Depart from Me

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To some, this could be their first time encountering such spoken words. Well, check it out in Matthew 7:21-23, perhaps those words seem dreadful to others that they won't even dare give it some thought. It wasn't meant to be that way, just like the book of Revelation, it's supposed to instill stability. (see Revelation 1:3) As we very well know, God never works for the detriment of those who love Him, but always for the good.

If so, then It would be better to consider those words now, rather than, hearing them on the last day, as pronouncements. For then, the next thing that's going to come would be the second death; meaning, the reprieve from the sentence had already lapsed, and hence, it has to be carried out. So while there is still time, let's hone up those feeble spiritual muscles and strengthen them, as we wait for His glorious appearance. As we all know, the promise is only for His trustworthy and faithful servants. (Matthew 25:23)

In the meantime, here is something that may give the matter some thought. Have you ever heard of transitive property in the order of equality? Sounds familiar, that's right, it is an application in mathematics, particularly an algebraic expression, as follows: it tells us that if A=B and B=C, then A=C.

This is always true in—a foundational property of—math because numbers are constant and both sides of the equals sign must be equal by definition. Outside of mathematics, however, the transitive property is slang. It is usually used in memes where a person uses a series of facts to reach an illogical connection or comparison, e.g. Italy beat Sweden and Sweden beat France, so by, er, the transitive property Italy beat France. (Dictionary.com/e/memes/)

However, talking about proper usage, you'll find it does apply in our case, particularly, on absolute truths; like numbers, they are constant and cannot change,.. such as the word of God, Here is how:

In scripture, we will find [un-notably] passages consistent with each other, e.g. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "6 And without faith, it is impossible to please God... “Now let us associate that with another passage written by Paul in his letter to the Romans (8:8), which says, 8 Those who are in the control of the flesh cannot please God.

Looking at Romans 8:8 in a Mounce Reverse-[Greek-English] interlinear Bible, I find the Greek word: “Sarx | σαρκί | Dat sg fem” (Strong: G4561; GK: G492) in the original text for the English translation of the word “flesh.” Definition: … by extension human, humankind, with a focus on the fallen human nature, which is frail and corrupt in contrast to immaterial (spiritual) things, thus the NIV (1984) translation sinful nature.

Explanation: Now, breaking down the verses above by transposing them as values to the algebraic expression of the transitive property, it would appear in this manner: if a=without faith is equal to b=impossible/cannot please God, (Hebrews 11:6 cf. Rom. 8:8) where b=impossible/cannot please God is also equal to c=those controlled by the flesh. Then, it follows that a=without faith is equal also to c=those controlled by the flesh.

Simply, it equates to this message:

Those without faith are those controlled by the flesh.

Let us compare that with Gal. 5:24, and I quote: And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Conclusion: If so, the preceding makes anyone still under the control of the flesh someone without faith; thus, one who will never please God.

Read: Involuntary Sins (click it)

“Christian” means “follower of Christ,” and in Matt. 16:24 Jesus tells us what that means: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This is the bottom line of Christianity and the appeal to every true Christian.

If asked the question, what does the Cross stand for, what does it symbolize? I would say:

Jesus died on the cross and rose again in Victory. But the fact that he had such an unpleasant and painful death on the cross makes me think how great his love for us has been to endure such pain and how great of an example. Whereby he said about Him. being obedient to God the Father, He is willing to sacrifice everything, even His very life. As to all of us, it is written in Luke 14:27, where He was quoted saying that whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Here's the Amplified translation for that very same verse, whoever does not carry his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come and follow after me, believing in me by conforming to my example in living; and if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of that faith in me] cannot be my disciple.

Now, coming as a human being, Jesus also had a “flesh” just as we have, (Hebrews 2:14) Hence He was subjected to temptation as well. (Matt. 4:1-11) He knew what dwells in the human flesh: envy, irritability, lust, prejudice, anxiety, pride, hypocrisy, etc. Though in the flesh, (James 1:12-15) He never sinned. Thus, setting himself up, as an example for us to follow as the firstborn among us. (Romans 8:29)

Now, having been without sin makes him the perfect atoning sacrifice for all sin; (Hebrews 10:8-10) the very means by which we may be granted a new life by our dying with him on the cross through faith and our resurrection with him through that faith, (Romans 6:4) whereby, our old self had been purged of the flesh. (Ephesians 4:22-24) A "Fresh New Self" as having been born again. (Ephesians 2:10) Thus empowering us to abide in His will.

We are reminded of all these in carrying our cross daily, so that we may no longer continue to live in darkness (1 John 3:9 cf. Galatians 3:16), and practice lawlessness; more so, now that what presses us [flesh] to do otherwise, has been put off. (Colossians 2:11 cf. Romans 6:4)

Faith is to Believe

Faith can be defined in terms of godly reservations adhering to the doctrine of a religion or religious belief, (see James 1:27)

On the other hand, it can also be taken as your complete trust or confidence in what you highly regard or esteem, something you are not willing to compromise, for God even. This can be any of these: self, riches, a job, status in life, ambition, even loved ones, which is idolatry. (Philippians 3:19; Colossians 3:5)

Biblically, faith is the action word: to believe. Relatively, believing means putting God's word into action -like in a PC or laptop - this will always turn out with output if you will. It would, however, require the laying aside of your interests or views, and adapting that of God; thereby, not being double-minded, i.e., Matthew 6:24, to come up with the expectations, that is, to be pleasing and acceptable to Him. (e.g. James 2:21-24)

For further reading, choose The Bema Seat and the White Throne among the posts below (Tap... "See All").