bvthomas

The Scripture concludes the reason why the earth got defiled is because they have transgressed the laws of God, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant; therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate - Isaiah 24:5,6,19,22 - the cause is clear “SIN”- Gen 3:7/Rom 7:7,9/Heb 10:2 - for sin is the transgression (violation) of the law (1 John 3:4). The mighty Oceans has its own boundary decreed upon that it should not breach - Pro 8:29/Ps 104:9/Job 38:10,11/Jeremiah 5:22. The truth is, it is breached often, isn’t it? Eg: Tsunami The nature has its own laws (constraints) - Isaiah 24:5,6,19,22/Rom 8:19-22 - but hadn’t millions upon millions perished so far and continues, due to natural disasters? Animals and the insect world has its own instincts too and they devour one another. For the creature was made subject to vanity (the bondage of corruption - Rom 8:21) - for we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now (Rom 8:20,22). The world is made chaotic by the one rebellious entity - Satan - Isaiah 14:16,17; but the last Adam, Jesus Christ brought in Shalom, which means, destroyed/incapacitated the authority that created chaos - Hebrews 2:14/Col 2:15. Likewise, CONSCIENCE is the extent to, which man can act and work. Negotiating it is an act of self termination, so to speak. Man has been graciously bestowed with a unique persona, the Conscience (the line/the region which differentiates right and wrong/ good and bad - or could it be the effect of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? - Gen 2:17/3:22 - "innocence" has been replaced with "conscience of sin"). Now breach of this region “conscience” will invite its dreadful consequences. We are aware that God has established physical laws, natural laws and spiritual laws - and breach of any of these areas has its own implications. Murder is an act, which is done in opposition to one’s conscience, which is the guardian or the safety switch of the soul. Transgression of the 10 commandments is a breach of the conscience! “Conscience” is the court of law where you receive judgments - for example: Judas Iscariot - he was condemned, wasn’t he? By whom? His own consceince - Matt 27:3/1John 3:20,21/John 8:9. Hence if we judge ourselves - Rom 2:15 - (in one sense, to examine/prove/discipline our own selves and change - 2 Cor 13:5 - the other one is “diakrino” - to separate thoroughly/to withdraw from sin and world, contend for the faith etc… that we may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless - 2 Peter 3:14) - then we shall not be judged OR be condemned with the world - 1Cor 11:31,32 That is why maintaining a clear conscience is inevitable and vital/indispensable - Acts 24:16/1Tim 1:19 Conscience - Physical - from the heart proceeds and action takes place for good or bad - Rom 2:14,15/James 1:14,15 - drawn away on our own. The devils' (the tempter - Matt 4:3/1Thess 3:5) sole objective is to stir us/lure/seduce to breach this divinely instituted wall of security Breach of this region would bring calamity/destruction to one self. The devil is as active as our fallen self/nature. He has leverage to work because of the law of sin, which is in our members - Rom 7:23. Hence, the eternal Spirit enjoins/instructs us to renew the spirit of our minds - Eph 4:23/Rom 12:2 - and let not (allow/permit) not sin reign in our mortal body - Rom 6:12 - for in Christ we have the upper hand over sin - Rom 6:14 - its dominion/power over us is broken. He who commits sin is of the devil - 1John 3:8 - commits (continue in sin/take pleasure in sin, without being remorseful - whose mind and conscience is defiled) = disregards the natural law of mind - Rom 1:21/2:14,15 Whosoever is born of God sinneth not - for he keeps himself (by the Spirit of God - walks in the Spirit - Rom 8:4-6/Gal 5:16) and the wicked one touches him not - 1John 5:18 - it is talking about our spirit man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness - Eph 4:24. Whosoever transgresses (who commits sin - 1John 3:4), and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God (2 John 1:9) - for the law is written in our hearts - Rom 2:14,15/Heb 10:16 - and our conscience now bear witness - Rom 2:15. Therefore, whom we yield ourselves servants to obey determines the outcome - Rom 6:16 References: John 8:9 - being convicted by their own conscience Acts 24:16/23:1 - void of offense toward God Rom 2:14,15/9:1/13:5 1Cor 8:12 - weak conscience 1Tim 1:19/3:9/4:2 - conscience seared (singed, dry out, lost sensitivity)(disregarded) 2Tim 1:3 - serve God with pure conscience (the conscience got purged - Heb 10:2 - perfected the conscience - Heb 9:9 - baptized to walk in newness of life - Rom 6:4 - which is the answer of a good conscience toward God - 1Pet 3:21 - our heart is sprinkled from an evil conscience - Heb 10:22) Conscience defiled - but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled (Titus 1:15) The worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins (Heb 10:2), but the old Testament believers even after offering sacrifices continually their conscience weren’t purged. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sins (Heb 10:4) - but the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, had purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God - Heb 9:14/1Pet 1:2. Importance of a having a good conscience - 1Tim 1:5/Heb 13:18 Endure grief for conscience sake - 1Pet 2:19/3:16,21/2Cor 1:12/4:2/5:11,12 - Holding faith and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made a shipwreck - 1Tim 1:9. If the conscience get smeared you will lose “pangs of conscience” which is “penitence” - contriteness of heart - Ps 34:18/51:17/Isaiah 57:15/66:2

Sorry, I see that we are not on the same page regarding this topic and I wish not to enter into an argument. You are vague in your explanation and have given a mixture of verses that fits your perception. One must have a discipline of Christian theology that could formulate an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the doctrines of the Christian faith (called systematic theology); otherwise, it is not sound.

