Distinction Between the Righteous (Saints) and the Wicked (Sinners)

  Image by Sabrina Eickhoff from Pixabay.

Malachi 3:16-18

16 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. 18 Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous (just) and the wicked (sinner), between him that serves God and him that does not serve Him.

Today, no practical distinction is made between the righteous and the wicked in most Christian literature and teaching. "We are all sinners" is the mantra, before and after what can be called coming to Jesus or salvation, from the minister on down. Yet sinners cannot be called "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) because they are not. They are walking in darkness (John 8:12) because they are sinners and falling short of the glory of God, not followers of Jesus. They are called to repent and be converted (Acts 3:19). That's the basis to get God's forgiveness and a ne slate to start a relationship with God as a transformed (converted) person. 

Jesus says this about those who are formerly sinners and presently righteous because they have repented and have become obedient to God:

John 17:22-23

22 And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23  I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me.

Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" is no longer speaking for them, because Romans 3:24 is their experience indeed by faith, upon answering the call of the Gospel: they have been "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

They are called the "just" or "righteous." In the parable of the sheep and the goats, they are simply  called "the righteous" (verse 37):

Matthew 25:31-40

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32  Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33  He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34  Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35  for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. 36  I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’ 37  “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? 38  When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? 39  When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ 40  “The King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

They have left their life of sin as they have answered the Gospel's call to repent to be saved:

Luke 5:31-32

31 Jesus answered them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 15:7

I say to you, that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.

Alert: There is a false teaching that ignores the reality of being righteous altogether and gives the understanding that repentance is a daily endeavor like sin is an unavoidable thing that goes on daily, even deliberate commission of the same sin. These words of Jesus are not understood: 

John 8:34-36

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35  A slave does not live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 36  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Matthew 5:29-30

29 And if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.

In the end, Jesus will usher into his eternal kingdom the righteous and holy, those He has freed from sin/justified (made righteous) and sanctified (made holy so as to be called saints) through their faith in Him, which they have maintained to the end:

Revelation 22:11-12

11 The one being unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous, let him do righteousness still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.” 12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to each as is his work.

An alternate translation of Revelation 22, verse 12, says:

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to each one according to what he has done."

So, under false teachings, the preaching to get saved isn't about opening people's eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so they can be sanctified by their faith in (trust in and obedience to) Jesus (Acts 26:18)! Let's call it what it is: a satanic "gospel" that twists the truth and saves no one. So, people keep on struggling in their sins and get to think that's the normal Christian experience. That's sad, because countless are calling themselves Christians and don't understand what Jesus is supposed to have done for them on the cross. 

Matthew 1:21

And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

Acts 3:26

God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent Him to you first, to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your wickedness.

wickedness = sin = iniquity = unrighteousness

So, when the false teacher again says, "there is no one righteous, no, not one" out of Romans 3:10, ask him/her to read it in context (Romans 3:11-18) and see if what is said (it's quoting from Psalm 14) can possibly be talking about a "born again" new creature in Christ — a saint. If that is what the person believes, then it means there is no power of the cross to save in what that person believes and preaches. We need to be alert and aware of these things. This is not a time to blindly trust a preacher and not study the scriptures. That time never was. Wake up to righteousness and do not sin!

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

See also:

Are we All Sinners?

Is There No One Righteous (Romans 3:10)?

Who is the man struggling in Romans 7?

Are You an Ex-Sinner Calling yourself a Sinner?

The Bible speaks about the wicked (sinners) and the righteous (saints)

Who is Hebrews 10:26 speaking to?

Freedom From Sin

The Great Tribulation 

The desire of the righteous is only good,

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. - Proverbs 11:23

Jesus vs False Teachers

The Goal of Repentance

Sanctification in the Bible

  Image by Sabrina Eickhoff from Pixabay.

A lifelong process of sanctification where sinning goes on but keeps on decreasing is not what's taught in the Bible. But "without holiness, no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Thus, any day we need to be ready and holy for Jesus. Not 25% now and hopefully 100% by the day we die or the day Jesus returns. So, if we got to 65% by either of those deadlines, would there be a speedy sanctification to reach 100%? That is taught nowhere in the Bible. Instead, servants of God are so exhorted:

1 Peter 1:14-16
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also BE HOLY IN ALL YOUR CONDUCT, 16 for it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Conduct = behavior = conversation (KJV).

