Aim for Perfection

These days it seems like most so-called Christians have given up on the idea of perfection.  They are willing to settle for compromise with the world and sin in their own lives, doing so under the excuse of grace.  But grace is not a license for sin.  So I’d like to examine the Scriptural standard for the life of every disciple of Christ.  The standard is perfection.   To be more precise, it is sinless perfection.

You May Not Sin
Jesus spoke to the man whose hand was healed, and warned him not to sin anymore. “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.’” (Joh 5:14).  Why would Jesus tell him to sin no more, if it were not possible?  Wouldn’t that only frustrate the man? No, the Lord would not command him to do something that was impossible.

He said, “sin no more.” That expression comes from the Greek words “harmatano meketi.”  The word “harmatano” means “to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), that is, (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin: - for your faults, offend, sin, trespass” (Strongs).  And meketi means, “no further: - any longer, (not) henceforth, hereafter, no henceforward (longer, more, soon), not any more.”  “Meketi” comes from the Greek root word “me,” which is a primary particle of qualified negation, such as “not, neither, never, no, none, nor, or without” (Strongs). And the other root word “eti” means “yet”, still (of time or degree): - after that, also, ever, (any) further, (t-) henceforth (more), hereafter, (any) longer, (any) more (-one), now, still, yet.” Therefore, "meketi" emphasizes the discontinuation of an act already in progress and the negation of an act in the future.

After Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, He used that same expression to warn her to leave her life of sin.  “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’” (Joh 8:11).  That expression once again comes from the Greek words “harmatano meketi.”

The apostle John wrote his epistle, so that his readers may not sin.  “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”  (1Jn 2:1-2)

John said, "You may not sin." That expression comes from the Greek words “me harmatano” meaning "sin not" just as the apostle Paul used in his epistle to the Corinthians, when he wrote, "Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame." (1Co 15:34). Other English versions say, “sin not” (KJV) or “do not go on sinning” (ESV).

John taught that sin has no place in the life of one who is born again. He said, “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1Jn 5:18).

I believe the Lord would say the same to us today as He and His apostles said then, "Do not sin anymore."

Depart from Iniquity
The apostle Paul said, "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.'" (2Ti 2:19). He explicitly said we must abstain from wickedness, which means to refrain from indulgence in it, or to restrain oneself from doing it or enjoying it. Other versions say "depart from iniquity" or "depart from unrighteousness."  This leaves no room for any unrighteousness at all in our lives. We have a responsibility to depart from it.

Abstain from Sinful Desires
Likewise, the apostle Peter said, "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul." (1 Pe 2:11, NIV). It should be obvious from Scriptures like this that all sin is forbidden for the saints.

Do No Evil
The Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of Isaiah saying, "Cease to do evil!" (Is 1:16b). Likewise, the apostle Paul prayed for the Corinthians that they would do no evil. He said, "Now I pray to God that ye do no evil." (2Co 13:7a, KJV). The Greek word for "evil" here is "kakos", which means that which is  worthless, depraved, sick, injurious, bad, evil, harmful, or wicked. This should be our prayer also for ourselves and others that we would do no evil, in other words do nothing wicked, wrong, bad, harmful, or sinful in any way. This is even more important than praying that we would be spared from suffering evil.

Be Perfect
Jesus said, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mat 5:48).  The word “perfect” is “teleios” in the Greek, meaning “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.”  When Jesus said, “as your heavenly Father is perfect,” it clarified that was talking about godly perfection.  Obviously what Jesus referred to was moral perfection of the same kind that our Father in heaven has.  He would not command us to do something that was impossible, so we know this is attainable.

The apostle Paul also said that Epaphras prayed earnestly for the Colossians so that they may “stand perfect.” He said, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” (Col 4:12)

Likewise, that was the way Paul prayed for the Corinthians.  In the context of praying that they would do no evil (2 Cor 13:7), as I mentioned previously, He said, "But we pray also for this, your perfection." (2 Co 13:9b, MKJV). The word “perfect” is “katartisis” in the Greek, meaning “perfection” (Strongs). That is the goal.

