POWER FOR LIVING RIGHTEOUSLY BOOK I
By Bill Roberts
Originally written 1989
IS THIS LIFE FOR ME?
Suppose you were to make a friend of the wisest one in the world. One who knew all about your childhood environment; knew every situation that helped shape your way of thinking and knew what turns you on and what turns you off. Could not this great wise one who knows you so well instruct you on the life style that would be best for you? Consider this: “Oh Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandeth my thoughts afar off. Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is too high, I cannot attain unto it,” (Psm. 139:1-6). Yes friend, the all wise God knows us better than we know ourselves. Since His Word teaches that He is only seeking our good, doesn’t it make sense that if we find the way He wants us to live, it will also be the happiest way? The way that is best for us? For those who live righteously God has guaranteed their happiness in His Word. “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord…” (Psm. 144:15). “…No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly,” (Psm. 84:11). “O how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee…” (Psm. 31:19). “…All things that pertain to life and godliness…” (II Peter 1:3). Then besides all the benefits of this life we are promised “…an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you,” (I Peter 1:4). Coming from one who cannot lie, are not these promises true? Cannot we believe they apply to us? Friend, if we can believe that God knows best and wants the best for us, that can lead us to search out His instructions for us. I ask: Is it so hard to put our confidence in the one who created the whole world? “The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens,” (Prov. 3:19). Even with these few scriptures I hope you can say like Moses: “O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?” (Deut. 3:24).
WHY RIGHTEOUS LIVING
IS NOT POPULAR
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it,” (Matt. 7:13-14). One reason this narrow way of living righteously is hid from most, is because “the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,” (II Cor. 4:3-4). Then another reason is that this way cannot be found through human reasoning. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned,” (I Cor. 2:14). “…It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” (Jer. 10:23). Another reason is that Christianity has been grossly misrepresented.
SUPERFICIAL CHRISTIANITY
I believe we are living in a time of religious deception like no other time known to mankind. I am not just talking about the far out cults. I mean the very mainstream of what is called Christianity. That is one reason it is so deceptive. The very wise Solomon said: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death,” (Prov. 14:12). Let me say here that through the maze of confusing and conflicting interpretations of the Word of God, there is a way you and I can prove to ourselves what is right. I realize so-called Christianity has left a bad taste in the mouths of many. Some are turned off just at the mention of it. It reminds me of the famous black athlete that became a Moslem. He said the reason he turned to Moslem is because he never saw anything so unlike Christ as Christianity. But let me loudly proclaim to you that in the midst of all the lukewarm, superficial, and even hypocritical religion, there is still something genuine. There is still a real God, a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ that will supply power to make one Christ-like; power to enable one to live righteously. The reward for so doing is “…an hundred fold, now in this time… and in the world to come eternal life,” (Mark 10:28-30).
THE WISEST ONE-PART TWO
Getting back to our illustration of the wisest one in the world, let us look at this a little differently. Suppose that instead of being his friend, we were his enemy? What if we had done him wrong? Would not we be in trouble? Big trouble! Once I was in big trouble with him. I had done him wrong and his wrath was abiding (John 3:36) on me. In fact, he was angry with me (the wicked) everyday (Psm. 7:11). Thank God, I finally came to my senses. I finally managed to admit my wrong and tell him I was sorry for what I had done. I told him I was finished with that way of living. From here on out I would start living right. He forgave me and adopted me into his family. This point I reached several years ago, was where the power to live righteously started. Shortly after I got saved God led me to a people called “the church of God”. It was here I learned the truth concerning God’s Word. These teachings have proven true in my personal life experiences, including a “second experience” of cleansing and an additional power that I will explain a little farther on. Right now let me tell in a general way how some of these folks got started.
