Beware people who include rule following with salvation and sanctification. In Phil. 1:6, God begins the work of developing Christ-likeness in an individual the day that he receives Christ. The process is not concluded until he stands before the Lord in glory. God uses the implementation of His word taught by Spirit-filled Believers to grow in their walk with God as they relinquish their will in favor of God’s Truth. This is not a work of the flesh, nor of sheer willpower. Those who focus more upon rule following lean more towards conformity rather than transformation. As a result, too many view Christianity in the light of religion rather than a transformative relationship with Jesus. Groups guilty of adding righteous works in order to obtain salvation have the following in common with the Jews who withstood Paul in Jerusalem. IT’S ALL ABOUT:
Acts 21:27-28 “And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him(Paul) in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help:”
1. Our people, not the world we’re called to reach.
“This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people,”
2. Our rules, not the Bible.
“and the law,”
3. Our church, not God’s house.
“and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.”
LESSON - Avoid these teachings. Seek fellowship with people who have a vision for reaching the world in order to develop disciples who live godly Spirit-filled lives with the same passion to reach the Lost. Remember, we are ultimately following Jesus, not men.
~Mike
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