It's not about getting to a threshold of holiness that is acceptable to God at the end of our life or at Jesus' return, but about remaining in the state of holiness that Jesus keeps his servants in as long as they remain faithfully obedient to Him (that is the essence of having faith in Him and abiding in Him). There is growth in that but in no case there is room for willfully sinning and using the idea of being in a lifelong process of sanctification as an excuse!

John 15:4-6, 10
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and withers; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

'Holiness' and 'sanctification' are English renderings of the same Greek noun:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G38&t=KJV

'Holy' and 'saint' are likewise translations of the same Greek adjective:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G40&t=KJV

'Sanctify,' 'be holy' and 'hallow' also translate the same Greek verb:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G37&t=KJV

The apostle Paul wrote like this of the new born again Christians in Corinth:

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you.* But you were washed, you WERE SANCTIFIED, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

*See verses 9 and 10 for their past sinful behaviors.

This passage also speaks of someone who for sure was sanctified:

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which HE WAS SANCTIFIED a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

Sanctification has to do with consecration, the fact of being set-apart. There is nothing mystical about that. Biblical Israel was sanctified (set-apart) among all nations of the earth by Sabbath-keeping under the Old Covenant (Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:12). Sanctification today under the New Covenant brought in by Jesus is by faith in Him (Acts 26:18), which means more than believing true facts, but is fidelity towards Him in obedience to his teachings (Luke 6:46-49, John 12:46-48). 

A sanctified person or saint or set-apart one (according to the Bible's definition) is called to remain holy or set-apart, never to return to unclean behavior as to one's vomit like a dog (2 Peter 2:20-22). That's foolish and leads to utter destruction, not salvation. Hence, the warnings in the Scriptures.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

At the end, every one will remain in whatever state he/she had maintained him/herself:

Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," Jesus said in Matthew 5:8. There is no purity of heart if someone is taking pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:12), not hating it enough to cut it out as both an act of worship to God and an expression of love for God.

This word must be heeded:

James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

So then this can be said of the FORMERLY wicked / unrighteous / sinning person who came clean with God in true repentance and started on a path of righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24, 2 Peter 2:21):

1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

Only a formerly unrighteous person, an ex-sinner or ex-worker of iniquity can be on the way to heaven. Sin is not the way into which Jesus leads someone who is following Him (Mark 8:34). Jesus' way is the way that leads to eternal life. That's the way He calls everyone who is willing to follow Him to walk on and stay on.

Matthew 7:13-14
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

This is the solution for the problem of the sin-causing flesh: kill it / put it to death / crucify it.

Crucify the Flesh
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKBVZh0-tlKdbQIK0XeRx9dpcPT-EJzE

That's what the Bible teaches, not to get better at managing it and its sinful passions.

Galatians 5:24
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts [desires].

1 Peter 4:1-3
1  Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 2  that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for human desires, but for the will of God. 3  For enough time in the past has been spent doing the will of the unbelievers, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

Struggling with sin is struggling to put down an idol in one's heart, it's struggling to love God with all one's heart, all one's soul, all one's mind and all one's strength (Mark 12:30). That's the truth and "the truth will set you free" as Jesus said (John 8:32). He was talking about freedom from the death trap of sin which is what salvation is about (John 8:34-36, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:18). [See Saved From What?]

This is the ministry that was given to the apostle Paul who was sent to preach the Gospel to the nations. It was a calling to him by Jesus "to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (Acts 26:18). 

50% sanctification + 50% still sinning willfully isn't sanctification at all and won't enter the kingdom of heaven.

Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

See also: 
The Essence of Faith
Repentance According to the Bible 

Jesus vs False Teachers

Study on Uncleanness

ADDENDUM

Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

There is no way of answering Jesus' call to repentance and remain a sinner, or in any case, not be converted to be what the Bible calls a righteous person or a saint.

SIN LEADS TO DEATH OBEDIENCE LEADS TO RIGHTEOUSNESS RIGHTEOUSNESS LEADS TO HOLINESS cf. Romans 6:16-19. JESUS SAVES FROM SIN cf. Matthew 1:21, John 8:34-36


This is a caricature of the endemic sin-rooted sickness of professed Christians:
I am still sinning and I twist the scriptures. 
-1 John 1:8 is my defense 
-Romans 3:10 is my shield 
-Romans 7:20 is my stronghold 
-Isaiah 64:6 is my cover 
(all used out of context) 


OBJECTIONS

The one who says, "I know Jesus", and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4). 

