1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Colossians 3:8-10 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
It’s easy to think of repentance as merely feeling sorry for our mistakes or asking for forgiveness. But Scripture shows us that true repentance goes much deeper. The Greek word often used for repentance, metanoia, means a complete transformation of mind and heart. It results in a 180-degree turn in direction.
Notice how Paul paints this picture in Ephesians 4:28:
Stop the old habit:“Let him that stole steal no more…”
Start the new pattern:“…but rather let him labour, working with his hands…”
Fulfill the new purpose:“…that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
Repentance isn’t just dropping a bad behavior; it is replacing a self-centered pattern with a Christ-centered one. The thief who used to take from others to serve himself becomes a generous giver who works to serve others. That is the power of being a new creature in Christ.
Do We See This Today?
In a world that often measures success by what we acquire, genuine repentance stands out like a beacon. Today, it’s easy to reduce faith to a simple intellectual agreement: believing about Jesus without letting Him transform our lives.
While salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, saving faith never stands still. When the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, our old desires gradually pass away, and new ones take their place, revealing Christ’s nature within us. True repentance isn’t a one-time event we check off a list; it is a daily, humble posture that produces righteous results.
When we yield to Christ each day, turning away from our selfish inclinations and stepping toward His holiness, we honor Him. We show a watching world that Jesus isn’t just a fire insurance policy for the future, but a living Saviour who changes who we are right now.
Reflection & Prayer
Pray:Lord Jesus, thank You for making me a new creation. Help me to walk in that truth today. Forgive me where I have fallen short, and grant me the grace to repent daily—turning away from my selfish ways and turning toward Your love, so that my life may honor You and bless those in need. Amen.
Reflect: Is there an area in your life where God is asking you not just to stop an old habit, but to actively replace it with something good and generous?
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
What was the “something” that pulled Lot’s wife back? It’s a haunting question. We see a city of judgment, but she saw her family, her neighborhood and her daily life. That pull of nostalgia and regret is a human experience we all go through. However, as believers, there comes a point where we have to hit the brakes. We must stop the cycle of looking back and realize that what lies ahead is far more vital than what we’re leaving behind.
Becoming “born again” is more than a title; it’s a heart transplant. The barrier that once kept us in the dark is removed, and the Holy Spirit makes His home in our deepest selves. He immediately starts the work of pivoting our perspective, turning our “worldly to-do list” into a spiritual calling. As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself: what is currently taking priority in your heart?
Like Lot’s wife, many of us struggle with the pull of the past. If you find yourself distracted by what you left behind, you may be hindering the Spirit’s prodding to change you. Jesus made it clear: looking back while plowing makes one unfit for the Kingdom. It’s a matter of the heart; a heart not fully turned to God will eventually turn back to the world. Imagine trying to drive a tractor while staring out the rear window—you’ll never maintain a straight line. Progress requires a forward gaze. Lot’s wife wasn’t ignorant of the coming judgment, but her “last-ditch effort” to glimpse what she still loved ended in a tragic, final cost.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Live with your gaze toward the horizon, anticipating Christ’s return and our Blessed Hope in the Rapture. Don’t allow the heavy cares of this world to break your focus or pull you away from the work He has called you to do. Keep plowing; the harvest is near.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Paul was the ultimate exhorter. If anyone had a “good” old life to miss, it was him—he had power, respect, and position as a Pharisee. But Paul didn’t look back. He used his ministry to show the brethren that the only direction for a believer is forward and up. He traded his history for a heavenly hope.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The world is largely unaware that, for them, this life is as good as it gets. They are living their “best life” right now. But for the born-again believer, this current life is actually the worst we will ever experience. Why? Because we know that a far greater, perfect place has been prepared for us in eternity!
John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Friend, unless you are born again, you cannot fully understand these verses. But to the believer, these are exciting words. They encourage us to look ahead because we know what is to come. If you are not born again, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
Psalm 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
What does someone do when there are people in your life who make your life so uncomfortable? We often hear those stories during holiday meal times where everyone is on edge, and people live in fear of those very things that could spoil the joyous occasion. Tensions can rise quickly, turning the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and awkward glances. It’s not like one can simply bow out of the event without creating further drama, so how does one effectively handle these challenging situations? The key may lie in preparation and perspective; understanding the dynamics at play can be crucial in maintaining one’s peace. More importantly, what does God’s Word have to say about it? The Scriptures offer insights and wisdom on how to approach conflicts, encouraging us to cultivate patience and kindness in the face of these situations. How can we overcome and soar as eagles, as the Bible suggests, finding strength in our faith and resilience to get above these uncomfortable interactions? Through prayer, seeking guidance, and embodying the grace taught in Scripture, we can cope with these moments with dignity and love.
