Sin will not let go!

Regarding the liberty available for humanity’s bondage to sin, the act of deliverance is certain. John 3:16. But what is just as certain for the one who makes the declaration, “I have decided to follow Jesus…” is, a battle is on the horizon. Sin will not just allow you to walk away without a fight. Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 

As a sharer of the Gospel, we must appreciate the importance of sharing this truth as we share the freedom found in Jesus Christ. We must accept that upon hearing, many will not be impressed with the Gospel and simply will not hear with understanding.

If the message we preach is, follow Jesus and all your troubles will melt away, there will be no more agony in life, trials, or misfortunes and no changes need to be made, a multiplicity of hearers will respond. That message will draw the masses. However, that message is not biblical, not even a little bit. In fact, it so foreign to scripture that one must add, take away and manipulate scripture in such a fashion that they slaughter the wonderful words of life recorded in the Bible. For instance, Jesus told His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

After being stoned and left for dead in Acts 14, Paul arose the next morning, departed to Derbe with Barnabas and “…when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22) Paul encouraged his hearers to continue in the faith. Why? Because we must, (it is necessary that) through much tribulation (we) enter into the kingdom of GOD.” A quick survey of the book of Acts bears out this truth. The phrase “through much tribulation” would characterize the journey to heaven for those known as the delivered. Nevertheless, the faithful persevered and stayed the course.

It is true that many will not listen. It is true that the adversary will continue to prowl seeking to devour. It is true that sin’s strong hold on humanity will remain strong. All these things being true, we must be resolute and put on the panoply of GOD; equipping ourselves to take on the evil unrelenting oppressor. Because what is likewise true is, the blood bought Christian has victory in Jesus.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1st Peter 4:12-13