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law (Romans 2:14) - This verse is talking about the Gentile believers, not the heathen. The new Covenant written in their hearts - Heb 8:10/10:16 The conscience of the heathen or the unbelieving world is defiled. Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled (Titus 1:15). But we serve God with a pure conscience - 2Tim 1:3 (our conscience got purged - Heb 10:2 - perfected the conscience - Heb 9:9 - baptized to walk in newness of life - Rom 6:4 - which is the answer of a good conscience toward God - 1Pet 3:21 - our heart is sprinkled from an evil conscience - Heb 10:22).

This way of preaching may be alright in the Western Countries; but when it comes to any Asian countries where they worship idols, it's something else. In India the Hindu's worship 330 millions or more gods and they have their Vedas and other books which they ardently practice and follow. Try to approach such a sect with the 10 commandment, and then you will know what I am talking about. Jesus would never approach like that, neither the Apostles of the Lamb! I cannot even ask them how do you get to heaven? Because they believe in reincarnation and not in heaven or hell. They don’t believe in one true God. When I check the New Testament I don’t see one time anyone preaching the gospel in like manner. This method we could approach anyone who is already familiar with our God and Jesus Christ. But my personal understanding is that, it isn’t the best Biblical way.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. Romans 1:18,19 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:21) It is evident that these verses are talking about the people of Israel - who hold the truth in unrighteousness! Israel held the truth, but in unrighteousness. Israel forsook their Lord God, the fountain of living waters; Israel forsook their God and denied the Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14), whom God hath sent. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets (1 Thessalonians 2:15)(Romans 11:3). That is why the Baptism of repentance (of John) was only preached to Israel - Repentance = to return to their God. The unbelieving world (the Gentile world) - whom God drove out before the face of fathers (the Patriarchs), unto the days of David (Acts 7:45) - were in darkness. Darkness = Choshek (Ignorance), which means lack of knowledge of God. This knowledge comes only when we come to Christ. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6) Hebrew word for darkness is – Choshek = IGNORANCE (Brown Driver-Briggs)(= absence of the knowledge of God/and His ways, the eyes of their understanding being darkened – Eph 1:18/ 4:17,18/Heb 6:4/2Pet 1:2,3/Job 21:14/33:30/Hosea 4:6/6:6/Pro 2:5)(them that walk in (the ways of) darkness (contrary to the paths of uprightness - Pro 2:13) are considered fools – Eccl 2:14 – he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth - John 12:35 – for they are ignorant of the existance of God – Psalm 14:1) – its effect: Walking in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them (ergo the wrath of God abides on them – Col 3:6/Rom 2:5/John 3:36), because of the blindness of their heart – 2Cor 4:4/Eph 4:18/Acts 17:30/1Pet 1:14)(the antonym of darkness is light - the Hebrew word for knowledge is “light” and only the knowledge of the glorious gospel of Christ can release a person from the grip/power of the prince of ignorance – 2Cor 4:4/Acts 26:18/Col 1:13/Rev 16:10 - For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ - 2 Cor 4:6) - For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace -1Cor 14:33 – Human-beings are born ignorant due to the original sin; but God is light (In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Col 2:2,3), and in him is no darkness at all -1John 1:5 - and when we repent and turn to God – Acts 17:30 – darkness (ignorance) becomes past, and the true light will begin to shine -1John 2:8 – the eyes of your understanding gets enlightened – Eph 1:18 - only if you will let the day star, which is Christ, arise in your hearts (by faith) - 2Pet 1:19 – for Christ the light of men shines in darkness; but darkness (ignorance) comprehends it not – John 1:4,5 – He is the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world - John 1:9). Darkness also means, without order, chaos - the earth was without form or void - without the knowledge of God, which is light - when God said let there be light - the chaotic condition or everything falls into order. This is exactly what happens to a soul also - when the light shines in the heart all the chaos or disorder leaves. So, one cannot retain the knowledge of God without his or her spirit being revived by the Spirit of God. The commandments are spiritual in nature and it is solely for the spirit man. What good is a spiritual law to a person who abides in darkness (ignorance)?

There, the Apostle Paul is talking to Corinthian believers, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God - Acts 15:19,20 - KJV. And my topic was not on sin!

