Got Fruit ?

Hopefully this doesn’t come off as a disconnected thought.  A few days ago there was a post that briefly touched on how one’s attitude can be affected by the workings of life, how guilt can set in from experiencing certain pressures.  Today’s post is a continuation.

One of the "guilts" that we can become affected by is buying into the belief of not being worthy of God’s grace because we do still commit sin(s). True enough that sin is sin.  What I’m going for is the idea that though sin is our nature, and from time to time each of us will stumble; stumbling (even repeatedly), however shouldn’t be cause to not persevere in pursuit of Christ’s glory.

As I have come to understand God’s grace, stumbling over sin is not the same as practicing living a sinful life.  I think that what it comes down to is God’s Holy Spirit causing a progressive aversion to sin in the Christian’s life.  For anyone that does or has consumed alcohol, think back to the first taste. Initially, the beer, liquor or wine probably tasted terrible at first. Sort of like drinking Vicks vapor rub in liquid form.  Over time & repeated consumption, the harshness of the alcohol became palatable.  In a like manner, since by our very nature we are predisposed to being a sinful creature, becoming a Christian doesn’t automatically make one not susceptible to temptation or sin.  What we are akin to practice as the old creation does not pass away without the flesh putting up a fight;  It takes Christ and time to progress to living a righteous life.

Back in the Old Testament times, God made provisions to the Jews regarding unintentional sin (the Guilt Offering) in Leviticus 5:14-19, Numbers 15:22-31, & Deuteronomy 4:40-43, in addition to His decrees for deliberate sin.  The writer of Hebrews in so many words offers this contrast and distinction…

Hebrews 10:26-27
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Reading the first few words from the writer of Hebrews 10:26: "If we deliberately keep on sinning"; tells me that what’s implied here is the practice of sinful living.  I think that this verse is basically an indictment against anyone professing to be a Christian who, still walks in the world.  The person has made a conscious decision to continue to live in opposition to what Jesus Christ is, and represents.  The sense of guilt for sinning therefore is probably void in this person’s mind & on their heart whereas the person earnestly striving to live a Christ centered life does in fact feel guilty (grieved) because they are made aware of their shortcomings by the Holy Spirit operating in their life.  

Again, for the Christian that struggles or stumbles with sin, and feels the accusations of guilt upon them; consider this as the Holy Spirit attempting to convict your heart to turn to Christ, not telling you that you’re not worthy or able to be perfected in Christ.  Guilt is not a signal to throw in the towel, which is what the devil desires to happen.  Guilty feelings or attitudes can arise as the flesh rebels with accusations & lies against God’s Holy Spirit revealing of sin in a Christian’s life.  This is one reason why I believe that Paul explains in Ephesians 6:16 to take on the Shield of Faith, faith that God’s love, His grace and mercy, have and will cover the sins of the truly repentant.

Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

See, if one is not careful, those flaming arrows of doubt, lies & deceit that guilt shoots at you, will find their mark in your heart, backing you into a corner possibly convincing you that you’re not worthy of God’s grace.  The latter part of Hebrews 10:27 clearly tells us that if one believes what "guilt" says, then there is only "a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire" because one has deliberately chosen to become an enemy of God.  God’s Word counters Satan’s accusations of guilt, hopelessness & unworthiness of forgiveness with revelation of sin, correction of behavior and sinful  attitudes through His Word & assurance through Christ .  God’s Word gives assurance of His grace and mercy (Salvation) which is where our faith is held; in spite of the false propaganda that guilt attempts to plant in one’s mind:

1st John 5:11-12
11 And this is the testimony, God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son of God has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Grace and peace be with you.