The one who does what is right is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous (1 John 3:7). 

The one who sins is of the devil... (1 John 3:8). 

The one who is born of God does not sin... (1 John 5:18). 

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid (Galatians 2:17). 

Revelation 22:11 
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 

If you remain in sin or return to sin after having been delivered from sin, you will be found unrighteous and filthy at Jesus' coming, not righteous and holy. If that's the path you are on, be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19), and stay obedient to the King of kings.

Jesus vs False Teachers

Are you contending with the reality of false prophets/teachers in this day?

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Acts 20:29-31
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ's apostles. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who shall secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their shameful ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with false words exploit you: whose judgment of old now lingers not, and their destruction slumbers not.

2 Timothy 3:13-17
13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Titus 1:10-16
10 For there are also many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be silenced; who are upsetting whole families, teaching things which they should not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

Revelation 2:13-16
13 I know your works and where you dwell, even where Satan's throne is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 2:19-22
19 I know your works, and love, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

_______

Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Titus 3:1-10
1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing courtesy to all people. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of everlasting life. 8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable for people; 9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

See also:
Repentance According to the Bible

Exposing The "Regeneration Before Faith" Myth

Eternal Life - By Faith Now

 

Faith Implies Obedience

Once Saved Always Saved is a Lie

The Church that Jesus Built (Upon this Rock)

This is what a punch of the devil against Christians looks like

 

One-Two Punch Against the Devil (video playlist)

Full: Waking up to the Mess (YouTube)

ARCHIVES

Beware of False Prophets
https://www.facebook.com/yestothetruth/posts/1581254861953431

 

Matthew 24:11-12
11  Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. 12  And because lawlessness is multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.

If you're walking in the truth, you can know who is not, so you can recognize a false prophet, and you should, and not follow any as a man or woman "of God" (that is what they will always say they are). But the bible does not lie. These people are around, they are plenty, and they also study the bible. But they are not of God.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

The bible says nothing about a slow down in the slew of false prophets over the face of the earth, so it's today worse than when John wrote his letter to believers. They are enemies of the truth that brings salvation. The apostle Paul spoke of them too:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. 14  And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. 15  It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Dear beloved, may we examine ourselves daily and likewise the message we have received as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for our own sakes and that of our loved ones, because for sure grievous wolves have risen up to deceive many as the bible amply warns us (Matthew 7:15-20; Acts 20:29-31; Matthew 23:13; Matthew 24:11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4; Revelation 2:20).

False Prophets are on TV

https://www.facebook.com/yestothetruth/posts/1595103753901875
TV is a regulated environment and the truth may not get a pass on it as it may be offensive and work against the business philosophy of “pleasing the customer.” Christian TV stations and programs are not exempt. Preaching the undiluted truth may also hurt the bottom line of ministries that prey on people's money under false pretenses. So, not preaching the truth may ensure that a person becomes very popular and highly regarded, but Jesus warned his disciples, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). In the time of the prophet Elijah, the ratio of false prophets to true messengers of God was 850 to 1 in Israel at one point (1 Kings 18:16-45). The bible says nothing about things getting better in that sense. So, Jesus says also, “Strive to enter through the narrow door…” (Luke 13:24). That is a message that uncovers a reality about the preaching of the Gospel for the purpose of leading people to salvation in Jesus that hardly makes it through what could be considered popular channels of evangelism, especially TV.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Love Out Of A Pure Heart (1 Timothy 1:5)

1 Corinthians 13:13

Right now three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:16-19

16 We have come to know and rely on the love that God has for us. God is love, and the person who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 This is how love has been perfected among us: we will have confidence on the day of judgment because, during our time in this world, we are just like him. 18 There is no fear where love exists. Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, and the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because God first loved us.