Lately, I heard a preacher asking an unbeliever; Have you ever broken any of God’s laws? What I don’t understand with this type of gospel preaching is that, first of all, there was never a law given to the Gentiles (I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came – Romans 7:9 – the law was enacted due to wickedness of man – Genesis – 6:5 – It was added because of transgressions – Galatians 3:19 – mind you, only to the Jewish nation was it applicable). About the Gentiles, the Bible says, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). And if we were without God, then the law had nothing to do with us. We know for sure who the people were that were under the law – the Jews! Secondly, Bible clearly says that, by the offense of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation (Romans 5:18). We are condemned not because we had broken the 10 commandments but due to the Adamic sin. And by the righteousness of one (Jesus Christ) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (Romans 5:18). For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous (Romans 5:19). Also, the law entered, that the offense might abound (Romans 5:20) – and until the law sin was in the world (Romans 5:13). For without the law sin was dead (Romans 7:8) – when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died (Romans 7:9). The law was not given (to the Jews) that they could be made righteous but that the law could work as a schoolmaster that would bring them unto Christ – Galatians 3:24 Know that, Christ died, to redeem them that were under the law (Galatians 4:5/Romans 7:6). For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse (Galatians 3:10). So if the ten commandments could give life and keeping it would justify any then Christ died in vain and abolishing it was a mistake, wasn’t it? – 2Corinth 3:13/Eph 2:15. For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law (Galatians 3:21). If this be the case, how on earth is this sect telling an unbeliever that breaking of the commandment of God had put them in a condemned state? The life of man is already snuffed out by Adam’s transgression (in Adam all die – 1Cor 15:22/Acts 17:26); and everyone that are born after the flesh falls into the category of being condemned; and if the life of man, which is Christ – John 1:4/1John 5:11 – isn’t reinstalled in a person, that soul is said to be lost. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life -1John 5:12 – It’s that simple. Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested (Romans 3:21) – Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness (Romans 9:31) – so we see that, just keeping the ten commandments held no value as long as the heart of man remained unclean. The commandmends couldn’t change the heart of man. But the blood of the perfect Lamb of God is able to purge the evil conscience and can transform the vilest offender – Heb 9:14. It is then evident that the law was introduced to curb lawlessness -1Timothy 1:9,10. That at the end, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (Philippians 3:9). For if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain (Galatians 2:21) – And the commandments the Apostles gave us by the Lord Jesus now holds great value (1Thess 4:2). For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did (a better covenant – law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus – Rom 8:2 – a better covenant, which was established upon better promises – Hebrews 8:6-8); by the which we draw nigh unto God (Hebrews 7:19). And now, in this dispensation it is apt to say that, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God” (1 Corinthians 7:19) - Why? Because our spirit, which was dead in Adam got resuscitated in Christ. And the amalgamation of this revived spirit of man and the Spirit of Adoption - Rom 8:16 - will cause us to walk in the statutes of God - Ezekiel 36:27. So, introducing people to "the life of man" which is Christ is the RIGHT way. For He is, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE - John 14:6 - and THE RESURRECTION as well - John 11:25

Hebrews 10:26-29!

Great loss, isn't it? For our admonition, the Bible mentions about Esau who sold his birthright for a morsel: For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Hebrews 12:17) - Paul said, Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world - 2Timothy 4:10. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame - Hebrews 6:4-6 - How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (Hebrews 2:3) Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted (1 Corinthians 10:6). Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (1 Corinthians 10:1-11) If the apostle Paul was very much concerned about his life - 1Corinthians 9:27/Phil 3:12,13. How much more we! And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear (1 Peter 1:17).

Unfortunately many shall fall away - 2Thessalonians 2:3 - many will err from faith - 1Timothy 6:10 - and fall from grace - Galatians 5:4 - and fail of the grace God - Hebrews 12:15 - No wonder the Bible implores us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith or not and to prove our own selves - 2Corinthians 13:5. Otherwise we will be deceiving ourselves - James 1:22 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (2 Peter 3:17) - Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Sorry for the late reply. These are spiritual matters and must be dealt prayerfully. But this is what the Lord has given me regarding this doubt or confusion. Hope this will shed some light into your concerns! Please know that we all are in the learning process - I still see myself as a novice. Only the Great Shepherd knows how many sheep he owns! Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me And I give unto them (exclusive - the elect) eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand (John 10:27,28) - We cannot even speculate how many will inherit. My understanding is that, the body of Christ (the bride of Christ) is a very small remnant of disciples (compared to the vast number of professing believers), scattered around the globe and is that thin line of genuine believers within the vast spiritual entity known as “the Christendom” - or in other words “a myriad of Christian denominations”. This kingdom of heaven or the “Christendom” according to the gospel of Matthew is a blend of ‘Good’ and ‘Evil,’ of ‘Wheat’ and ‘Tares,’ of ‘Good Fish’ and ‘Bad Fish,’ of ‘Wise Virgins’ and ‘Foolish Virgins’ -13:1-50/18:23-35/20:1-16/22:1-14/25:1-30. When I said, “Majority” I meant, those who wouldn’t endure sound doctrine; those who would transgress and abide not in the doctrine of Christ - 2John 1:9/John 14:21; those who wouldn’t consent to the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrines which is according to godliness - 1Tim 6:3/2Tim 4:3/Titus 1:9/2:1. As there are armed forces and mercenaries involved in a battle; there are sons and hirelings in the Christendom. The son’s of God posses the mind of Christ (the spirit of the good shepherd – they are one spirit –1Cor 6:17/2:16), the posses the divine nature (2Pet 1:4/Gal 5:24), And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24), and they seek not their own, but the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Phil 2:21). These are few of the many traits that differentiate a person within this fold. So, despite how devotedly we work for Christ, if we know him not in like manner, we will only be recompensed for what we did for Him (Matt 7:22,23/John 10:12,13 – they are of the division of the hireling – mercenaries – hired soldiers - primarily concerned with material rewards) and not any preferment to glory. Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (Matthew 7:22-24)

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Of his own lust? I thought we don’t have to deal with it anymore when we are in Christ! Doesn’t Bible say that we are complete in him (Colossians 2:10)? And now you mean to say that all of human race is infested by this vile disposition? One of the reasons why God endorsed “Marriage as honorable” - Hebrews 13:4 - and encouraged all be married* - 1 Timothy 5:14 - (please note that, forbidding to marry is not the doctrine which is according to godliness - 1Timothy 4:1-3/6:3) *is that, not all can contain this problem of the heart, which is lust of the flesh - 1John 2:16/James 1:14,15. I have heard many say and have read in many books that Jesus hath made our hearts pure when we believed in him. Is that right? If our hearts are cleansed already and doesn’t need further sanctification then why is the Holy Ghost counseling us through His Word “but if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn” (1 Corinthians 7:9) - why is He telling us “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness”? (2 Corinthians 7:1) - and “ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed (an ongoing process) in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22,23) - “why is He warning about a law of sin in our members, which is warring against the law of our minds, and wants to bring us into captivity again”? (Romans 7:23) - why is he then exhorting us “to put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth”? (Colossians 3:8) - “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts (which is prevalent), glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:14-16) Now I perfectly understand what “work out your salvation” really means (Phil 2:12) and how deceiving it is to think of oneself so highly when he is nothing - Galatians 6:3 - For by the grace and pure mercies of God alone we are what we are now. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands (those that believe that they have attained everything already) take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12) - fall from what? Know that we are prone to fail of the grace of God - Hebrews 12:15 - err from faith - 1Timothy 6:10 - fall from grace - Galatians 5:4 - which is why the Lord is admonishing us to be diligent to be found in him - 2Peter 3:14 - and to examine ourselves/prove our own selves to verify whether we are in the faith or not - 2 Corinthians 13:5. Remember the hymn! Prone to wander, Lord I feel it - Prone to leave the God I love! And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear (1 Peter 1:17) - Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after (Philippians 3:12). If all that Christ hath accomplished was enough, then why would God give so much spiritual work for us to do? Why we have to endure hardship, lay hold on eternal life, fight the good fight of faith, keep the faith, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, suffer with Christ etc…? The whole new testament speaks on doing something (to be accounted worthy) to obtain that world - Luke 20:35/21:36/2Thessalonians 1:4,5. Be ye doers of the word - James 1:22/1Corinthians 9:24,25/Hebrews 6:15/11:35/2Thessalonians 2:14/1Thessalonians 5:9/Luke 20:35. Receiving the end of our (tried/keeping) faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:9). Even we have to sow into the Spirit, the word of God (to exercise therein) to reap in due season, the everlasting life - Galatians 6:7-9 - and we all know that unless we yield something we cannot reap anything - yield what? Hebrews 12:10,11/James 3:12/Romans 6:16,19/Mark 4:8/Proverbs 12:12/Galatians 6:8. The prophet Jeremiah so accurately describes the state of man’s heart - “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9/Mark 7:21-23) - I perceive that this is a “Pre and Post regenerated” state of man’s heart despite his/her standing in the Lord. The portrayal of a clean heart is not Scriptural at all. When it comes to the depravity of our soul - the truth is, there is nothing good dwells in our flesh - Rom 7:18. It is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation when we say that our past sins have been remitted - Romans 