How to Attain Perfection
But how do we attain such perfection?  There is a responsibility on our part to be perfect, as Jesus said. We certainly have an active role in submitting to the process. However, the Lord carries out the process, as a refiner does with silver or gold. Peter said that Christ Himself will perfect you through suffering.  “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1Pe 5:10)

Paul also said the Lord will perfect the good work He began in you. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Php 1:6).  Note that Paul says the Lord will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus, which means it is an ongoing work until the Lord returns or until we go to be with Him.

Therefore, while we must actively participate and make every effort to be perfect, it does not depend completely on us. Ultimately it is the Lord's work in us, without which we could never be perfect.

Now But Not Yet
So then are we perfect already, or is it still something we seek to obtain?  The apostle Paul made it clear that he had not already become perfect.  “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:12).  Now I can relate with that! Although he admitted he was not yet perfect, he made it his aim to reach that goal, since that was the reason Jesus Christ laid hold of him.

On the other hand, Paul also referred to himself among those who were already perfect.  He said “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;” (Php 3:15).  Paul spoke in the first person plural in the present tense, when he said “as many as are perfect.” So we see that although Paul had not already become perfect, he was in fact leading a perfect life to the greatest extent possible at that time.  I call this "Now, But Not Yet ."

A Perfect Conscience
The gifts and sacrifices of the Law could not make the worshiper perfect in conscience.  “Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,” (Heb 9:9b). 

But those who accept the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ are not guilty, not only because of destroyed records, but because of a purged conscience.  When your conscience has been purged, it becomes perfect.

This is a glorious gift from God, because a guilty conscience makes a person miserable.  And it only keeps the person bound by sin, so they keep repeating the same thing.  But a clear conscience is liberating and free. It is no longer obligated to sin, but is obligated to righteousness.  Thank the Lord for a clear conscience!

Spirits made Perfect
The apostle writing to the Hebrews said that when you come to know the Lord, “You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” (Heb 12:22b-23)

We are one with the entire Body of Christ, including those who have already gone before us into glory.  They are the spirits of righteous men, women, and children made perfect.  That’s what we are, if we know Jesus and obey His commands.  Note that is says we are "made perfect" and the One who made us perfect is the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s what we are becoming, and we’ll soon join that heavenly throng.

Is Perfect Simply Being Complete?
Some people who teach about perfection say that the Greek word for “perfect” simply means being “complete.” They imply that is doesn’t really mean moral perfection as we understand it in the English language. 

But James said, “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (Jas 1:4)  James uses two different words here, “perfect” and “complete”.  The word “perfect” is “telios” in the Greek, which we have already defined as perfect.  The word “complete” is “holokleros” in the Greek, meaning “complete in every part, that is, perfectly sound (in body): - entire, whole.”  Since James said, “you may be perfect and complete,” we know there is a difference between “perfect” and “complete”.  We know that when the Scripture speaks of being perfect, it does not simply mean “complete.” Since James used both these terms side by side, we know it is God’s will for us to be perfect, and it is possible for the believer.

The Power of the Tongue in Perfection
James described a perfect man as one who does not stumble in what he says: “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” (Jas 3:2).  He said the reason such a man is perfect is that the tongue will direct the course of one’s entire life.

Jesus said, "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” (Luk 6:45).  The mouth speaks from whatever the heart is full of.

Since the tongue merely speaks from the overflow of the heart, then the real issue is one of the heart.  Therefore, ask the Lord to give you a perfect heart, as David prayed for his son, Solomon: “and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies and Your statutes, and to do them all, and to build the temple, for which I have made provision." (1Ch 29:19)

What if You Do Sin?
And always remember, “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”  (1Jn 2:1b-2). If we do sin, Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father.

