out of context. An example, that Romans 8:1 says: "THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO DO NOT WALK ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, BUT ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT."

• The believers who would not be condemned are those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1).
The believers who are still walking in, or according to, the flesh would face the wrath of God (Colossians 3:6) and eventually not have a place in God's Kingdom: "ENVY, MURDERS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELRIES, AND THE LIKE [works of the flesh]; OF WHICH I TELL YOU BEFOREHAND, JUST AS I ALSO TOLD YOU IN TIME PAST, THAT THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS [the works of the flesh] WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (Galatians 5:21 NKJV).

• The Bible also says those who do not judge themselves would be judged and condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31,32). In other words, a believer who did not condemn himself or herself would find themselves condemn with the world.
• Judging and condemning yourself in part, is the mortification of the flesh (Colossians 3:5). Crucifying of the flesh with Its passions or affections and desires or lusts (Galatians 5:24).
• A believer who walks in the gratification of the flesh, who mortifies not or puts to death not his or her body (Colossians 3:5), and Judges not himself or herself, would have themselves condemn with the world—the unbelievers (1 Corinthians 11:31,32).
• The fact that we are at the dispensation of grace does not give a believer any licence to live habitually in sin (Romans 6:1,2).

• God still corrects and chastises, even in the new testament (Hebrews 12:5-8).

• Judgement, discipline, and punishment are not peculiar to the old testament, but the believers in Christ Jesus, in the new testament, who misses it will be judged, or chastised, or disciplined.
• Some believers are under God's monitoring or supervision for punishment or suffering. A legitimate believer in Christ Jesus would not go Scot free without chastisement If he or she misses it: "NOW IF YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM CORRECTION AND WITHOUT DISCIPLINE, IN WHICH ALL [of God’s children] SHARE, THEN YOU ARE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN AND NOT SONS [at all]" (Hebrews 12:8 Amps).
• In other words, a believer who is not being corrected or disciplined when erred is not a bonafide child of God, such is illegitimate. Such is not among the beloved of God. This shows that If you claimed to be born-again and you lived habitually in sin, you are without any remorse for your doings, and not chastised; It means you are still far from God.

• Living right and being pure is a major condition to walk with God.

• Whoever wants to serve God, and most importantly wants to work for Him, should keep themselves clean (2 Timothy 2:19-21).
• If you did not work in agreement with the Holy Spirit to meet up with the standard set by God, you may not rise in the Kingdom.
• Your ultimate desire as a believer should always be the knowing of God's will and the doing of it. Every area of your life should be centered on pleasing God (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Peter 4:1,2).
• A believer who habitually lives in sin would have his or her understanding darkened and their vision blurry. Holiness or walking in the light of God's Word gives you an access and opens your eyes of understanding to see and know God's will and plan for your life (James 1:22-25; 1 Peter 1:15,16; Ephesians 1:17,18).
• The core of Christianity is communion or fellowshipping with God. And this gives you access to know the hidden treasures, secrets, and mysteries of the Kingdom. This intimacy with God is born out of love for Him.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

• If you are having any sickness in your body as you read this piece, receive your healing now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
• I declare that you are healed of any form of infirmity in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
  Peace!
  TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION
• Take notice of this:
IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).
a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).
b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).
c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

• If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!