3:25/5:11-21/Hebrews 9:15 - and that our hearts have been sprinkled from an evil conscience (Hebrews 9:9,14/10:2,22/13:18/ 1Peter 3:16,21/Titus 1:15/1Timothy 1:5,19/3:9) - that we should serve in newness of spirit - Romans 7:6 - To posses a pure heart should be our prime focus - 1Timothy 1:5 - for without holiness no one shall see the Lord - 2Corinthians 7:1/Hebrews 12:14 - to be endowed with or to hold a clear conscience is imperative - Romans 2:15/9:1/Acts 24:16/ 1Timothy 1:19. The post-regeneration work on the soul is imperative that the life of the inward man solely depends on its compliance to the word of God (the soul must be brought to the obedience of Christ - 2Cor 10:5). If the soul is unregenerate it is condemned already but if a regenerate soul is feeding the inner-man with the things of the world, the spirit-man (the fetus state) will eventually die/gets aborted due to malnourishment. That is why Romans 8:13 says, if ye live after the flesh (the fallen nature) ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the flesh, ye shall live. The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word (the incorruptible word seed - 1Pet 1:23/Luke 8:11), and it becomes unfruitful - Mark 4:19/ Luke 8:14. Christ hath brought you out of the miry clay to walk in newness of life - Rom 6:4 - not to turn back to your own vomit or to wallow in mire again - 2Pet 2:22 - drawing back from this track is perdition - Matt 10:38,39 - The soul that sin it shall die (regardless of the grace made available in Christ) - Ezekiel 18:20 - if you live after the flesh, ye shall die - Rom 8:13 - one could sin against his own soul - Habakkuk 2:10 - Hence, a complete sanctification is inevitable for to be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ - 1Thess 5:22,23. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:14). All of these verses substantiates that, whether great or small, spiritual or unregenerate, good or bad, we all carry within us a wicked nature (the nature of the wild olive tree from which we wert cut out of - Rom 11:17,24) - there is no holy man out there among the sons of man - for all have come short of the glory of God - Rom 3:23 - and this nature stays riveted until we go through some thorough purging - until we let/put on the new nature/man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness - Ephesians 4:24 - Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, we partake of the divine nature - 2Pet 1:4 - In due season, we shall yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness and partake of His holiness, if we endure the chastening of the Lord - Hebrews 12:5-11. Apostle Paul speaks about this “indwelling sin” “the presence of evil” and “ the law of sin which is in our members” in the book of Romans 7:17,20,21,23 The Christian life isn’t just the exercising of some spiritual gifts or the church gatherings or doing some charity works, which are vital. The real Christian life is a walk with Christ; it is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings and be made conformable unto his death - Phil 3:10,11/John 17:3 - that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body - 2 Corinthians 4:10,11 - to possess the mind of Christ - Phil 2:5/1Pet 2:21 - to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God and to reign with him or to be glorified together we must endure the righteous judgment of God - we must be judged now (which is the chastening of the Lord) - 2Thessalonians 1:4,5/Hebrews 12:5-11/1Corinthians 11:32/1Peter 4:1,2,17 - these are the marks of a true Christian or how we distinguish a genuine believer. For he bears about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus - 2 Corinthians 4:10,11. This is what the Holy Ghost through the apostle Paul is imploring us: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example - let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (Philippians 3:16,17). It is high time that we would examine ourselves/ prove our own selves to know whether we are in the faith walk - 2 Corinthians 13:5 - whether we too have been seduced or been deceived by the the falsehood - 1 Timothy 4:1/Mark 13:22. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12/1Peter 1:17) Majority of Christians have fallen prey to the end time deception - for they already left this path, which alone leads to life - they have taken paths, which seems right unto them, which has a form of godliness - 2 Timothy 3:5 - they lean to their own understanding - Proverbs 3:5 - the fundamental requirement of laying down ones life, denying the self and hating his/her life in this world is not a criteria anymore - 1 John 3:16/Luke 9:23/John 12:25/Matthew 10:38. People are seeking the approval of man than being approved of God. It is not that hard to be recognized by man; if you have a talent and you are able to perform well or you are educated according to the course this world system - Ephesians 2:2 - if you have something the world wants and you are willing to trade it, then you can ride on its back to popularity and fame. But to be known or be approved of God/acceptable to God, it takes time and must endure patiently many things. For instance: the Bible says, the word of the Lord tried Joseph until the time that his word came - Psalm 105:19 - Abraham was tried in many areas until he was called the father of all nations - Hebrews 11:17/Romans 4:17-24 - Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God (Acts 2:22) - Study to shew thyself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15/2 Corinthians 6:3,4/7:11/10:18/1 Corinthians 11:19/Romans 14:18/16:10) - They all endured - Hebrews 12:2,3,7/11:27/10:32/6:15/2Timothy 2:3/3:11/4:3,5/1Peter 2:19/James 1:12/5:11/2Thessalonians 1:4/1Corinthians 13:7/John 6:27/Mark 4:17/13:13/Matthew 24:13. Let us therefore, walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (Colossians 1:10/1Thessalonians 2:12). Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (Philippians 3:16,17) KJV.