The first reaction is to get upset and speak our minds, allowing our emotions to take charge of our responses. However, let’s take a moment to pause and see what the Bible has to say about such situations. Please read the following verses with genuine intent and purpose, and an open heart. They are meant to guide us through our feelings and lead us to a deeper understanding. If you truly want to have a spiritual awakening in this area, then humbly ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow and develop in this area of your life. Embrace the journey of the transforming power of God (2 Corinthians 5:17), as it may require patience and practice, but trust that with the Spirit’s guidance, we can learn to respond with love and wisdom rather than anger.
(Proverbs 15:1) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
(James 1:19-20) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
(Romans 12:18) If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
(Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Putting these verses into practice is like working out at the Holy Spirit’s spiritual-growth gym, where each session strengthens our inner selves and deepens our faith. We must exercise that spiritual-growth muscle, continually pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones and embracing the challenges that come our way. Just as physical fitness requires dedication and persistence, spiritual growth also demands a committed approach to learning, prayer, and reflection. Growth does not happen overnight – it’s an ongoing spiritual workout, filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks, all of which contribute to our overall growth in Christ and understanding of our purpose in life. In this spiritual gym, every effort, no matter how small, builds toward a stronger spiritual walk with the Lord. After all, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is to make us more like Jesus!
(2 Corinthians 3:18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Practice … practice … practice!!!
(Romans 8:37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
From the moment we are truly born again, our salvation is guaranteed, providing us with an unshakeable foundation of hope and security. We cannot lose it, for it is not based on our own actions or decisions; rather, it is a gift from God that we cannot give up under any circumstances. Just as a baby can’t crawl back into the mother’s womb and be unborn, nor can a true born-again believer be unborn again! This truth reassures us that once we have received the grace of salvation through faith, it is forever ours, empowering us to live with confidence and purpose as we strive to reflect the love and light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Today’s verse says that God gives His truly born-again child the earnest of the Spirit. What does that mean? The word “earnest” in Greek is defined as a guarantee or security:
arrhabōn ar-hrab-ohn’ Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: – earnest.
Jesus purchased our redemption with His very own blood, shed on that cross at Calvary, an act of love and sacrifice that changed the course of history. It is that blood, symbolizing the ultimate price paid for humanity, that brings the forgiveness of our sins and gives security of our salvation through Him. Through His suffering, He demonstrated a commitment to us, not only reconciling us with God but also offering eternal life. This precious blood serves as a constant reminder of His grace and mercy, assuring us that no sin is too great to be forgiven for those who truly repent and believe in His name. With each drop that fell, the weight of our sins was lifted, and a new covenant of hope and renewal was established, inviting us to walk in relationship with our Creator. The moment I prayed and accepted Christ as my Saviour, I literally felt a tremendous weight lift from my shoulders.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
That very same purchase also has a promise attached to it. It is the promise of receiving Christ’s Holy Spirit into our lives. It is this promise that seals us until we die or are raptured!
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
People who claim they got saved but yet their lives have never changed, are not truly born again. When a born-again believer sins, it eats him up! The convicting power of the Holy Spirit digs deep within the believer, and we feel far worse about our sin than the unbeliever. It is the Holy Spirit’s convicting power in our lives that cause us to follow Christ through our walk.
If this does not describe your walk with the Lord, check out your salvation. Reflect deeply on whether it was merely the result of satisfying someone’s church numbers, a checkbox filled out without true transformation. Did it bring about a genuine repentance of your sins, leading you to confront the weight of your sins with honesty? This kind of repentance is not a mere act; it should echo within your heart, stirring up a desire for change. When we truly repent, we open ourselves to the power of God’s grace, allowing it to guide us in a journey of renewal and a closer relationship with Him. Embrace this opportunity for a deeper understanding of faith and a more profound commitment to your spiritual journey.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Can you say that your life reflects the verses above? Many believe that you can lose your salvation. However, the verses in this post most definitely say others … that is, if you are truly born again. If you are doubting whether you got saved or not, start over … make sure! If you know that you are not saved, please follow this link and it will take you to Bible verses that will define salvation and show you how to be born again.