HOW OTHERS GOT STARTED
These church of God folks who are living righteously today have not always had that power. There was a time each one was living in sin. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23). Some were aware of the guilt of sin before they learned that salvation was necessary or possible. Sooner or later though they read or heard somewhere that Jesus Christ died upon the cross for our sins. Some being instructed wrong had “went forward” or “joined church” or said they “accepted Christ” and took on a profession of salvation. Some knew deep down they didn’t have anything. Others were deceived, thinking they were saved when they were not at all. Some of course did get a real experience in spite of erroneous teachings. We will have more on why these came to the church of God later on. Getting back to the others, each one came to the place they would admit they needed saved. Whether in deep sin or a church member with a profession, no one receives help until they can cast aside their pride and admit their true condition. That was very hard for those that were church members or considered good moral people. They saw themselves as better than the atheist or gross sinner. The dividing line though goes back to right and wrong. Anything in their life they knew was wrong put them on the other side of the line. There are not several classes of people. Only two: saved or unsaved, obedient or disobedient, those living right or those not living right. Once taking that big pride-swallowing step (admitting their true condition) they took the next step -- repentance. True repentance is being sorry enough for the sins committed to forsake them. One may not know how he is going to be able to do it, but the willingness must be there for it to be true repentance. Confessing our sins, forgiving any who have wronged us and a willingness to right our wrongs, are also a part of Bible repentance. So these folks like all who truly get saved, finally came to the place of giving up and giving over to God. When the Bible conditions for salvation are met, there is a definite result obtained; “… the salvation of our souls,” (I Peter 1:9). Salvation means deliverance; deliverance from sin. Yes, deliverance from the past guilt of sin, and deliverance from the present power of sin. Sin no longer has dominion over us (Rom. 6: 14). Then if we continue to walk in the light as it is shed on our path (live right) we will be delivered from the future penalty of sin (hell). Since living right (righteously) starts with getting right, let's review these conditions.
THE STARTING POINT
The first place to start is where we are now, where we are in our relationship with God. Now friend, the truth usually has to hurt us before it can help us. So we have to be honest with ourselves in facing these issues. You see if we are not living right, (righteously) then we are living wrong (unrighteously). We cannot be living both ways at the same time. There is no middle ground. Living right part of the time is like being faithful to our companion part of the time. God has no halfway or part time friends. We are either his friend or his enemy.
THE COST OR CONDITION
TO GET RIGHT
First we must admit and acknowledge our true condition. This means being really honest with ourselves and God and casting our pride aside. It is so easy to justify ourselves. Every sinner has some good points. We are never as bad as so and so and at least we don’t do such and such. But our good points are not in question now. The things we are not guilty of are not the issue now. The issue is the things we are guilty of. These are the things that are separating us from God. These things (sins) are the reason His wrath is abiding on us. Sometimes people ask: Is this a sin, or is this wrong? Now at this point we need not worry about the things we don’t know about. Right now all that matters is those things we are doing that we know are wrong. God does not want us to stay in ignorance and He will enlighten us as time goes by; but all He requires is that we walk in the light (understanding) as it is shed on our path. For example: A child may lie or steal but God would not charge them with sin. They would be too young to know any better, therefore innocent before God. Now of course some are willingly ignorant (II Peter 3:5) which is sin in itself. So we could not avoid trying to learn God’s will and remain innocent. Then when God enlightens our understanding on some matter we are then responsible to act accordingly. If we measure up (are obedient) that is walking in the light. If we refuse, that becomes sin to us. That would put us back on the other side of the dividing line of right and wrong. This is God’s only requirement of us. To simply obey what we know to be right. But remember, He definitely requires this. This divine principle will stay with us for the rest of our life. This is one key to living right. Now since this is such an important point, let’s go over this again.
HONESTY THE KEY
God is fair with us. He only requires what is right. We each have some concept of right and wrong. This is where God starts with us; with our present understanding of right and wrong. We are not saying that sincerity is enough for we can be sincerely wrong. Just like the Apostle Paul was. He was very religious yet he was persecuting the church of God (Gal. 1: 13). The key is: if we stay honest with God, He will show us in due time the error of our way, just as He did Paul. Some however, refuse to acknowledge light when it comes to them. When they do that, God cannot or will not lead them any further. There is a dangerous and erroneous philosophy today that claims there are no absolutes. No set standard of right and wrong. Each one sets their own, they say. If an individual decides a certain act is not wrong, then it is not wrong for them (they say). This philosophy may appeal to the flesh but it is erroneous and deadly. God sets the standard of right and wrong, not us. His Word (the Holy Bible) is the final authority. If what we always thought or had been taught is contrary to his Word, then we must change our thinking. For His Word is forever settled in heaven, (Psm. 119:89). Our conscience has been given to us only as a guide. We can train it or even sear it (I Tim. 4:2). We will be judged by the Word of God, not our conscience. But as we said, God is fair with us. Sin is not imputed (charged) to us if we have not the knowledge that the act is wrong (Rom. 5:13). Willful ignorance is not excusable, as God knows the intent of our heart. Our motive would also be a factor. A good deed done with an evil intent would be sin to us. Whereas an evil deed done in total ignorance would not be charged to us as sin until we became enlightened to this fact. Is this not fair? Sin, (imputed sin) is a willful transgression against God’s laws (James 4:17). Some of his laws are written on our heart, so even those who do not have access to the Bible are responsible to obey these laws (Rom. 2:12-15). Backsliders also must acknowledge their condition. Any who at one time were ever saved but have failed to walk in the light must also be honest and own up to their present condition. Those who go on with a profession when they do not have a right relationship with God can end up deceiving themselves. So regardless of our good morals or church membership, if there are things in our life we know are wrong, then we are not right with God. So the first step is acknowledging that these things make us an enemy to God; a lost sinner heading for hell and needing help from him. Once that first big step is taken our next move is:
REPENT AND HAVE FAITH IN CHRIST
“…Repent ye and believe the gospel,” (Mark 1:15). “Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3: 19). “God…now commandeth all men every where to repent,” (Acts 17:30). True repentance includes sorrow for sin (II Cor. 7: 10). Not just a sorrow that we got found out, but sorry enough for our past actions and a willingness to quit doing them. The apostle Paul was dealing with a specific problem at Corinth, but the principle of godly sorrow and repentance applies to all. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon,” (Isa. 55:6-7). “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,” (Prov. 28: 13). The last part of these scriptures promises mercy and pardon. But to obtain the mercy and pardon we must obey the first part of the scripture of forsaking sin. Some have confessed their sins with little or no resolve to quit them.
