Subject: Flesh or Spirit |
Bible Note: Dear Brother WOS, I really love 1 John, although it isn't quite as structured as Paul's writings. However, I really believe that it is an epistle with a great deal to say to us today. You are kind to ask my comments. I'll do my best, as honestly as I can, with God's grace. For quite a while men have been teaching that there are three kinds of people in the world: the lost, the carnal Christian, and the committed Christian. However, I find this an alien teaching to Scripture. Certainly this is not the message of 1 John. Pausing for a moment regarding the "quenching" or "grieving" the Holy Spirit. We must be careful here, since there is much misunderstanding in this area. To imagine that we have the power to frustrate the purposes of God in any way is way off the mark. However, I think people get some kind of mental picture that the Holy Spirit is somehow handcuffed by our will. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God does require the approval of anyone. Nevertheless, there is a sense in which we can choose a path that is contrary to His will. When that happens, we stray into our own way, and we loose the benefit of His grace. Make no mistake, God is conforming us into the image of His Son. In ways that only He is able to do, He makes use of our straying for our ultimate good. Any time we deal with the truths of the Providence of God and the will of the regenerate, we end up with a lot of antinomies. Christ Himself told us that there would be some who honestly believed they were saved, but were not (Matthew 7:23). There are also those that receive the Word with joy, but have no root, but walk away from the faith (Luke 8:13). I believe these latter folks are spoken of in Hebrews 6, as well. Indeed, we are told that we will walk along side by side with unbelievers until the end (Matthew 13:30). The ultimate evidence of salvation is perseverance (James 1:12). Perhaps this helps us to understand those other passages that are so hard: "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) and "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10). You see, only those who truly are willing to give up all things (Matthew 16:25, Luke 18:29, etc.). They even are willing to use violence to take the kingdom (Matthew 11:12). But they do so joyfully (Matthew 13:44)! How then can we know that we belong to the Lord? We persevere! (Here is another antinomy: He preserves us, yet we are to persevere!) We study the Scriptures, seeing where our lives line up with the clear descriptions of disciples of Christ. We grow increasingly dependent on the Lord, as we apply the means of grace in our lives. Always working out our salvation with fear and trembling, lest preaching to others -- for disciples are always seeking to make other disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) -- we ourselves be cast away (1 Corinthians 9:27). People don't like this message, however. They want to make salvation a broad and easy way. They don't want to sweat, let alone bleed. They want to live their lives as they choose, and yet be comforted. However, dealing with a Holy God is never easy or comforting. (Another antinomy that, since it is by His work that we are saved! And He seals us with the Comforter!) Well, I haven't gotten much into 1 John, have I? :-) Sorry about that, but its been a long week and I'm pretty tuckered out. I will answer this. If you have properly followed what I am saying, you will see that the answer is yes: there is a backslidden state from which we must repent. Repentance is, indeed, the way of the believer's life! Praise be to our Father, though, that His mercies are renewed morning by morning! Would you want me to proceed with 1 John tomorrow, or are you now sorry you asked? :-) In Him, Doc |