John also said, “If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1Jn 1:7). Aren't you glad to know that as long as you walk in the Light as He is in the Light, the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin?

Never forget, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn 1:9). Confess your sins, and He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Aim for Perfection
Make it your goal to be perfect.  Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  Pursue holiness (Heb 12:14).  Finally, brothers, good-by. The apostle Paul said, “Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11)

Putting it All Together
There is no place in the Bible that says God tolerates any amount of sin. The Scriptures teach us that we are to be perfect, even as our heavenly Father is perfect.  That's God's high standard for our lives. We are to sin no more. Depart from iniquity. Committing sin is no longer allowed. If we continue in a sinful lifestyle, then something worse may happen to us than what the Lord originally healed or delivered us from.

He has promised to give us a perfect conscience that is clear and free of guilt.  When you are born again, your conscience is restored and made to be like that of a little child once again.  That sets you free to soar like an eagle and obey the Lord in true righteousness.

You can't do this yourself.  You need a definite work of the Holy Spirit in your life.  That's why we must pray for perfection for ourselves and one another.

The main culprit is the tongue, so watch your tongue.  And ask the Lord to give you a pure and perfect heart, so that the words overflowing out of it through your mouth will be perfect also, and order your whole life in a way that is pleasing to God.

You don't need to go around telling everyone you are perfect.  Just live it.  And the Lord will continue to perfect the good work He started in you until the day of Christ Jesus.  He'll always be working on something in your life, as you continue to pursue truth, righteousness, and holiness.  So if you do sin, repent and confess it, so you may be forgiven.  A daily life of repentance is the shortest path to God's mercy, and that's how I seek to live my life.

Brethren, aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. The "Let This Mind Be in You" and "Nothing is Impossible" paintings © 2012 are by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note:  I invite you to see these related articles of mine: Christian Perfection, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Called to be Blameless, Following in His Steps, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, Is Obedience Optional?, Faith Works!, Obedience by the Spirit, Righteous Deeds and White Robes, Doing What is Right, The Straight and Narrow Path, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, The Fiery Sufferings of the Believer, and Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God. You can access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Avoid Becoming a Corrupted Christian

Silver being refined

In a separate study, called Drifting Away, I wrote about the various words in the original Greek New Testament that refer to the possibility of apostasy for a Christian.  Today I would like to specifically discuss the apostle Paul’s personal walk with the Lord.  After all, he said to follow his example as he followed Christ.

Paul said: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." (1Co 9:24-27)

I want to focus on his final sentence in this passage.  He said he disciplined his body, which literally means to hit under the eye or subdue.  Paul knew what it meant to deny himself, mortify his flesh and take up his cross daily.  It was a way of life for him. 

So That I Myself May Not Become a Castaway
He did this so that after he had preached to others, he himself would not be disqualified.  I would like to draw your attention to the word “disqualified.”  It comes from the Greek word adokimos.  Here is a little word study on adokimos from Bruce Hurt on his Precept Austin website:

Worthless (96) (adokimos from a = without + dokimos = tested and thus reliable or acceptable) refers to that which is rejected after a trial or examination because it fails the test. It means to put to the test for the purpose of being approved, but failing to meet the requirements.

The basic meaning of adokimos is that of failing to meet the test or not standing the test. It describes that  which does not prove itself to be such as it ought and which is therefore disapproved and useless. For example, "sterile soil" (see Hebrews 6:8 below) is unfit for fulfilling its purpose.

In short adokimos describes that which is worthless, spurious, unqualified, disqualified, corrupted, not approved.  Adokimos was commonly used of metals that were rejected by refiners because of impurities. The impure metals were discarded, and adokimos therefore came to include the ideas of worthlessness and uselessness. -- from Bruce Hurt’s Precept-Austin commentary on Titus 1:16

Old Testament Use of Adokimos
In the Greek Old testament, known as the Septuagint (LXX), the word adokimos occurs twice in Pr 25:4 and Isa 1:22.