NIGHTLY CONFESSION
There are thousands that are deceived by the old devil’s trick of “nightly confession”. How could anyone be sorry for something every night? Could you forgive your companion of unfaithfulness every night? Praying for forgiveness of our sins, yet not willing to forsake them can only lead us into deception or unbelief. Self-deception can cause one to pray to the “god of their mind,” thinking God understands they are human and can’t help sinning etc. Friend, God has power to enable us to quit sinning if we are truly willing to. The very reason Jesus came to earth was to save from sin (Matt. 1:21) and to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8). He is still destroying the works of the devil (sin) in all who will let him. Those who confess their sins without a whole hearted willingness to forsake them end up in unbelief. They see little change in their life after confession so conclude there is nothing to it. But some confess and forsake and know in their heart they have said good-bye to the old life of sin. This fact gives them faith to believe that God will do His part of forgiving and supplying power to enable them to live right.
PRESS INTO THE KINGDOM
So we can see that real Bible Salvation is not just a hold up your hand and accept Jesus type of thing. It requires an effort on our part. We have to press into the kingdom of God (Luke 16: 16). One reason it is hard to forsake sin, is that we have outside help to stay in sin. Many think they are doing their own thing in sin, but they are getting help from the enemy of their soul, the devil. They are doing what he wants them to do. We may never realize the devil even exists until we start thinking about getting saved. God has allowed the devil to buffet us. He tries to make the things of sin look like fun, “cool” etc. He suggests the cost of salvation is too high or that we can’t live it. His two greatest tools are “some other way” or “some other time”. The “some other way” lie is why superficial religion is so popular. His old procrastination “some other time” tool gets many when his other tricks are exposed. We must press over all of his suggestions to get true Bible Salvation. We must be earnest. Now in spite of all the enemy’s supernatural power, God’s power is greater and He will help us if we mean business. Jesus is still “...able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” (Heb. 7:25). He is also willing to save and has promised to do so. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” (Matt. 11:28). “...him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” (John 6:37). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” (Rom. 10:13).
SALVATION IS A BIRTH
This new birth or bringing into life is a real miracle. We may reform ourselves in many ways, but we cannot impart this life to ourselves. A true Christian is a good person plus something else. That additional something is life from God. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life,” (I John 5:12). This is not an imaginary something but is a present reality. “We know that we have passed from death unto life…” (I John 3: 14). This true Bible experience is a life changing event in our lives. The guilt of our past life is miraculously lifted, new hopes, new feelings, new goals have sprung up. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (II Cor. 5:17). We now really love God and have a disposition to obey Him (John 14:23). We love God’s people and even our enemies. Our whole attitude has changed. This experience of salvation could be likened unto marriage. If a woman is in love with a man she is anxious for him to say “I do”. She means more than just the marriage ceremony. The ceremony and honeymoon may be the exciting part but marriage is designed to be a lifetime commitment, (even though some break their vows). Likewise, salvation or getting saved is an instantaneous thing. It has a starting point. Yet it is designed to be a lifetime commitment. We get saved from sin, saved to sin no more. The initial transaction may be very emotional. What follows and is expected is the one saved will from now on, change his style of living. From here on out he will “live right”. Living righteously is living without committing sin. This terminology may shock some because “sinning religion” is very popular today. Those who only have a profession of salvation without a real experience, of course do not have any power to abstain from sinning. So to them everybody sins more or less every day. The power and privilege of living without sinning is not a new teaching, although it is very scarce today. John Wesley, Adam Clarke, (Clarke's Commentary), D.S. Warner, and many other well known old timers taught and lived out holiness of life. More importantly, the scriptures teach that those who are truly saved do not commit sin. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not,” (I John 5:18). If God can save us and keep us from committing those big, gross sins, and He surely can, cannot He also save and keep us from committing all sin? He surely can! “That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear; in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life,” (Luke 1: 74, 75). Would Jesus command the woman “to go and sin no more” if it were not possible? (John 8:11). Would he threaten a man He healed with a greater calamity if it were not possible to abstain from sinning? (John 5:14). Dear one, this man received power to live without sinning as do all who are truly born again. With the Lord’s commands comes power. God said, “Let there be... and it was so,” (Gen. 1:3-24). When Christ said to the cripple “walk,” he walked, even though he was unable to do so before. With true Bible salvation there comes a power to enable us to obey the Lord’s teachings. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,” (John 1:12).
