As we have discussed, studies have shown that most Christians in America are no longer members of a local church. Other studies have shown that only a tiny percentage of Christians in America have a biblical worldview. These are obviously two major reasons for the weakness of the church in America. Because the salt of the church has lost its savor, and the light has become dim, we have also witnessed evil coming in like a flood. This can be turned around, but only if the church in America turns around, becomes established in the truth, and lives with the boldness, courage, and resolve that is the hallmark of a true disciple.
In studies in which Christians in America were asked questions about what they believed, few believed even the most basic teachings of Scripture such as there being a real devil or even the nature of evil. They thought some of the most basic transgressions that the Word of God makes clear were not actually transgressions. That very real devil has been effective in blurring the things that God has made clear, which is the nature of deception. Like it or not, believe it or not, if we do the things that God calls evil, we will perish. The deeds of this evil, carnal nature are made clear in Galatians 5:19-21:
The above verses are serious—that those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God! Of course, there is a difference between occasionally slipping or falling to a sin and practicing it, or not even putting up a struggle against it. Like it or not, believe it or not, if we continue to live by the fallen nature once we have been redeemed, we make a mockery of the cross in our lives. The grace of God is not just the perpetual forgiveness for continued sin; it is the power to live a new life as a new creation, to be born again of another, spiritual nature. We are told in Romans 8:13-14:
If we have a Bible, or access to one, ignorance of sin is not an excuse that will deliver us from the consequences of sin. If we truly love God and have embraced the atonement of the cross, we now belong to Him, not to ourselves. If we truly love God and are true disciples, we will be devoted to finding out what He calls good and what He calls evil and will do only the things that please Him.
Some make the excuse that they cannot understand the Bible, or that there are so many opinions about what it says that they are confused. But if you are a true seeker, you will persevere through all that the devil throws at you to distract you from this basic obligation. The very first tactic of Satan to cause the fall of man was to get them to doubt what God had said. This is an assault we can expect for much of our lives, but if He who is the Word would take His stand on “It is written” when tempted, how much more do we need to do this? The basic issues of sin and righteousness, or that which is right in the sight of the Lord, are clear in Scripture.
Even so, once this foundation is laid in our lives, we need to build upon it with a devotion to grow in love, first for God, and then for one another. Our highest purpose is not to live sin free but to love. In fact, the whole law is summed up in love. We are told in I Timothy1:5, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (NIV).
We must always keep our vision. We are told in Hebrews 6 that there is a foundation of repentance we must build on. We do not start building anything on the second floor but on the foundation.