The Lord said to unfaithful Israel, “Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water.”  (Isa 1:22)

Solomon wrote, “Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;” (Pro 25:4)

In both of these passages, the word adokimos is translated “dross,” literally meaning refuse or scoria (rejected matter, that which is thrown off), or worthless.

Other New Testament Uses of Adokimos 
The word adokimos is used elsewhere in the New Testament as well, in the following passages (see underlined words):

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,  (Rom 1:28)

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test? (2Co 13:5)

But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. (2Co 13:6)

Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. (2Co 13:7)

Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. (2Ti 3:8)

They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. (Tit 1:16)

For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. (Heb 6:7-8)

but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1Co 9:27)

Losing His Reward or Missing Heaven?
Now let’s look at the context of our main text in 1 Corinthians 9.  We need to determine whether Paul was talking about losing his reward for his labor in the Lord, or missing heaven.  We know that he had written earlier in this letter about a man's reward being burned up, if he builds incorrectly, but he himself will be saved as through a fire (1 Cor 3:18). 

But in this passage, Paul is speaking about the need to run the race of a disciple in such a way as to win the prize.  This requires strict discipline in much the same way that an Olympic athlete requires strict training.  Then Paul goes on to talk about the Israelites who were laid low in the wilderness, because God was not well-pleased with them.  He warns the Corinthian Church against immoral living, and craving evil, for which the Israelites were destroyed (1 Cor 10:9).  He also warns about grumbling, for which the Israelites were also destroyed (1 Cor 10:10).

We know that Paul is talking about the possibility of Christians missing heaven here, because he clearly stated in chapter six that those who live such lives will not inherit the kingdom of God.  He said, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." (1Co 6:9-10)

He goes on to say, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” (1Co 10:11-12)

There are two important points here in 1 Cor 10:11-12 that are directly relevant to what he said in 1 Cor 9:27.  He said that the destruction of the Israelites in the desert for their sin is an example meant to warn us, so that we do not likewise fall.  Then he says that if any disciple of Christ thinks he stands, he should take heed that he does not fall.   This word “fall” means to fall down or fail.  So if you are a Christian, be careful you don’t fall.  This would be a completely useless and unnecessary warning in Scripture, if it were impossible for a Christian to fall.

Refiner's Fire
The Lord says that before He comes, He will send His messenger to prepare His people.  We know that He did this through John the Baptist before His first coming, and He is doing it again now right before His second coming.  "He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness." (Mal 3:3)

I for one desire the refiner's fire to burn up all the worthless dross within me.  I hope you do also. Please read my other blog called Holy Fire Baptism for more on this.

Putting it All Together

If even the apostle Paul disciplined his body and made it his slave, so that he would not become corrupted, depraved, unapproved, disqualified or worthless, then we know this applies to every believer -- no matter if they are a pastor, elder, deacon, teacher, or simply a disciple of the Lord.

Let's receive this warning for what it is and examine ourselves to make sure we are living in such a way that is consistent with Jesus Christ living in us.  Let's be sure we are not living in such a way that is corrupted, depraved, unapproved, disqualified or worthless.  We don't want to be corrupted Christians and fail to receive the prize.  Don't receive God's grace in vain! (2 Cor 6:1)

This requires taking up your cross daily, denying yourself, mortifying your flesh, and following Jesus.  Paul called it beating his body and making it his slave.  You need to ask the Holy Spirit every day to apply the cross to your flesh to hold it in a place of death.  Ask the Lord to send His holy fire to refine you and remove all the dross from your heart, everything that will not pass through the fire as purely from Him.  Ask Him to do whatever it takes to prepare you for His soon coming.  And He who began a good work in you will be faithful to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Author's note:  A related song I'd like to share here is "I Don't Wanna Fall Away from You" by Keith Green.  Here are some related articles you should check out:
Taken to Hell
Angelica Zambrano Heaven and Hell
Obedience by the Spirit
Salvation with Fear and Trembling
Costly Grace
Is Obedience Optional
The Apostasy Parables 

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Silver refining from Malachi 3:3 puzzle on Rock4Jesus.