MORE SCRIPTURAL PROOF
OF SINLESS LIVING
In the Old Testament it was prophesied that Christians would live holy. In Isaiah 35:8 we read: “And an highway shall be there, and a way and it shall be called The way of holiness...” Then in verse 9 it says “...the redeemed shall walk there”. David says in Psalms 119:1-3, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Vs 3, “They also do no iniquity; they walk in his ways.” I John 3:8-10 states, “He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Vs 9, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Vs 10, “In this the children of God are manifest and the children of the devil: Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” Then I John 2:29 tells us, “If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of him.” Romans 6: 18 says, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness”. In John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Then Romans 6:20 affirms “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” Are not these scriptures plain? Those who do not sin are born of God and have His righteousness; while on the other hand those who commit sin are the servants of sin, are of the devil and are not the children of God at all!
SCRIPTURAL OBJECTIONS
TO HOLINESS
We are not going to try to explain every scripture that is used to try to support the theory that we all must sin, for we have already given several plain irrefutable scriptures that provide ample proof that God’s people are saved from their sins and do not commit sin. There are some texts that appear to teach the contrary which we explain now.
OLD TESTAMENT OBJECTIONS
I Kings 8:46 “...for there is no man that sinneth not…” Ecclesiastes 7:20, “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Before Christ it was, “… not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins,” (Heb. 10:4). Men were accepted of God when they conformed to the standard of His then revealed will. But even in those days some were considered by God to be “perfect”. “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations” (Gen. 6:9) and Job was “…a perfect and an upright man…” (Job 1:8).
NEW TESTAMENT OBJECTIONS
Romans 3:10, “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Verses like this one are simply teaching the universal need for salvation. There was none righteous before Christ, and Christ will “…cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (I John 1:9). I John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”. This verse is sometimes even misquoted as “If any man saith he liveth and sinneth not, he is a liar”. This verse means that we cannot deny that we have sin in our life before being saved. It means the same as verse 10, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” John says in verse 7 above this that, “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son c1eanseth us from all sin.”
PAUL’S EXPERIENCE IN ROMANS 7
Paul says, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do,” (Rom. 7:19). This chapter is not teaching that Paul is a helpless sinner. In the chapter before this he tells in verse after verse of complete deliverance and freedom from sin. He testifies in I Thessalonians 2:10, that he lived holy and justly and unblameable. He writes in the first person here in the 7th chapter to give a more vivid picture. He is describing the condition of one under the law seeking righteousness. The description is clearly the experience of an awakened but still unsaved man. Written of course by one who is saved. This sin experience was the experience of Saul, the man who zealously defended the law and persecuted the church of God. In the very next chapter he says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death,” (Rom. 8:12).
THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus told how the Pharisee prayed and boasted about his righteousness while the Publican admitted he was a sinner. The Publican was humble and honest as all must be to be justified. However, after the miracle of justification he would not have had to hang his head or smote his breast, because the guilt would be gone. Jesus was teaching those who were self-righteous, those who trusted in themselves...and despised others, (verse 9).
UNREASONABLE OBJECTIONS
TO HOLINESS
The religious hypocrites found fault with Christ and the same thing happens today to his followers. Those who stand for holiness are open to much criticism from those who oppose holiness. If they are much overweight or eat a second piece of pie, they are called a glutton. If they get a traffic ticket they are accused of sinning. If they paddle or discipline their children with a loud voice they are labeled as child abusers. If they say something against sinfulness they are accused of judging; the worst crime in the book. I have not closed every loophole in objections to holiness in this booklet. Some do not want to live holy, will not live holy, and will fight holiness all the way. I can only help those who want help. By exposing the error of false teaching, those who will be honest with themselves and God can be reached and shown God’s deliverance from sin.
