Yes, Why Didn’t You?

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim. 2:19

The Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy when he addressed the plight of Hymenaeus and Philetus, former church members who had strayed by following the Gnostic teaching that the resurrection was already past. Gnostics taught that there was a spiritual resurrection of believers upon conversion and there would be no bodily one. Hence, since you were spiritually resurrected and your body was down here, you could do whatever you wanted. I suspect the descendants of Hymenaeus and Philetus migrated to California back in the 1960s, where there were certain suggESTive and false teachings set into motion. Of course, I say that tongue-in-cheek, which I will now turn, but only to say that a form of that belief permeates the church Today. Specifically, somehow we believe that our hearts and souls are either in heaven or en route but we continue to serve and worship our bodies on earth today. I will conclude this point at the end of this blog, but I wanted to go first to make sure that the Biblical foundation is properly laid for what God is challenging us (and yes, that includes me) Today.

In 2 Timothy 2:19, Paul assured Timothy that the foundation of God stood sure; despite the fact that false teachers, as prophesied would come; infesting with weeds the glorious field of grace. Of course, Paul was referring to Jesus as our foundation: He Who rose from the dead and became the chief cornerstone. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” (1 Cor. 3:11)  In Him also His church was sealed. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph. 2:13) As for those sealed, we are told they have the inward testimony of assurance that bears evidence that God knows them. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Rom. 8:16) However, that hart and soul evidence is meant to be reflected in our lives; e.g., ‘Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity,’ and that is to be reflected in the flesh. Why? Because our testimonies should be as Paul’s: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)  And it is also said of us, that “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” (John 3:33) And if God is true, then He is true in all His perfections: His holiness, righteousness, mercy and goodness… yes, but also His justice.

Look, it isn’t the point whether or not you have ever heard of a Gnostic or what one believed. In the Devil’s world, you can live your life and follow his game plan without conscious knowledge or making a decision to accommodate his rebellion against God. All the world was condemned already with Adam’s fall. Sin and death in this wicked and deadly reality and immortal game is the default for us on his iPhone APP, and we are best kept asleep at his monitor, ever filled with various visual enticements and leadings; seemingly racking up points but to what end? The flesh is where we turn to do a Devil’s business… we ply ourselves in a trade where eternity is bartered and hell seems fair trade for a moment’s pleasure here. In fact, King Solomon wrote that wicked men love death. “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” (Pro. 8:36) ‘What?’ you ask. ‘No one loves death!’  Well, just think of it this way: We love our sin, and sin leads to death… such is the consequence and final outcome. We can never clear the points acquired; our portion is earned. Only the blood of Christ can wipe the score, but that must begin our walk on a different road where at the crossroad we turned back, repenting of our previous ways.

What’s worse, however, is to hear how many folks today say that they know Jesus, but their lives (and their FB pages) don’t reflect it. I figure if employers today might check our pages before hiring us, then what can be said of our future engagement and employment in heaven, Today? If our conscience was not enough a witness against us, O, how the Devil must laugh over the testimonies presented for all to see via the prince of power over the air and cyber. Truly, I ask this in love; not judgment. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23) but please consider what is on  record; not just within your conscience but is openly displayed for all to see.

Why am I writing this? Well, I just cannot imagine standing before God one day, and having Him ask me, “Why didn’t you mention what I placed on your heart about this to those I sent to you on FB? Some may unlike your page for speaking out, but you answer ultimately to Me, and besides it isn’t you they don’t like.” If that weren’t enough, then to hear from my friends, ‘Yes, why didn’t you? Why didn’t you speak up?’ Indeed, I must now ask you… now that you’ve read this… is this worth sharing? Well, if so, why didn’t you?