First of all, we must understand what we had lost in first Adam and what the last Adam has regained. Romans 5 clearly states about it. The function of the spirit is to draw life from its source. And a body without the spirit is dead (James 2:26). If that is the case, then this spirit was intended to not only draw life from its Creator but also to promote life to the body in which it was deposited. This life-giving spirit, being incapacitated by the Adamic Sin, had made man desolate. The umbilical cord through which the spirit of man was nourished got cut off and the light of man was snuffed out. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). In essence, the spirit which was dead in Adam gets resuscitated in Christ, so to speak (by the Spirit and Word- John 3:5,6/1Pet 1:23/1John 5:1) What we are saved from? For instance: When we believe in Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, being now justified by faith, we have peace with God - Rom 5:1 - the Sin and death, which once dominated us lost its warrant - Eph 2:5/Rom 6/8:3 - God hath delivered us from the power of darkness* (the Hebrew word for darkness is "Choshek". Therefore, “darkness” doesn’t refer to Satan, but in the non-literal sense denotes ignorance - Eph 4:18/ 5:8/Acts 17:30 - Satan is the Prince of this world/ignorance - John 16:11/1Cor 2:8), *and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col 1:13). The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men - (Titus 2:11) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works - (Titus 2:14) The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared - (Titus 3:3,4) *According to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost - (Titus 3:5) Saved us from the wrath to come, and condemnation; provided, we live after the Spirit (1Thes 1:10/1Cor 11:31,32/Rev 3:10/Rom 8:1) Washed us from our sins in his own blood (Rev 1:5) Delivered us from the power of darkness (Col 1:13/Matt 20:28/Hosea 13:14) Set us free (judicially) from sin (its dominion)(Rom 5/6/1Pet 4:1,2/Heb 12:6-11) Forgiven all our trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailed it to his cross (Col 2:13,14) Remitted the sins that are past (Rom 3:25/Heb 9:15) Abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances (Eph 2:14,15) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us – (Gal 3:13) Our conscience is purged - (Heb 9:14/10:2,22/1Pet 3:21) We are reconciled to God by the death of His Son - Rom 5:10 Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ - (Rom 5:1) We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren (every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God- 1John 4:7). He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1John 3:14). The blood of Christ hath purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb 9:14) - our hearts sprinkled*(sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - 1Pet 1:2/Heb 12:24) *from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb 10:22). Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath (the Great Tribulation) through him (Rom 5:9/1Thess 5:9/1Cor 11:32)(provided we suffer with Him?- 2Tim 2:12/Rom 8:17/1Cor 11:31,32). when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Rom 5:10). Which part of our being got resuscitated when we believed? And that ye put on the new man (our spirit-being), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness - Eph 4:24/Col 3:10 - That which is born of the Spirit is spirit - John 3:6/1Pet 1:23. The soul alone has the propensity to sin - Ezekiel 18:20 - Our soul needs to be sanctified - 1Thes 4:3/Rom 2:9 - we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds - Eph 4:23 - be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind - Rom 12:2 - we must guard our souls -1Pet 2:11/ 1Thes 5:23/Luke 21:19 - we purify the souls by obeying the truth -1Pet 1:22 - We all must lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save our souls (from its depravity) - James 1:21/Heb 13:17 - receiving the end of your (tried) faith, even the salvation of your souls -1Pet 1:9/Heb 10:39 Our body is not yet reinstated - Phil 3:21 - And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Rom 8:23) - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1) - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor - 1 Thess 4:3-4.

To evade any confusion, the author recommends the use of the King James Version of the Bible when analyzing the provided citations. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate* (difficult, hardships, trials, trouble, crisis – Jesus is the “Door” through which we must enter in– John 10:9 –and that’s where most people stumble at – that’s where all hell would break loose – all other religion except this “Door” to life is undemanding – your own family/clan and friends may disown and reproach and may even kill you for believing in this “Divine Person” – but to enter into “Life” – there is no other “Gate” accessible other than this One, which alone can usher you into the “Way” of Life) *AND NARROW * (restricted, confined, reproachful, harsh – restricted! – not in the exact sense - And no man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me draws him - John 6:44 – that doesn’t mean God would only draw a certain few – that is not “rightly dividing” the word of truth - if that is so, He is partial – But God is no respecter of persons - Acts 10:34 - what He meant was that, if you are willing – He will draw you near - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you- James 4:8)(yet all are called – For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son(all of the mankind was condemned because of Adam– Rom 5:12,18 – but everyone (despite his/her stance) now is reconciled to God by the death of His Son Jesus – Christ died for the ungodly– Rom 5:6), much more, being reconciled (justified freely by his grace- Romans 3:24), we shall be saved by his life (if only one would believe in Jesus Christ the Savior of the world)(Romans 5:8,10,14/1John 4:14)- And this is the record, that God hath given to us* (mankind – He hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth- Acts 17:26) *eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1John 5:11,12). He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). Jesus says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door* (mankind is now given all the right (Grace – justified freely – Rom 3:24) to open the “door” (the tender mercy of God - Luke 1:78) – and without opening this “door” through faith (John 20:31), He (the Spirit of Life) won’t come into your life – Rom 3:30 – Who alone can impart abundant life to your spirit, soul and body – John 5:40/10:10), *I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20) - for whosoever* (despite how great your sin be – despite how deep the slough of despond you are in – despite how grave your situation be – despite how damned you think you are - Christ Jesus assures us that we will be saved – if only we would call upon His name which is above every other name that you know that are gods, which by nature are no gods– Phil 2:9,10/Gal 4:8) *shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (shall enter into God’s rest - shall be released from the power of Satan and the dominion of Sin - Rom 6:14/Acts 26:18/Col 1:13)(a sure word)(Romans 10:13/ Hebrews 3:11,18) - For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14) *IS THE WAY (Jesus is that Way - John 14:6),*which leads unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt 7:13,14)(the few - 1Kings 19:18/Rev 2:7,11,17,26/3:5,12,21/21:7/1John 5:4). And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light (they denied the Holy One and the Just and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead– Acts 3:14,15), because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). It is not because of God being partial that it was said “few” alone would find it - but because of man’s natural propensity to reject the light and truth (John 3:19).