1 John 5:3

For this demonstrates our love for God: We keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

John 15:9-10

9 Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. So abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you’ll abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

It's just a wrong and terrible mindset that prevents someone from taking these words to heart because "salvation is by grace not by works." Deliverance won't come without offering to God a heart that is ready to obey Him in all (that's total, wholehearted, surrender to God - no more rebellion). That's how we show God we love Him. And He wants that in our relationship with Him. It's an honor to suffer for Jesus' name, for the sake of doing what's right. But Satan has convinced countless believers that Jesus having done what's right before the Father exempts them from having to do what's right and their deliberate sins are allowed to go on, with no self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus (Mark 8:34). Following Jesus is walking on the way to reach eternal life (John 6:68) and cannot be something Jesus has done Himself on behalf of the believer. The believer / disciple / follower has to do what Jesus says (Luke 6:46), obey Him, and that expression of love for Him will lead to victory with Him over sin, the flesh and the devil.

1 John 5:18

We know that whosoever is born of God does not sin; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one does not touch him.

1 Timothy 1:5
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.

 

See also:
What Would Jesus Do?

 

How Do We Know That We Love God?

 

How Do You Love God with All Your Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength?

Heart photo created by jcomp - www.freepik.com



You Obeyed from your Heart

 

Freedom From Sin

 

Be deliberate to put God's word in you. He will guide you in all!

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
 
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
God supplies by his grace all the power we need to live for Him (Titus 2:11-14, Romans 6:1-2, 12-15, 1 Peter 4:1-3, 2 Peter 1:2-11, James 4:6-10). His grace saves us from the power of sin.
 
Be willing to dig deep (Luke 6:48) as you build a solid foundation of God's word in you. And by the grace of God you will be overcoming sin. Don't go with a mindset that anything is going to be quick and easy as Jesus has said to "strive [make every effort] to enter through the narrow door..." (Luke 13:24). But as you draw near to God and do so wholeheartedly (that's the key), He will draw near to you (James 4:8).


Please read:
Is Repentance Just a Change of Mind?
Repentance, along with faith in Jesus, is the way through which we come into a relationship with God and receive the healing our soul needs (cf. Luke 5:31-32, Acts 20:20-21).
 
Please listen to these messages: 
Salvation From Sin - video

You Are Accountable to Repent -  video

Self-denial and Taking up One's Cross to Follow Jesus (Mark 8:34) / Crucify the Flesh (video playlist)

Resist Temptation & Break Free from Addiction - video

Connecting with God through Jesus (Book)

Struggling with Sin? (video playlist)

Please use this as guidance for prayer:
How To Pray

Be encouraged and may you find the new life in Jesus Christ and peace (Romans 6:4, 8:6)! 

 

 

Commentary on the The Large Catechism (Martin Luther) with Respect to The Call to Repentance

Large Catechism ¹
Part Second: Of the Creed.
Article III.
54] We further believe that in this Christian Church we have forgiveness of sin, which is wrought through the holy Sacraments and Absolution, moreover, through all manner of consolatory promises of the entire Gospel. Therefore, whatever is to be preached concerning the Sacraments belongs here, and, in short, the whole Gospel and all the offices of Christianity, which also must be preached and taught without ceasing. For although the grace of God is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Word of God in the unity of the Christian Church, yet on account of our flesh which we bear about with us we are never without sin.

55] Everything, therefore, in the Christian Church is ordered to the end that we shall daily obtain there nothing but the forgiveness of sin through the Word and signs, to comfort and  encourage our consciences as long as we live here. Thus, although we have sins, the [grace of the] Holy Ghost does not allow them to injure us, because we are in the Christian Church, where there is nothing but [continuous, uninterrupted] forgiveness of sin, both in that God forgives us, and in that we forgive, bear with, and help each other.

56] But outside of this Christian Church, where the Gospel is not, there is no forgiveness, as also there can be no holiness [sanctification]. Therefore all who seek and wish to merit holiness [sanctification], not through the Gospel and forgiveness of sin, but by their works, have expelled and severed themselves [from this Church].

The Scriptures:
Romans 6:4-7
4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Why not preach the cross that brings that death to sin and freedom from sin indeed? That's the basis for walking with God as a new creation, in holiness and righteousness all our days (Luke 1:75; Ephesians 4:20-24), not build upon a foundation of bondage to sin still.

