The consequences of self-deception.
The self-deceived Christians believe that if they do their best, Jesus will do the rest. However, if the sinners could do anything for their salvation, why would they need help? The self-deceived must realize they cannot contribute to their justification and salvation. The self-deceived believe that if they improve their behavior by obeying the Ten Commandments, they will have hope in the possibility of salvation. The self-deceived do not realize they cannot obey the law unless they are justified sinners. Sinners are justified by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, not by obedience to the law.
The fatal self-deception is a belief that “salvation by faith” is effective only through obedience to the law. They do not realize that sin is the power that has stripped them of the ability to obey. Human sin in the Garden of Eden separated humankind from God and made it impossible for sinners to return to God through their efforts. 1 Corinthians 15:56. “You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” Galatians 5:4, NET.
Also, Christians who have forsaken their first love conclude, tragically, that they must work hard to prepare themselves for the return of Jesus. They do not realize that as long as they are getting ready, they are not ready for the return of Jesus. Jesus did not tell us, “Get ready.” He told us, “Be ready.” The members of the body of Christ must always be ready because they do not know when Jesus will come. Mathew 24:44.
The self-deceived might devise and implement impressive and effective programs. Their worship time may be stimulating. Visitors to such a Church might conclude that this is a spirit-empowered Church. What she does may be very convincing to a casual observer. Such is the condition of the Church in Sardis. Jesus does not chastise the Church in Sardis for any specific sin but for appearing as the spiritually live Church while, in reality, she is a dead Church. Revelation 3:1. Effective programs are right when implemented with a proper attitude. When a Christian Church uplifts anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ, such a Church is spiritually dead. Christian activities must be devoid of self and thus avoid self-deception.
Continued in the next blog.