Let's take Judas Iscariot, whose name was written in heaven – Luke 10:20 - but his name was erased from the book of life for forsaking the right way and choosing the way of Balaam (who loved the wages of unrighteousness) – 2Pet 2:15 - the fathers did eat the same spiritual meat and are dead – John 6:58/1Cor 10:1-4/Jude 1:5 – Judas was one among the twelve chosen apostles who were ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:70,71 –NIV/Mark 3:14,19)– but he loved the reward of iniquity– Acts 1:18/Jude 1:11/John 12:4-6/1Tim 6:9-12 – they err from faith - and the love of money drowns men in destruction and perdition – he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent – Pro 28:20 – Covetousness is idolatry – Col 3:5 - Judas Iscariot became a son of perdition – he lost his calling – John 17:12 – Satan entered and took possession of Judas at the last supper (the Passover) to betray Jesus – John 13:2,27 – Judas had sin in his heart as did Lucifer – Isaiah 14:13 – and that had led to the possession of his soul by the devil – Note that, he was not possessed by the devil from childhood as the Apocryphal Arabic Gospel of the Infancy puts it – for certain, he had been under the influence of Satan, and that must have given the devil leeway to enter him - Had Judas been an evil entity as many presume; he would not have felt the holy persuasion of Christ or enjoyed the light and spiritual gifts of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb, would he? Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death – James 1:14,15 – Covetousness had brought him down – He wasn’t honest – only Jesus knew the way Judas was handling the money that was entrusted to him – John 12:6 – for he was appointed to administer the financial assets and liabilities of this herd of believers - Judas must have been deeply offended by Jesus’ rebuke, as also the Synoptic Gospels put it (the pouring of the precious ointment on the body of Christ, for his burial – Matt 26:12 – affronted all the disciples– verse 8), which could have motivated him to later strike a bargain with the chief priests to betray Jesus - Matt 26:6-10 – or hearing Jesus speak about his death could have led him to think that his position as the head of the monetary resources is provisional and that he would not have a chance to make wealth once the Master is gone – he must have thought: well, let me save my life before it is too late! – For whosoever will save his life shall lose it – Matt 16:25 - and My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him – Heb 12:5 - My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction – Pro 3:11- If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons – Heb 12:7 - Judas was justified by faith and was baptized in water by John (Acts 1:17 – his bishopric (the office of bishop)let another take – Acts 1:20,25/ Ps 41:9/109:8 - KJV/John 4:1-2/13:18-21/17:12). The betrayal broke Jesus’ heart - because Judas was his bosom friend whom he trusted (relied on and was confident- AMP), and he betrayed him - Ps 41:9 –RSV– Matt 26:50 - Judas was not clean in heart – John 13:11 - Judas had experienced the power of God in his life – he underwent the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (John's Baptism - Mark 1:4/Acts 19:3) - Authority had been given to him, as well to all the other disciples - Matt 10:1-5,8/Luke 6:12-16/Mark 3:14,15/6:12,13 – At the last supper we find Judas also partook of the bread (a symbol of Jesus’ body/flesh), but we read that he left before he could partake of the wine - a symbol of Christ’s blood shed on the cross - John 13:26-30 – what a tragic end! Judas, by transgression fell from the ministry and Apostleship – Acts 1:25/Matt 27:4 – as did many other disciples later refused to believe in Christ – John 6:64,66 – he was chosen as a disciple, he was favored with the grace of the Apostolate, and enjoyed the privilege of having intimate friendship with the Divine Master – yet he sold his Lord for a paltry price - Esau too had sold his birthright for one morsel of meat, hadn’t he? – Heb 12:16,17 – Demas (a fellow worker – Col 4:14/Philemon 1:24) loved this present world and forsook the right way - 2Tim 4:10/2Pet 2:15/James 4:4/ 1John 2:15,16 - For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning – 2Pet 2:20/Luke 11:26 - For it is impossiblefor those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame - Heb 6:4-6 - They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away - Luke 8:13 - But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things* (Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted and were overthrown in the wilderness - 1Cor 10); *and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses - 1Tim 6:6-11 - Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul - Heb 10:38,39 - Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it - Heb 4:1 - And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear - 1Pet 1:17 - Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons – Acts 10:34.

