“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the WILL of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (emphasis added)
The soul of mankind is merely merchandise to the worldly system. There is but One Who cares for the soul of man and that is our Creator. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on Calvary’s Cross to reconcile fallen man to Himself. Jesus Christ made the Way, the ONLY Way, for God to be our God and we His People. Any other way is a man made philosophical religion that is part of the worldly system; many of which profess Christianity but are a mere form of godliness. God is constantly spoken of but have no part in their proceedings, or they in His.
Knowing Who Jesus is and what He has done for whosoever will believe, there is no doubt as to our Lord’s Resurrection. Jesus Christ is alive and sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God. The atoning work of Jesus Christ has made intercession for us, those who have freely chosen to follow Jesus, and we are declared innocent and fully justified through the Blood of Jesus Christ…not through the Resurrection but through His shed Blood on Calvary’s Cross. Jesus is the Source and His Cross the means by which we are fully reconciled to God and power of sin is broken in the Believer’s life…”For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14.
The worldly systems used in the modern churches today involve humanistic psychology presented as the means, while self is the method and result in the Believer’s dependence on external circumstances and worldly methods to overcome sin…none of which are of the Lord. God’s Prescribed Order requires faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to do that which He is commissioned to do, free us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Being free from the law of sin and death enables the Believer to live unto God; to partake in His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4) and be led by the Spirit of God.
“Not every one that says unto Me (Jesus), Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the WILL of My Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Sadly, many souls in the modern church have become nothing more than merchandise of a worldly system cloaked in religion. The religiosity of the system and the many “good” works makes it even more deceitful to the sincere Christian.
“22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23
Prophesying, casting out devils and doing many wonderful works in the Name of Jesus are not requirements to enter the Kingdom of Heaven but are used in modern religion to present a form of godliness.
Recognize the worldly system cloaked in religiosity. Your soul is merely merchandise in such a system to satisfy the pride of life for workers of iniquity.
“20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:20-21
Independence from our external circumstances and creature comforts is found in the Cross of Christ. It is there, at Calvary’s Cross, that flesh is crucified and we are able to follow Jesus.
“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 