John 8:34-36
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 A slave does not live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

1 John 3:6-9
6 Whoever remains in him does not sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God does not commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

The Gospel that Jesus has delivered to the world to be preached to all brings about the destruction of the "works of the devil" (1 John 3:8) in the life of the believer/disciple of Jesus. It open eyes, brings from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18; 2 Timothy 2:26). That's the foundation that is established through repentance and faith in Jesus (Acts 20:20-21).

A path of righteousness is established on the basis of a departure from unrighteousness in answering the call to repentance, and the continuity of obeying Jesus faithfully (that is faith), empowered by God's grace.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?

Romans 6:8-16
8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; 9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him. 10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 Neither present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace. 15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Absolutely not. 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12instructing us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

It's not just about trusting in what Jesus has done. He has spoken and his words that lead to eternal life show a way (the only way to the Father) to follow and that affirms what the Bible presents as freedom from sin (John 8:36, Romans 6:18) and a "way of righteousness" that one follows as a righteous person, no longer a sinner/wicked person still (2 Peter 2:21). For it's not a sinner still that is found on the other side of repentance and conversion (Acts 3:19; Luke 18:13-14). And confession of sins to God with a contrite heart must be accompanied with forsaking of sin (Proverbs 28:13), or there is no true contrition of "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10) that brings about reconciliation to God for sinners who are considered his enemies before they are reconciled to Him (Romans 5:6-11). One is not reconciled to remain an enemy.

---

Large Catechism
Part Fifth: Of the Sacrament of the Altar.
53] Now, this is to be the first point, especially for those who are cold and indifferent, that they may reflect upon and rouse themselves. For this is certainly true, as I have found in my own experience, and as every one will find in his own case, that if a person thus withdraw from this Sacrament, he will daily become more and more callous and cold, and will at last disregard it altogether. 54] To avoid this, we must, indeed, examine heart and conscience, and act like a person who desires to be right with God. Now, the more this is done, the more will the heart be warmed and enkindled, that it may not become entirely cold.

55] But if you say: How if I feel that I am not prepared? Answer: That is also my scruple, especially from the old way under the Pope, in which a person tortured himself to be so perfectly pure that God could not find the least blemish in us. On this account we became so timid that every one was instantly thrown into consternation and said to himself: Alas! you are unworthy! 56] For then nature and reason begin to reckon our unworthiness in comparison with the great and precious good; and then it appears like a dark lantern in contrast with the bright sun, or as filth in comparison with precious stones. Because nature and reason see this, they refuse to approach and tarry until they are prepared, so long that one week trails another, and one half year the other. 57] But if you are to regard how good and pure you are, and labor to have no compunctions, you must never approach.

The Scriptures:
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

These reasonings above are rooted in human wisdom, trusting in one's own understanding (or that of other men) like Proverbs 3:5 tells us not to do, and in pride certainly, having been taught wrong the way to approach God. Remember, the message given is "repent or perish" (Luke 13:1-5). The Ninevites got it. When we depart from that message and offer other ways to be made right with God, pride certainly has room to creep in, rather than the fear of God bearing upon people's consciences. God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5) who come to Him in full surrender of their lives to Him (Mark 8:34-35) — the way He has commanded. This is what is required in answering that call to repentance and approaching God in humility (dust and ashes) for forgiveness on the account of Jesus' shed blood and the beginning of a relationship:

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

There is no "absolution" from God (and not through the works of a priest as under the Mosaic Law) without that.

James 1:21-22

21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness [that's repentance], receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word [that's faith], and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

James 4:7-10
7 Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Job 28:28
He said to mankind, "The fear of the LORD--that is wisdom. And to turn from evil is understanding."

Jesus unequivocally taught that the people of Nineveh could teach this generation about repentance:

Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

(Jonah 3:10
When God saw their actions--they turned from their evil way of living!--God relented concerning the judgment he had threatened them with and he did not destroy them.)

So, next to what is done by Jesus and that we can trust in is what we are called to do: the deeds of our faith, not the works of the Mosaic Law. This is mentioned to dispel the myth that all works mentioned in the Bible are the same or that we won't be judged each one of us according to our deeds/works (John 5:29; Romans 2:6; Revelation 22:11-12). In repentance, there are works consistent with repentance that are expected (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; what Zacchaeus did as was applicable to his own circumstances - Luke 19:8; what the former practitioners of magic did - Acts 19:19; what the prodigal son did after coming to his senses - Luke 15:17-20).