You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Costly Grace

Grace is not an excuse to sin.  It’s not an exemption from obedience.  Here is what grace is, as I understand it.

By grace God justifies the sinner
First, it is by grace that God justifies the sinner through faith.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Rom 3:21-31)

For more on this point, please see my blog "By Grace Alone."

Jesus Forgives the Sinner
Secondly, Jesus forgives sins committed, as defined by the first covenant, and He sets the sinner free from those sins. 

"For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Heb 8:12)

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance —now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Heb 9:15)

By Grace We Are Free from Sin
Thirdly, because we are under His grace, we do not go on deliberately sinning (breaking God’s commands).  In Christ, we died to sin, as defined by the Law and the Prophets.

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom 6:1-2)

“No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1Jo 3:6-9)

So grace makes us free FROM sin, not free TO sin. 

Jesus Fulfills the Law in Us
Next, Jesus fulfills the Law and enables those who believe in Him under the New Covenant to fulfill the intent of the Law.  By His grace He enables us to obey His commands through the leading of the Spirit. 

The apostle Paul wrote: “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Rom 3:31)

Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mat 5:17-20)

Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." (Joh 14:21)

He also said, "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12)

Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain
Some people don’t realize that it is possible to receive the grace of God in vain.  In other words, you can receive the grace of God and be born again, but then through your disobedience you could fail to be saved in the end.

The Corinthians were marrying unbelievers and doing things that were unholy (2 Co 6:14).  He was concerned that they might be led astray from pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3) Paul had reminded them that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive what is due to us for whatever we did while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Co 5:10).   That ought to have put the fear of God back into them!  Immediately after he spoke about the judgment of Christ, he said he knew what it was to fear the Lord.  That’s why he tried to persuade men and hoped that it would manifest itself in their conscience. (2 Co 5:11)

Paul said, “We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Co 5:20).  He was telling Christians to be reconciled to God!  Reconciliation is normally for those who are not saved.  That means they were not living right.

He reminded them that we are to be “the righteousness of God” (2 Co 5:21). Then he says, “We URGE you, as God’s co-workers, not to receive God’s grace in vain.” (2 Co 6:1).  The way they were living was such that although they had received the grace of God, it would all be in vain unless they repent.  How could the grace of God be in vain for them?  The answer is because they thought they were saved but were not living righteous, obedient, and holy lives, and risked missing heaven.

He says that now’s the time of God’s favor when they can get right with God (2 Co 6:2). He urged them to come out from among them and be separate, to touch no unclean thing.  And then the Lord would walk among them, dwell among them, and be their God, and they would be His people.  (2 Co 6:16-17) He said that we should cleanse or purify ourselves from all that defiles our flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God!! (2 Co 7:1) And just in case they felt condemned, he reassured them that his purpose was not to condemn them (2 Co 7:3).

Do Not Fall Short of the Grace of God
Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.”  (Heb 12:15).  It’s possible to fall short of God’s grace after initially receiving it. 

For those who think the grace of God is an excuse to sin, Paul said that Jesus “became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Heb 5:9). He did not become the source of salvation for those who go on disobeying Him. 

Putting it All Together
The grace of God cost Jesus His life.  He laid down His life so that we might know Him and experience this gift of salvation.  By grace through faith, God justifies the sinner, forgives all his sin, and sets him free from slavery to sin. But it’s possible to fall short of the grace of God and to receive His grace in vain.  This is a tragic mistake.  

Grace enables the Lord to fulfill the Law in His people.  He writes His law on their hearts.  By grace through faith, the one who is saved is enabled to fulfill the commandments of God, because the Spirit of Christ, who fulfills the Law, lives in him.  And He is the source of salvation for all who obey Him.

