First, they do not understand that the grace of God is sufficient for EVERYTHING. They are still trying to live out their life on their own terms and suffering because of their decisions. These devoted believers are trying to live for Jesus under their own power. When Jesus was finishing his remarks about abiding in the Father in John 15, He also revealed His purpose for us in verse 11 (John 15:11)
Mrs. Cecil Alexander wrote the hymn, "Jesus Calls Us", the verses help to understand the message of the New Testament to trust Jesus and follow Jesus in everything.
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea; day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying, “Christian, follow Me.”
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love Me more.”
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still He calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love Me more than these.”
Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call, give our hearts to Thy obedience, serve and love Thee best of all.
Second, they reject the power of the Holy Spirit. The key to purpose for believers is the baptism in the Holy Spirt. When Paul arrived at Ephesus, he asked them if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed? They responded that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:2-7) If Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until you receive power from on high (Acts 1:1-8), then why would that not be necessary for us in our day? The Spirit provides the ACTUAL presence and power of God in the believers life. When Jesus was talking about the Spirit to the disciples, He said this:
John 7:37–39 (ESV)
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 14:17 (ESV)
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Third, they are content with knowing about Jesus, but not knowing Jesus. What do I mean by this? They have correct doctrine, they have checked the theological blocks and may actually be saved, but that is all they want. They don't really think that serving Christ is a daily activity, just an important religious exercise. This too, is contrary to what Scripture says. When Jesus was trying to help His disciples understand the difference between doctrinal religion and true relationship, He quoted from Isaiah 29:13 and said this:
Matthew 15:8 (ESV)
8 “ ‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
Thankfully, there is a better alternative than these three perspectives. We do not need to be content with a nostalgic Jesus, live under our status as believers and ignore the power of the Holy Spirit. When Paul was writing to Titus. He identified the essence of Christianity in two verses. That's right. Just 2. Consider the magnificent truths of Titus 3:5-7
Titus 3:5–7 (ESV)
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
How did He save us?
Not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy (by the washing of regeneration AND renewal of the Holy Spirit)
What's our status now?
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The truth is in these two verses. Today, right now we have the Spirit available to remind us of the grace, love and presence of God. He's available to release power (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46) in our lives for God's purposes.
At the same time, we are justified in the sight of God until the transition to eternal life.
May God help us all to rise above the ugly negativity of a lost world and find in Him all that we need.
Dan, I too was raised in a Pentecostal church however, my parents always assured me that I did not need to get saved again.....that I had already received Christ. As a young boy and early teen I was always surprised they didn't feel like I needed to be saved again.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about the difference that exist in people that are saved and are not taught about having a relationship salvation. Again, I was taught that we needed to pray daily and share our faith on a regular basis. I was fortunate to have family that lived that way. It was easier in that environment. Since I've become reaquainted with many old friend from High School on Facebook I've found many of them profess to know Christ. The difference is in that they have not been discipled to walk with Christ and live "for" Jesus. I believe those are strongholds and deception the enemy uses to keep us a bay in becoming fruit bearers.
The good news is the "walls" are coming down and more and more people are becoming true disciples of Christ.