MISTAKES & TEMPTATION NOT SIN
We have previously shown that sin is a willful transgression against God’s divine law. Therefore, errors in judgment, human shortcomings, and mistakes are not sin. The Bible command to “be ye perfect” is not referring to human perfection. God does not require the impossible from us. Perfection in the scriptural sense will be dealt with later under the subject of sanctification.
TEMPTATION
Temptation can lead to sin but temptation alone is not sin. Even Jesus, “…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin, (Heb. 4:15). James teaches that temptation is not sin until it is conceived, (James 1:14-15). When the consent of our will is given to do a sinful act it becomes sin to us. That decision brings guilt. There is a wonderful promise in the Bible concerning temptation. “There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it,” (I Cor. 10:13). This verse also proves that God will supply the power necessary to abstain from sinning. However, if one yields to sin in spite of the available keeping grace he backslides from God.
BACKSLIDING SEPARATES
FROM GOD
Ezekiel 33:18 is prophecy of the gospel dispensation and says “When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.” This is spiritual death, which is separation from God. Likewise, in the New Testament, in James 5:19-20, “Brethren if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death...” James teaches that if a brother sins he becomes a sinner and needs converted to save his soul from death. We might add here that there is hope for a backslider (I John 2:1) if he repents. However, while he is backslid, his soul is separated from God and if he dies in this condition he will be eternally separated from God. It only takes one sin to backslide and be separated from God. It was just one act of disobedience that separated Adam and Eve from God. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all,” (James 2:10). Revelation 21:8 tells us, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” This includes all fibbers and all tellers of so called “white” lies. “…Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out my book,” (Ex. 32:33). “He that overcometh...I will not blot out his name out of the book of life...” (Rev. 3:5). “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire,” (Rev. 20:15).
A TEMPTATION EXAMPLE
In Matthew 5:28 Jesus said: “…Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” When I was a sinner this is one sin that I thought every normal man, if he were honest, would be guilty of. I can now see this differently. The following comparison may help your understanding too. If you liked doughnuts and were real hungry, the sight (or smell) of these would attract your attention. Hunger is a legitimate desire just as sex desire is legitimate and normal. If someone offered you one of these doughnuts you would readily accept. However, if just prior to taking it you learned they are stolen, what then? You would then say “no thanks”. The person may even try to coax you to take one, but you would say no, I can’t and I won’t. Your stomach would desire these doughnuts but your stomach cannot distinguish between legitimate and wrong doughnuts. Now of course if you gave in to the flesh and overrode your conscience you would be guilty. If you did not eat them even if no one would find out, you would not be guilty. The same principle can be applied to sex. It is normal to have a desire for sex. If it is not in the limits of marriage though, it is sin to indulge. The desire for sex (like hunger) may be there, but if you know in your heart you would not indulge even if no one else knew, then you have not sinned.
A SECOND GRACE
Now we come to another key to living righteously. This is no doubt the biggest factor in living righteously consistently. This key is found in a second work of divine grace. It is termed “sanctification” or “the baptism with the Holy Ghost”. This second work supplies us with additional power and destroys an inward foe that zaps our power. This all important, glorious, second work of grace has seemingly been ignored, rejected, misunderstood and even counterfeited.