Grace will cost you your life.  It will cost you everything, but it's worth it.  All we have is as filthy rags compared to what He has in store for those who love and obey Him.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: This post is a follow up on the following articles I've written recently:

Is Obedience Optional?
The Cost of Discipleship
The Law Fulfilled in Us
Keeping Sundays Holy
Salvation with Fear and Trembling
The Highest Form of Slavery 

I invite you to read my daughter's poem, called "The Cost." You can also find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Cost of Discipleship

Deitrich Bonhoeffer

Most preachers today are preaching cheap grace.  But this is not the true gospel.  True grace is costly.

Years ago, when my friend, Mike, was discipling me, we read a book together, called The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  It challenged and enriched my understanding of grace and what it means to be a disciple of Christ.  Let's look at some quotes from Bonhoeffer.


 “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship 

“Grace at a low cost, is in the last resort simply a new law, which brings neither help nor freedom.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship 

"Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjacks' wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices. Grace is represented as the Church's inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence of grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid, everything can be had for nothing. Since the cost was infinite, the possibilities of using and spending it are infinite. What would grace be if it were not cheap?...

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is available at Amazon.


Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: 'Ye were bought at a price', and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.” 
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship 

“But the disciple had the advantage over the Pharisee in that his doing of the law is in fact perfect. How is such a thing possible? Because between the disciples and the law stands one who has perfectly fulfilled it, on with whom they live in communion...Jesus not only possesses this righteousness, but is himself the personal embodiment of it. He is the righteousness of the disciples...This is where the righteousness of the disciple exceeds that of the Pharisees; it is grounded solely upon the call to fellowship with him who alone fulfills the law.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship    

Willingly He Died
I think the way a man dies says a lot about his character.   According to the Wikipedia article about him, "Bonhoeffer was condemned to death on April 8, 1945...without witnesses, records of proceedings or a defence...He was executed there by hanging at dawn on April 9, 1945...the execution was particularly brutal. Bonhoeffer was stripped of his clothing and led naked into the execution yard, where he was hanged with thin wire for death by strangulation."

The article goes on to state that. "The camp doctor who witnessed the execution wrote: 'I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer ... kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.'”

In Bonhoeffer's death, we see a lovable man who was entirely submissive to the will of God, as the doctor who witnessed it said.  He was able to die this way, because he had died to self long beforehand.  He lived what he believed, and he possessed the costly grace of Christ.  Within him lived the Lamb of God, Who said, "I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed." (Isa 50:6-7).

When Jesus was crucified, it was not as though He was dragged away against His will.  He could have easily prevented His own arrest.  But He came to die for our sins, and He did not shrink back.  He did not resist the brutality directed against Him.  No, He offered Himself willingly.  And He expects us to do the same, as Bonhoeffer did in his life and in his death.

I want to make an appeal to you, my friend.  If you are a preacher, please seek the Lord for a true understanding of this costly grace, before you preach another message.  Then speak as a voice for God about it.  Please do not simply be an echo of all the other voices in the world, preaching cheap grace.

To those who are not preachers, if you are a Christian, and you never realized the grace of God was so costly, I ask you to get with the Lord.  Cry out in repentance for all known sin in your life.  Ask the Lord for this costly grace that will cost you everything.  Come and die, so that you may follow Jesus.  This is true grace.  This is the true gospel.


Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: This post is a follow up on the following articles I've written recently:

The Law of Love in the New Testament
The Law Established Through Faith
Is Obedience Optional?
The Law Fulfilled in Us
Keeping Sundays Holy
Resting from Work
Is Tithing Required for Christians?
Salvation with Fear and Trembling
Is Practical Righteousness a Lost Truth?
The New Covenant
Obedience by the Spirit
The Highest Form of Slavery
Called to be Blameless 

I invite you to read my daughter's poem, called "The Cost." You can also find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.