(2 Corinthians 13:5) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
It’s always a good idea to examine our bodies to make sure that we are healthy. We visit the dermatologist annually to check every inch of our bodies for cancerous growths. We go for an annual physical to thwart off any possible problems. But what about our walk with the Lord?
The Apostle Paul was dealing with a very carnal church when he addressed the Corinthians. They were surrounded by idolatry and most of the church came out of that lifestyle when they got saved. Notice that I say “most.” The church is filled with members that are spiritually sick; they are in search of some kind of healing. At some point, we all are, amen? Jesus said He didn’t come for the righteous but for those that were sinners. This is the importance of attending church. We all need to be exhorted to live a righteous life. But what about those members who sit there Sunday after Sunday and do not seem to care about their spiritual growth?
Paul encourages us to examine our spiritual life. He wants you to make sure that your salvation is based solely on Christ and not on the traditions of the world.
Examine – The Greek word examine means “to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: – assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.” People who claim to have gotten saved but yet live and sin like they did prior to salvation, need to do this self-examination. Are you growing more like Christ with each passing day? Is that your desire? Do you spend time in your Bible in order to find out how to be like Him? Question your walk, Christian. Is your purpose to serve Him or to serve yourself? I once knew a person who joined the church merely to get names so he could grow his personal business. That is serving yourself. When you objectively look at your walk with the Lord, it is without bias. Do so as if you are grading another pupil’s exam. Look for those things in your life that are not according to Scripture. Be objective, not defensive!
Prove – The Greek word prove means “to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: – allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.” It’s similar to “examine” but this one adds icing on the cake. The Bible tells me that life is precious and that God fashioned (made) each and every one of us. Do I support the right for a woman to choose whether or not she should keep her unborn child even though I would not personally abort my child? This is one test that can be literally applied to one’s own life. Just because I would not commit such an act, doesn’t mean I should support that sin in someone else’s life. That is proving my faith.
Know – When Jesus Christ comes to reside within us at the moment of our salvation, we leave the life of sin and enter a life of righteous living through Jesus Christ. We should no longer desire the sinfulness of our old life. Granted, we still live in the same body and will be tempted to continue in some of those old sins. This is where obedience to God’s Word is key. As we obey His Word, we sin less and less. We give up that old life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and live a new life in Christ.
Examine yourselves! See where there’s room for improvement in your walk with Christ, as this self-reflection is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit will guide you in this and He will shed a light on areas that need your attention. If you do not have a desire to examine yourself, something’s wrong, and it may indicate you need to go back to ground zero and check out whether you are actually saved or not. That is exactly the reason Paul told the Corinthians to do so; he understood the challenges they faced in a society far removed from the teachings of Christ. Remember the environment they came from, steeped in sin that could easily sway believers from their path. It’s vital to regularly reassess our lives and align them with the teachings of Christ. Doing so deepens our relationship with Him and our commitment to our faith.
If you have stumbled onto this page and wish to know how to be saved, please follow this link and it will lead you to the Scriptures explaining how you can be saved!