Jesus' words saying "Come to me" and "learn from me" (cf. Matthew 11:28-30) cannot have a substitute in what a sacrament is made my man to stand for. 

_______

1. The Large Catechism by Martin Luther
https://www.lcms.org/Document.fdoc?src=lcm&id=950

_______

Call to Repentance

Are You an Ex-Sinner Calling yourself a Sinner?

  Image by Sabrina Eickhoff from Pixabay.

If you are a sinner, the Good News is for you!

Jesus spoke this word:

Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Repentance and faith in Jesus is the path for sinners to become righteous:
Acts 20:20-21
[you know] 20 how I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

That's about all God has to say to sinners: Repent or else be ready to be punished in the final judgement. And that's the Good News for those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6) and desire with all their heart to live for God and be through with sin.

If you have responded to God's call by the Gospel to sinners, you have been forgiven your past sins and have been made righteous. You have been reconciled to God, from being previously his enemy as a sinner. You are no longer a sinner. Some synonymous for "sinner" in the Bible are "wicked", "rebellious", "unrighteous", "disobedient", "worker of iniquity/lawlessness", "evil doer", "transgressor." Are you still that? That's not what God calls his servants, his children, his people.

1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 

Romans 5:6-11
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly [sinners]. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified* by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Galatians 2:17
But if, while we seek to be justified* by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? God forbid!

*justified: made right with God / declared "righteous" by God

The thief on the cross became an ex-thief before Jesus could promise him a place with Him in paradise! His heart was changed and Jesus saw that. See The Salvation of the Thief Who Was on the Cross. He came to hate his life as a sinner up to that point, so he was ready to receive the new life in Christ (Romans 6:4; John 12:25) if he had remained alive. He had lost all pleasure in robbing people right there on the cross as he came to fear God and repented. If he did not rob for the pleasure of hurting people, then he certainly came to be in agreement with God that stealing is wrong and deserving of punishment by his divine hand. Such change happened. Every sinner who comes to God becomes an ex-(some wicked thing). The people of God are not sinners, but anyone coming to God in the first place cannot say, "I have no sin/not sinned," as then they would be liars deceiving themselves (1 John 1:8). [See this post about the popular incorrect application of 1 John 1:8: Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8.]

The people of God are ex-sinners — He calls them his saints, or holy ones:

2 Thessalonians 10-10
9 These [the wicked] shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

Matthew 13:40-43
40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

It's the righteous whose prayers God hears:

John 9:31
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, He listens to him.

1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Sin is what sinners are saved from!  [video]

Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

Sinners who repent and are converted are put on a path of righteousness; they have turned away from the path of unrighteousness/sin. Jesus has set them free from that path of sin (John 8:34-36, Romans 6:16-18)! The grace of God teaches them to say 'No' to unrighteousness/sin (Romans 6:1-2, 12-19; Titus 2:11-14). Sin is not the way forward for them. Sin is not the center of their world. Jesus, the King of righteousness, is!

2 Timothy 2:19
However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."

Righteousness and holiness is the path of the righteous or saint:

Revelation 22:11-12
11 The one being unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous, let him do righteousness still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.”  12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me, to give to each one according to his work.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord

Sinners have no connection with holiness whatsoever, because faith which implies obedience to God is the path that leads to righteousness, the practice of which leads to holiness (John 3:36; Romans 6:16-19). See Faith Implies Obedience.

Salvation belongs to the righteous:

Psalm 118:14-15, 19-20 
14 The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.  15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them and praise the LORD.  20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter into it.

The righteous are called to remain faithful to the end:

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives even unto death.

Revelation 14:12
Here is the endurance of the saints, those keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

May Jesus bless you!



See also:
Are we all sinners? 

Sanctification in the Bible

The Salvation of the Thief Who Was on the Cross

Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8

Saved From What?

Repentance According to the Bible

Crucify the Flesh (YouTube playlist)

Struggle with Sin and Double-Mindedness

Distinction Between the Righteous (Saints) and the Wicked (Sinners)

Is There No One Righteous (Romans 3:10)?

Is or Was? (video)
 
Faith Implies Obedience

The Goal of Repentance

  

 

 

What is the Grace of God?