Thursday | 21 November 2024
A person does not have eternal life as a citizen of the kingdom of God simply because they believe in Him or identify as a Christian. The Scriptures are patently clear – our sanctification is our eternal life. Stressing this point, the apostle Paul declared, ‘Pursue peace with all people, and holiness [lit: sanctification], without which no‑one will see the Lord.’ Heb 12:14. Similarly, Paul taught that ‘having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness [sanctification], and the end, everlasting life’. Rom 6:22.
Because of the deluding effect of their carnality, many Christians have not understood this point, nor even properly known what it means to obtain their sanctification. 2Ti 2:20-21. In fact, they have not recognised that their carnality is their problem. They tend to view the New Testament statements referring to the flesh to be applicable to those who are in the world. Their own understanding of the gospel, founded upon a misunderstanding of forgiveness, reconciliation and justification, is the basis of their Christian expression. Consequently, confidence in their salvation depends either upon their good works or upon their connection to a pastor or priest who mediates and ministers to them their salvation. Rom 10:6‑9.
On account of their presumptuous malaise, the carnal Christian is unable to journey on the pathway of obedience that Christ has pioneered for them, and they are at risk of eternal damnation. Paul warned of this implication of continuing in carnality, or living according to the flesh, saying, ‘For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit [that is, in sanctification] you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.’ Rom 8:13.
Further Study:
HEBREWS 10
References:
Heb 12:14
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Rom 6:22
But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
2Ti 2:20-21
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Rom 10:6-9
But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).’ But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.