THE NEED FOR THE SECOND WORK
God did not create man as a sinner. He created the first man, Adam, in His own image (Gen. 1:26). This image is not our physical image but refers to our spiritual or moral nature. God created Adam pure and holy and with power to choose between right and wrong. When Adam sinned, he still retained his human form but lost the image of God from his moral nature. When Adam had children they were born in his now polluted image (Gen. 5:3). “Wherefore as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” (Rom. 5:12). Sin actually entered into the world through Eve, so for sin to enter into the world through Adam, it would have to be through his seed. This inherited, carnal nature led us all into committed sin, and we became guilty for our sins when we became old enough to know better. The Apostle Paul said, “For I was alive without the law once; [innocent] but when the commandment came, [he became knowledgeable] sin revived, and I died,” (Romans 7:9). We also see here that sin caused spiritual death in Paul (Saul then) just like God warned Adam and Eve it would in them, in the day they sinned by disobeying, (see Genesis 3:3). Spiritual death is when the soul is separated from God. One can be alive physically while being dead spiritually. “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth,” (I Timothy 5:6). If one dies physically while their soul is separated from God, this would be the “second death,” (Revelation 21:8) or eternal separation from God. Disobedience, or sin, is what separates one from God, (Isaiah 59:2) and this separation is termed (spiritual) death. “…the soul that sinneth, it shall die,” (Ezekiel 18:4). This sinful nature we all inherited from Adam, is why we all found ourselves one day to be sinning. There came a time when we looked back and realized this sinful nature had brought forth evil fruit in our lives. This sinful nature can be seen in children, even though they are innocent before God. They are not taught to be selfish, to lie or steal. Yet what child hasn’t told his mother he was not in the cookie jar with crumbs all over his face? This same inherited sinful nature is still in a person who gets saved. Their committed sins have been (forgiven) cleansed, but the inherited sinful nature yet remains and needs to be cleansed. This sinful nature is an inward foe. It will manifest itself from time to time and will eventually lead one back into committing sins if not taken care of. This carnality needs to be cleansed from our soul.
SCRIPTURES TEACH
A SECOND CLEANSING
In John 15:1-2, using the figure of a vine Jesus teaches a second cleansing. Only saved people are branches and these needed purged. “...every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” Ephesians 5:25-26, teaches Christ died to cleanse the church. (The Thessalonians, though saved, needed sanctified that they be preserved blameless (I Thess. 5:23). In Ephesians 1:13, the sealing with the Holy Spirit is after they believed. In Acts 15:8-9, the reception of the Holy Ghost (a second experience) is accompanied with a purifying (cleansing) of the heart. Then besides destroying that carnal nature, this experience also supplies power. The disciples preached, cast out devils, healed the sick etc.; yet were still instructed to tarry in Jerusalem and were told, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” (Acts 1:8). This is not power that knocks one to the floor or to do something unseemly. It is power to enable the young person to stand for what is right at school. It is power for the shop worker to stand at work when others want to tell their dirty stories etc. Holy Ghost power is power to live holy, power to live righteously.
HOW TO RECEIVE
THE SECOND EXPERIENCE
As we pointed out this cleansing and infilling of the Holy Ghost is not for sinners. The Holy Ghost is not for the world, but to the obedient (Acts 5:32). So the first condition is to be sure of your first work. Sure that you are definitely saved. Next, there would have to be a desire for this experience. The first disciples were “earnestly praying” when they received this experience (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4). Likewise with the congregation of believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:24-31) and also Cornelius in (Acts 10). Next, the seeker must make a complete surrender to the whole will of God and a consecration of time, talents and whatever he has influence over, now or later. Paul sums it up like this: “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,” (Rom. 12:1-2). Once this consecration is made, God will be pleased to accept your vessel and sanctify you wholly, purging your heart from the very nature of sin and take up His abode in your soul. His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that the work is done as we receive this experience by faith. As you continue to live righteously you will have additional assurance that you have a power within you that you did not have before. This glorious second work of grace does not put us above temptation. It will give us power to resist it. It will not remove humanity, but it does remove carnality. When we get this baptism with the Holy Ghost, we have the Spirit of Truth within us to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit of Truth dwells with us when we are justified and in us when sanctified (John 14:17). This is the experience that perfects our holiness (II Cor. 7:1, Heb. 10:14) and completes our salvation. “…Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? (Acts 19:2).
THE EVIDENCE OF BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST
Now we come to a very “touchy” point. For there is a very wide spread teaching that we must expose. Let me remind you again, though, that the real issue to our relationship with God is sin. To be right with God we must be living without committing sin. It doesn’t make any difference if one speaks in tongues, quotes scripture by heart, acts super religious etc., if there is sin in one’s life they are not right with God. With that said, we will go on with our point.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES
NOT THE EVIDENCE
This experience of being filled with the Holy Ghost will not cause one to do things uncontrollable or unseemly. Like the new birth, it is received by faith. Evidence we have it is through the witness within our spirit and a power that enables us to live a consistent holy life. At no place does the scripture state that speaking in tongues is the evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. Acts 4:31 and 8:15 tells of believers who received the Holy Ghost, but there is no mention of anyone speaking in tongues. D.L. Moody, John and Charles Wesley, Adam Clarke and many others have testified to having the Holy Ghost, yet never spoke in tongues. Paul teaches in I Corinthians 12:29-30, that all do not speak in tongues.
MEANING OF TONGUES
First of all, the word “tongues” means languages, whether we consult the Bible or the dictionary. It does not mean an unintelligible jargon of some kind. The gift of tongues is the gift or divine ability to speak an intelligent understandable language not previously learned. There are three examples of this in the Bible, which we will describe briefly.
