Bible Question:
Matthew 12:43-45 Is it talking about a so-call believer who acknowledged his own sin and determined to abandon it (...the unclean spirit goes out of a man...), but failed to accept and follow the Word / the Holy Spirit, thus emptying himself (... finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order ...). On the other hand, he was possessed with those heresy, false doctrines, worldly philosopy, etc. (...other spirits more wicked than itself...), and his condition was even worse than before? I don't know if my such understanding correct. I have been stuck with this scripture for quite some time. I believe some of you will be able to guide me through. Thanks Azure |
Bible Answer: Greetings Azure, I will try and answer your question and keep it as short as I can. Once a person turns to Jesus and “completely” trust in Him for their eternal future God seals them with the promise of His Spirit. They become a child of God by “grace through faith” in Christ and they are eternally possessed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Tie these verses together and you will have the picture. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: Ephes. 1:12-13 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. [13] In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Hebrews 13:5 (B) For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. There are many imitation “Christians” in the world and they just try to clean their lives up but they haven’t really been born into God’s family, as it were. 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. The key to this previous verse is “in Christ”. Have a great day, CDBJ |