How often have you sung this beautiful hymn and yet not really known the profound power that is in the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed on the cross at Calvary? How can you sing this song and not shed tears, knowing the depth of His sacrifice for our salvation? The longer I am saved, the more I grieve over the sins in my life, the transgressions that separated me from such grace! It is MY sin that caused the precious Lamb of God to be slaughtered, and each time I reflect on this truth, my heart aches. This realization drives me to a deeper understanding of His love, a love that sought me when I was lost and unworthy. His sacrifice only magnifies the importance of repentance and a heart truly transformed, allowing me to appreciate the full impact of His incredible mercy and the eternal life that His blood has secured for all who believe. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
When we truly realize just how sinful we are, we begin to see the overwhelming purpose of Christ’s coming to earth! What was His mission? He came so that we might have salvation, offering hope and redemption to all of humanity. He understood our struggles, our temptations, and our weaknesses; He knew we could not do it on our own. In our own efforts, we fall short time and time again, and He recognized that we could never be good enough to enter Heaven’s gate. That, my friend, is why Christ came—to create that bridge between our sinful nature and the born-again child of God. A love so deep that He was willing to die for us. His journey to the cross signifies not just His willingness to endure suffering, but His commitment to restore our relationship with God, reminding us that no matter how lost we may feel, there is always that path back to grace and redemption.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
There is no other power on this earth that can accomplish this mission. NONE! You will never find it. It’s senseless to look! This power is life-changing and it transforms beyond measure! Once you wholeheartedly commit your life to Christ and truly accept the fact that He died for you personally, you find that you can’t possibly go back to that life of sin that once held you in its grips. Sin, which used to seem like such a part of your life, now becomes a conscious choice, where before salvation you felt as though you had no choice at all. It’s as if a veil has been lifted, revealing that you can genuinely say no to sin because you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist temptation. You now can live a life marked by freedom,righteousness and purpose. This newfound strength helps you to navigate through life’s challenges with confidence and assurance.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
If you know this from the bottom of your heart, deep within, then sing this song and see if you can make it to the end without tears! If you have sinned, praise the Lord we have a Saviour who forgives us. (1 John 1:9)
There is Power in the Blood – By Lewis E. Jones (1899)
1 Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain: There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb; there is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.
2 Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide. There’s wonderful power in the blood. [Refrain]
3 Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow; there’s wonderful power in the blood. [Refrain]
4 Would you do service for Jesus your King? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Would you live daily His praises to sing? There’s wonderful power in the blood. [Refrain]
Friend, if you have not accepted Christ as your Saviour, and received that forgiveness of sin through the power of His shed blood, follow this link and read the Scriptures. Accept His precious salvation, for which He gave His life for!
(2Co 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(Luk 9:62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
I have often wondered why Lot’s wife turned around to look back. What was there that would give her that overwhelming desire to do so? Was there something in her city that she regretted leaving behind? We think of Sodom and Gomorrah as morally depraved. However, Mrs. Lot was leaving her home, her friends, and everything familiar behind. Haven’t we all been through a similar situation? This is where a believer has to put on the brakes and come to a screeching halt in his/her life.
Once a person is truly born again, certain things happen to the heart. The heart (seat of man’s emotions) was once covered with a veil, if you will. After salvation, that veil is removed and the light of the Blessed Saviour’s Holy Spirit makes His dwelling there. The Holy Spirit then begins His work changing what once was a worldly priority to a spiritual priority. So where are your priorities?
Are you like Mrs. Lot where you miss some aspects of your old life? Are those things you miss distracting you from the Holy Spirit’s prodding to transform you? Jesus said in Luke 9:62 that if you put your had to the plough and look back, you’re not fit for the kingdom of God. In other words, if you hear the good news of the Gospel but your heart is not truly converted, you will look back! Think about how plowing was done. John Deere’s tractors plow through fields in no time. If the driver is looking behind him, the rows won’t be very straight, will they? The driver has to look ahead and not behind in order to achieve his goals. I dare say Mrs. Lot knew why the angels were pulling her family out of Sodom and Gomorrah. She knew her city was to be destroyed. Her last-ditch effort to look back to what she loved cost her dearly!
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look forward to Christ’s return and our Blessed Hope of the Rapture! Don’t let the cares of this world distract you from your plowing!
(Tit 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
The Apostle Paul was such an encourager and exhorter! Of all people, he had every reason to look back to the life style he had as a Pharisee. But he didn’t and spent his ministry exhorting the brethren to look forward and look up!
Php 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This lost world doesn’t even realize that they are living their best life at this moment in time. But to the born-again believer, we are living our worst moments in time because we have a greater place prepared for us!
Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Rom 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Friend, unless you are born again, you cannot fully understand these verses. But to the believer, these are exciting words. They encoourage us to look ahead because we know what is to come. If you are not born again, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
Luk 21:29-36 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; (30) When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. (31) So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. (32) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. (33) Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (34) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. (35) For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape ALL these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Jesus made it very clear that the end of the Church age would come when the fig tree shoots forth. There is a reason Jesus points out the fig tree along with all the trees. Why would he include the fig tree if He said “all the trees.” Doesn’t it stand to reason that there is something special about this particular tree? Why the fig tree? The study of “first mentions” reveals that the first time the fig tree was referred to would have significance. We see in Genesis 3:7 that Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves to cover their sinful nature, passing it along to every human being thereafter.