(1) On the day of Pentecost the “tongues” the apostles spoke were understandable languages for Acts 2:6 says, “…every man heard them speak in his own language.”
(2) Then in Acts the 10th chapter, Cornelius and his household spoke with tongues as a sign to convince the Jews that the Gentiles were also accepted of God. Verse 46 teaches that the tongues they spoke was an understandable language for they knew they were “magnifying God”.
(3) Then the tongues spoken by the twelve at Ephesus in Acts the 19th chapter, was also an understandable language for verse six informs us they knew they were “prophesying”. In Bible days different languages were spoken about every 20 to 40 miles. Ephesus was to become a missionary center, which is no doubt why the gift of languages was imparted there. Again we point out that “tongues” means intelligent, understandable languages. “Prayer language” or “heavenly language” may be popular terms in certain religious circles, but they are not found in the Bible. Even “unknown” tongues is not in the original Greek text. In the King James Version “unknown” tongues is used six times all in I Corinthians 14th chapter. The word “unknown” always appears in italics, and all words printed in italics in the King James Version have been added by the translator. Italicized words in most books are used for emphasis, but in the Bible italics are used to designate the words supplied by the translator. At “Gospel Truth and Publications” we have a booklet available on the subject of tongues which thoroughly explains the highly misunderstood 14th chapter of Corinthians. For now we will just point out that the added word “unknown” does not mean unknowable, but rather means foreign to the listener. Paul is not talking about a supposed “prayer language” known only to God. Paul is dealing with a language problem unique with the church of God at Corinth. Individuals were praying, getting up to exhort, testifying, etc. that did not speak the local language. Paul is instructing them that regardless of how many different languages they may be able to speak, if they did not speak the local language or someone interpret for them, they (the speaker) would be the only one edified; as the church would not be edified if the church did not understand what was spoken. He points out the absurdity of speaking when others cannot understand and to seek gifts that would edify the church. He also explains the purpose of the gift of tongues and allows foreigners their freedom, if done in avoidance of confusion with order and decency. This chapter also teaches us that God is not the author of confusion. Jabbering unintelligible sounds is certainly no evidence one has the Holy Ghost. Flagrant sinners have been known to speak in what is called unknown tongues. Even certain heathen religious ceremonies practice speaking in unknown tongues. The “power” that enables them to do this is supernatural but not of God. God gives gifts and uses His power for a useful purpose and to enable us to live a holy life. The devil has a limited amount of power which he uses to counterfeit, deceive and divert souls from the truth in a variety of ways. People are prone to look for feelings, super-human signs etc., as evidence of God’s presence. He does give feelings, but the Bible also says “the just shall walk by faith”. Signs like healings etc. will follow God’s true believers but no where are we told to seek signs. In fact, sign-seekers are rebuked and called “evil and adulterous” (Matt. 12:38-39).
SANCTIFICATION AND UNITY
As we mentioned, the second work of grace destroys heart carnality. Carnality is a great hindrance to this next vital truth we are about to explain that goes hand in hand with living righteously. We also mentioned that in this second experience we receive the Spirit of Truth that guides us into all truth (John 16: 13). Part of that all truth is the...
UNITY OF GOD'S PEOPLE
Every principle of truth in the Bible on the subject of unity, enjoins that God’s people be united, and division is everywhere condemned. In I Corinthians 1:10, Paul says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak [teach] the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
CHRIST PRAYED AND
DIED FOR UNITY
Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21, “Neither pray I for these alone [His disciples] but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [believers today] That they all may be as one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Unity is so important that Christ taught, prayed and died for the unity of His believers. According to John 11:50-52, one purpose of His death is that, “…He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” As my pastor has said many times, “if there ever was an excuse for more than one church it would have been for the Jews and Gentiles”. But Christ did not build a Jewish church and a Gentile church, He built just one church. Christ, “...hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” (Eph. 2: 14). For those in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Gal. 3 :28).
EARLY CHURCH WAS UNITED
The believers that made up the church we read about in Acts 4:32, “…were of one heart and soul…” In Acts 2:46 we learn they were “…with one accord…” and “singleness of heart”. They were united in doctrine too, for Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship...” They were united in name, the Father’s name, as Christ prayed in John 17:11-12. Paul teaches us in Ephesians 3:14-15, that the whole family in heaven and earth is named after the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father’s name of course is God. Thus the name of the church we read about in the Bible was called “church of God”. When Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth he addressed them as the “church of God at Corinth,” (I Cor. 1:2). The church that Christ purchased with His own blood was the “church of God,” (Acts 20:28).
