Religion or Redeemed: The Difference is in the Heart

-

 



*_Religious or Redeemed: The Difference is in the Heart_*


As Christians, we may stumble and fall into sin, but it is impossible to continue living in sin without experiencing deep conviction and misery. The presence of Christ in our lives transforms us, making it intolerable to persist in a sinful lifestyle. *"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him"* (1 John 5:18).


When Christ dwells within us, the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we stray. This conviction is not a mere feeling of guilt; it is the deep sense that something is fundamentally wrong, leading us to repentance and a desire to return to God. Jesus said in John 16:8, *"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."* This conviction is evidence that we are truly born of God.


A true Christian cannot find peace in a life of unrepentant sin. The Holy Spirit within us will not allow us to be comfortable in rebellion against God. In Psalm 32:3-4, David describes this experience: *"When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer."* This lack of peace is God's way of drawing us back to Him.


On the other hand, those who live in sin without a desire to turn away from it may be religious, but they are not true Christians. Religion alone cannot save; it is only through a relationship with Christ and being born again that we experience true transformation. *"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven"* (Matt 7:21).


Living in sin while claiming to follow Christ is incompatible with the new life we receive in Him. Paul writes in Romans 6:1-2, *"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"* The grace of God does not give us a license to sin; it empowers us to live in righteousness.


If Christ lives in you, sin will no longer be a comfortable companion. The true Christian feels the weight of conviction, the misery of separation from God, and the deep longing for restoration. Those who persist in sin without a desire for repentance may be religious, but they have not yet experienced the life-changing power of being born of God. *"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new"* (2 Cor 5:17).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Setting Sexual Boundaries

-
Image
  SETTING SEXUAL BOUNDARIES Sexual immorality is on the increase all over the world. Adultery is fast becoming the norm and men of God are also joining the club. Married men and women are not left out, many are having secret lovers and emotional affairs are becoming the order of the day. The rate at which immorality is increasing is alarming! It is spreading fast into every nook and cranny and children are also being initiated into the club. It's no news that 8-10 years old kids now have sex with each other. Staying sexually pure these days is becoming a Herculean task. One of the reasons people fall flat into illicit sex is over confidence. The wrong belief that you can be free around the opposite sex and nothing would happen is a big lie from the pit of hell, meant to deceive people. - A lot will happen!* One of the ways you can stay sexually pure whether married or single these end time is to set strict boundaries. If you are too careless around the opposite sex, you will fall f...
Read more

Effective Preaching and Teaching for Life Transformation

-
Image
  EFFECTIVE PREACHING AND TEACHING FOR LIFE TRANSFORMATION   2 Timothy 3: 16-17 16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Romans 12:2 2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. INTRODUCTION: Effective preaching and teaching for life transformation blend divine inspiration, diligent preparation, and practical application, aiming for a fundamental change in a person's thinking and behavior . The goal is not merely information transfer, but transformation that results in obedience and Christ likeness.   Below is a clear, practical guide:     1.THE PREACHER'S PREPARATION Personal Transformation:  The preac...
Read more

I Will Build My Church - Matthew16:13-19

-
Image
  I Will Build My Church – Matthew 16:13-19   We are living at a very crucial time when it appears the devil has taken over the stage. All over the world, news of crises and criminal activities pervade the whole atmosphere. For those who have the spiritual insight and understanding of time, the whole arsenal of the devil is directed at the church moreso, when the coming of the Lord is nearer than before. Nevertheless, the plan and purpose of God cannot but come to pass. The Lord’s words cannot go out without being fulfilled that “…I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Amen.   The church, that is, the Body of Christ, does not belong to anybody hence; Jesus said “…I will build my church…” No man or woman who has by His grace become, a building block and precious stone in the Body of Christ, can lay claim to the church. We have become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that we should show...
Read more