As well, we see that the fig tree refers to Israel in Hosea 9:10 and Joel 1:7:
Hos 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Joe 1:7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
Israel, the fig tree, habitually left God to serve other gods and it no longer bared fruit for the one true living God. Later, in the New Testament, we see it mentioned in Mark 11:13-14:
Mar 11:13-14 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. (14) And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Jesus points out that the fig tree would not produce fruit and man would not eat of it for ever. What fruit will mankind eat from then? It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fruit of His Spirit!
So back on topic, Israel (the fig tree) became a nation on May 14, 1948. This marks the beginning of the end of the age. Jesus said in our opening verses in Mark that this generation would not pass away before all was accomplished. We are that generation, reader! Jesus said: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape ALL these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Escape what? The answer is the “snare.” The Greek word for snare is “pagis” and is defined in Strong’s Concordance as:
pagis pag-ece’ From G4078; a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively a trick or stratagem (temptation): – snare
The Antichrist will most definitely trap the world with his deceptions, tricks and stratagem during the seven-year Tribulation period. But Jesus says that we can escape this trap. How? We know that to be included in the Church, one must be truly and authentically born again. A true born-again believer cannot be a nominal Christian. We see in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that the old sinful life and all parts of that sinful nature is replaced by a new life that desires the things of God. Once one is born again, he/she is a member of the Church, the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So how do we escape the Antichrist’s trap? We will be counted worthy to participate in the Rapture of the Church. (1 Corinthians 1:50-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) This escape is not an easy way out as many Christian scholars claim of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture belief. No, dear reader! This is a promise given to the body of Christ. (See Ephesians 1:14-23) We, the Church, are Christ’s body. He cannot allow His own body to go through the Tribulation, which is a time of God unleashing wrath. Romans 8:1 explicitly tells the Church that we are not under condemnation. The Greek word for condemnation and its definition are below:
katakrima kat-ak’-ree-mah From G2632; an adverse sentence (the verdict): – condemnation.
The Church is no longer under an adverse sentence of death with a destination of Hell. No indeed! We have been bought with the price of Christ’s shed blood.
1 Cor 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Cor 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Once we realize this, we can see how the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the only viewpoint that makes sense. Friend, you must be born again in order to participate, no matter what viewpoint you hold. Friend, if you are not born again, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
Rom 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Today’s topic has to do with disobedience. Is it me, or are there more disobedient children in our society? It makes me so sad when I see children left to their own devices and they rule the house with their tantrums. Rather than deal with teaching them and disciplining them at that moment, they are too tired and leave them alone. The problem with that is that no directions from Dad and Mom let the children know that your silence means accepting their behavior.
But today’s devotional is not about a child’s disobedience, although it fits in nicely. It’s about adults’ disobedience. Notice verses 29, 30 and 31! Look at all those sins! They are not normally committed by young children but by grown adults! Verse 32 even attributes it to those who know the judgment of God!!! Children do not know in the early years, but adults sure do.
Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 that disobedience to the Law, meaning the Ten Commandments, is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1-5), Paul says that these sins will increase in the end times. These warnings are not in the Bible for nothing, Reader. You must take heed to what God wants you to know! You commit these sins because you have not repented of your sin to be saved. Repentance is a reversal of one’s direction in life. When you were born, you inherited a sinful nature handed down to you by Adam and Eve. You don’t have to teach a toddler to do wrong because it is part of him from birth. You DO have to teach that toddler to do right. Jesus said:
Luk 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Friend, repentance means that you must consciously make a decision to follow Christ and His teachings. The Law, the Ten Commandments, prove to us that we are sinners because there is not a day that goes by in a person’s life where he doesn’t break at least one of those commandments. The first of those commandments is to love the Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul. Do you? Ding, ding, ding! You have broken one. Have you lied to someone today? Ding, ding, ding! There’s another. They add up after a while. But even if you only had ONE sin (which is virtually impossible), you are found guilty before God of breaking all the commandments!
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
So know that the Ten Commandments teach us about sin. That was God’s old covenant to the Jewish people. People needed to realize that they could not possibly live a sin-free life, a righteous life, because they failed every day. Israel had to sacrifice lambs to “cover” their sins. They had to shed the innocent blood of a lamb.
