Be Ye Perfect

[Michael The Disciple]

There are those who understand that God not only loves us enough to save us and give us a position as sons of God, but has also provided everything we need to live as overcomers.

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(2Pet.2:2-4)

Yes and I am one of them!

Then there are those who believe they must save themselves and become quite offended if someone would suggest otherwise. There is no rest for someone who is focused on gaining a standing with God, because it is impossible for us to gain a righteous standing apart from that which is received only through faith in Jesus Christ.

I do not focus on GAINING a standing with Christ. But I am concerned with MAINTAINING IT. The teachings of men are that if you continue in sin and do not live an overcoming life your STANDING does not change with Yeshua.

This has typically been known as "once saved always saved".

No response yet to the words Yeshua spoke to the believers in Sardis. Did he tell them their STANDING with him would not change even tho they had defiled their garments?

4: Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 3:4-5

Notice that Yeshua reserves the right to CHANGE OUR STANDING with him. Those who dont overcome are threatened with being blotted out of the book of life.

This principle is found in many ways in scripture. Here is one more.

2: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

IN ME means IN CHRIST. If one is IN HIM and does not bear fruit he TAKES THEM AWAY. He subtracts their name from the book of life.

This means he is letting us know there are consequences for those who are unfruitful tho they are presently IN HIM.

Thats why I am offended by the teaching that our STANDING with Yeshua is not affected by our conduct. It makes people trust in a lie and many have no doubt perished in sin because of such teaching.