An Auxiliary Power Unit is a device used to provide energy for functions other than propulsion. It is used to run the electrical systems of a large aircraft, while on the ground. Before the engines are to be turned, the APU is started by a battery or a hydraulic accumulator. Its primary purpose is to provide power to start the engines. For a vehicle with a flat battery, we either try to jump-start it or use another vehicle battery to get the engine up and running (An allegory) This is exactly what we experience at new-birth. The Spirit of the Lord uses the righteousness, faith, and obedience of Christ to jump-start our new beginning in Christ. This righteousness is imputed to all who are willing to walk in the steps of that faith of the father Abraham - Rom 4:12 - KJV. We have become the elect of God through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience - 1Pet 1:2/Rom 1:5/6:16/Gal 3:1/Eph 2:2/James 1:21. And when you walk after the Spirit in obedience to the word of Christ, the righteousness of the law shall be fulfilled in us too - Rom 8:4. When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature (the new nature) the things contained in the law - it shew the work of the law written in their hearts (the new covenant- Heb 8:10/10:16), their conscience also bearing witness* (Rom 9:1 - for the unbeliever his/her conscience is defiled and are reprobate- Titus 1:15,16), *and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another - Rom 2:14,15. Wherefore, when the uncircumcision (the Gentile believer) keep the righteousness of the law by walking after the Spirit unto obedience - 1Pet 1:2/Rom 6:16, they shall be counted for circumcision - Rom 2:26-29. I hear multitudes say that we must continue in that child-like state of relying on the righteousness of Christ alone, instead of using the righteousness of Christ to propel oneself to a higher realm in the spirit to bring forth fruit unto righteousness by His Spirit. Aren't we being instructed by the Spirit of God to run a race? Consider His righteousness as an after-burner, which most of the military supersonic aircrafts uses that provides an increase in thrust, usually for supersonic flights, takeoffs, and in combat situations. When required, pilots can activate and deactivate it in flight. We also have an afterburner too - Jesus Christ! In times of need, to obtain mercy and to find help - we are instructed to come boldly unto the throne of grace - Heb 4:16 - but not all the time. When we were dead in our sins, hath he quickened us - Col 2:13. You are now complete in Christ/made alive - Col 2:10/1Cor 15:22 - Complete:our spirit was dead in Adam and henceforth, the hearts were darkened - Through Jesus Christ, the first-born of God, He restored us back everything that we had lost in Adam and much more, and made He us complete. When we couldn’t function on our own, through His Son, God hath quickened our spirits through His Spirit, by faith, expecting us to become fully functional beings for which we are created. Therefore leaving the principles (the fundamentals) of the doctrine of Christ* (not disregarding but abiding in it - 2John 1:9), *let us go on unto perfection - Heb 6:1/1Pet 5:10/Phil 3:15 - the wholesome words, the doctrine which is according to godliness - 1Tim 6:3. When you become a man (no more a child according to the spirit) -1Cor 3:2,3/13:11/Heb 5:13,14, mature in spirit, become skilful in the word of righteousness - Heb 5:13 - and follow afterrighteousness* (without spot and blameless and harmless sons of God, walking in the purity of mind and spirit, keeping yourself unspotted form the world, calling on the Lord out of a pure heart - 2Pet 3:14/ 1Thess 5:22,23/Phil 2:15/Luke 1:6/2Cor 7:1/1Tim 1:5/ 4:12/5:2,22/1John 3:3/1Pet 1:22/James 1:27/ 2Tim 2:22), *godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness - 1Tim 6:11 - partaking of the divine nature and His holiness - 2Pet 1:4/Heb 12:10 - pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus - 2Pet 1:10/Phil 3:15/Phil 3:12 - having your faith tried - 1Pet 1:7,9/4:12/Heb 11:17/James 1:3 - from a servant' status to a brother beloved - Philemon 1:10-16 - then you begin your own flight with the might your inner man possesses - Eph 3:16. A lamb cannot be led, but follows the ewe’s sound and smell; their vision is limited and is incapable of sensing danger - but the sheep hears the master - Jesus said, my sheep hear my voice - John 10:27. The new-birth stage also reflects these examples, which I’ve put forth: God uses the righteousness, faith and obedience of Christ to jump-start us through His Spirit. That does not mean God want us to continue in that stage forever. We are being told to leave that basis and move on unto perfection - Our heavenly Father expects us to be conformed to the image of His first-born, unto a perfect man - Eph 4:13,14. God wants us to be perfect even as He is and be holy as He is - Matt 5: 48/1Pet 1:16. I often hear, pastors still encouraging the hearers to rely on the righteousness of Christ on a daily basis, instead of challenging them to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness - Eph 4:24 - and grow unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Putting on the new-man is like putting on the Lord Jesus - Rom 13:14/Col 3:10/Eph 4:24 - Didn’t Christ leave an example that we should follow his steps? - 1Pet 1:21 Why would he left us an example expecting us to walk, even as he walked, if we are to only rely on his righteousness on a continuous basis considering ourselves as worthless creatures; when in fact, we are raised together with Him in Baptism to walk in newness of life/ to serve in newness of spirit? - Rom 6:4/ 7:5,6/1John 2:6 Know that, as he is, so are we in this world -1John 4:17. We must arm ourselves with the same mind of Christ, mustn’t we? 1Pet 4:1/Heb 12:2,3 - If Jesus had to be taught obedience and had to be made perfect according to the flesh, how much more we? - Heb 2:10/5:8,9. The word of the truth of the gospel, which came unto us, brought forth fruit unto us, don’t it? Col 1:5,6/Rom 7:4/John 15:16. Be ye followers of God, as dear children - Eph 5:1,2. God expects us to bring forth fruit, to yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness - Heb 12:11/Rom 6:16 - and to become like Jesus. Our elder brother hath paved us a way through death, for us to imitate him, to please God as he did too. 1 John 3:2-3: Beloved, now are we the sons of God (no more servants or just friends), and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:7). He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:6).