From the beginning of time, God provided a way to be reconciled to Him. He gave us a new covenant. Jesus became the Perfect Sacrificial Lamb to die for our sins. The blood of goats and lambs could not wash away our sins. But the blood of Jesus can. When we repent and confess our sins, Jesus hears us. His blood on that cross gives Him the power to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all sin. Furthermore, He is faithful so this will always be!
1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Some believe you can go to confession and tell a priest your sins and that is it. You’re good to go. But that is not repentance, friend. So what exactly is the repentance? The Greek word is:
μετάνοια metanoia met-an’-oy-ah From G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): – repentance.
Strong’s concordance
Notice the one in needs to have repentance must feel the guilt and shame of his sin. Secondly, that person must be reformed (John 3:3, 3:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17). Thirdly, to be repentant means to change directions. If you were facing South and wanted to go in the opposite direction, you would go North. In the case of repentance, means you turn around from your current sinful path and go in the exact opposite direction – meaning, you go toward the Lord. Fourthly, you change your mind completely. Instead of giving in to sin, you seek salvation through Jesus Christ and say no to sin. There is no other way to be saved!
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Sin is a choice after salvation. You are no longer a slave to sin. You can now say no to it.
Rom 6:20-23 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Friend, do you know how many so-called “Christians” are out there that have not repented? They go to church and think about God during the service (if they are not sleeping or reading their phone). But after church, they go back to their lifestyle and they’re happy with that. That is not repentance. These people do not feel guilty or remorse for their sin.
After you have read today’s devotional, do you see the difference of what believers call nominal Christianity and true Christianity? You can call yourself a Christian, but if you haven’t changed from your old life, you are not. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
If you are not truly born-again, you won’t see today’s topic as a sin. But there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood’s atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.
Chorus O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow’r revealing. How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit,” And somehow Jesus came and bro’t To me the victory.
Chorus O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory. And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, And some sweet day I’ll sing up there The song of victory.
Chorus O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.EUGENE M. BARTLETT SR.
The History Behind the Hymn
In 1939 at age 53, Eugene Bartlett’s world changed drastically. He suffered a paralyzing stroke that left him unable to walk or even speak and for the most part, he was bedridden. Many felt the stroke ended his teaching ministry, yet it was during these dark days that Eugene would write his best-known hymn, Victory In Jesus. While looking back over his life he began to think back to the night he was born again and the rich life he had since that night. He picked up a pen and began what would become his best-known song. He began with the following words, “I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, how he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me”. Realizing that the love of God had sustained him and brought him to where he was that day, he is quoted as saying he felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to add another verse. He wrote, “I heard about his healing, of his saving power revealing, how he made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see”. When he completed the song, he looked back over it and seen it was a story of redeeming power from start to finish. He wanted the song to be joyous. And while written during the darkest period of his life he chose to make the melody full of happiness and enthusiasm.HTTPS://BACKSTORYSONGS.COM/2019/10/31/VICTORY-IN-JESUS/
A Lesson for Me
1 Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Victory is usually viewed in light of wars or overcoming a challenge or race. But in the Christian’s life, victory is provided by Jesus Christ, the Lord. He not only conquered sin and death, but He gives us the victory through faith in Him.
I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood’s atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.
Message for today
The benefit of Christ’s victory is given to each person who is born-again. At that point, our corruptible spirit and body has been given an incorruptible spirit and body. That is the whole meaning of born again. (John 3:3, 7; 2 Cor. 5:17)
1Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
When a Christian is born again, he than changes direction from heading down the road to destruction and Hell. The new direction becomes moving toward living forever with the Lord. Death is no longer scary but is simply moving from one location to another. It’s like leaving the living room and walking into the kitchen. It no longer has a “sting of fear” for the believer but is a welcomed event because once our eyes close in death, they open in Heaven! Praise be to God!!
I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory. And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, And some sweet day I’ll sing up there The song of victory.
Don’t you want to wake up to behold the streets of gold and a crystal sea? Don’t you want to be rid of the fear of where you will spend eternity? It will be Heaven or Hell. There is no other choice, Reader. You can either be singing the song of victory with the other saints in glory or you can be weeping and gnashing your teeth in everlasting pain and suffering. It’s a choice … your choice, so you can’t blame anyone but yourself; nor can you blame God. He will have the final word.
If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