CAUSE OF DIVISION
When we look at what is called Christianity today, we see something entirely different than what we read about in the Bible. We see denominations of all sorts with different names, teachings and beliefs. How all this came about we will cover in the follow up book “EVIL SPIRITS IN CHURCH HISTORY” (Adapted from “Power for Living Righteously Book II.) Let’s get back to our thought about sanctification and unity. While unity is commanded and division is condemned, there will be no true unity, no perfect unity like we read of in the Bible among carnal people. This is why sanctification is a connecting link to unity. Carnal people many times will have to have things their way. If they cannot agree they will pack up and go start a religious work (maybe call it a church) where they can have their way. Many of the divisions in Protestantism started just that way. Sanctified people are submissive and not rebellious. Also those who have been truly sanctified have the Spirit of Truth. Therefore, concerning the major doctrines taught in the Bible, they will see “eye to eye” just as it was prophesied in Isaiah 52:8.
PRACTICAL REASONS FOR UNITY
To be able to live righteously one must first be saved. Then to live it consistently he needs to be sanctified. Furthermore, he must also be united with those of kindred spirits. Here are some reasons why: When we get saved we are called out of sin and the world. We are in the world but not part of the world. Our goals, our desires, our thoughts are different from those in the world. If one was to try to have fellowship with the “old crowd” it would not be long until he would be part of them again. Jesus said His followers, “...are not of the world…” (John 17: 16). Now it is true that we need fellowship and a support group, yet it cannot be with those who are not teaching and standing for all the truth. In Romans 16:17, Paul says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” So while the Bible teaches believers to be united, they are to avoid those with doctrines contrary to the truth. The book of Revelation symbolizes the religious maze of confusion we see today as “Babylon”. God has and is calling his people out of “spiritual Babylon” to the true church of God. (More on this in the follow up book). Just as there are those who call themselves Christians who are not, there are places called “Church of God” who are not standing for all truth. However, I believe if one is earnestly seeking truth, God will lead them to the right place eventually. Let me tell you from personal experience a little about the church of God.
THE CHURCH OF GOD TODAY
Their worship services are full of rejoicing. Many raise their hand in agreement to the words of the songs. (“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord,” Psalms 134:2.) Some may clap their hands, or cry, or shout and some may even jump. They have something to be happy about. However, the rejoicing is always decent and in order. They don’t fall in the aisles becoming indecent, or go into any trances or jerking and the like. There is freedom to testify between the songs. Also many are given at the mid-week prayer meeting, and oh what testimonies! Some tell how God put their marriage back together, or how He changed their lives. Many testify to God’s healing power. Some of which may be truly outstanding miracles. Other testimonies may be how God worked out something in everyday type problems. You can tell that God is very real to them and means everything to these thankful people. There is a very close-knit fellowship between these brothers and sisters in the Lord. They share their victories, sorrows and battles through testimonies and prayer requests. Periodically they have an ordinance service or communion (The Lord’s Supper, (I Cor. 11:23-26) and feet washing (John 13). The humility and equality of members is vividly demonstrated during these times. Regardless of how new in the faith or the social or financial status they are all equal. They gladly wash one another’s feet. (The brothers wash the brothers’ feet and the sisters wash the sisters’ feet in separate areas). By the way, when the other ordinance of baptism is observed, the candidates are immersed, not just sprinkled. Another periodical happening is Camp- Meeting. This is a time when several church of God congregations gather together for a series of meetings and fellowship, and the fellowship is sweet. “How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” (Psm. 133: 1). For the most part church of God folks are common people. Perhaps this is because many prominent people will not be humble and submissive. “...not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called,” (I Cor. 1:26). Holiness is not in clothes, but modesty of dress is practiced all year, wherever they go, by men and women, both young and old. If there is some activity that cannot be done and still stay modest, then they don’t do it. The sisters let their hair grow and the brothers keep theirs cut short. A new convert may not measure to this right away because of a lack of understanding. But in God’s time, He will have the pastor bring out that “...if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him...but if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her...” (I Cor. 11:14-15). That brings me to the…
CHURCH OF GOD MINISTRY
Oh I wish I could somehow express the value of a true ministry. Just as we must eat properly to stay healthy physically, we must eat the right things to stay spiritually healthy. Digesting false doctrine is like eating poison. It will kill us spiritually. Only at a congregation of the true church of God will we get our soul fed properly. This is where God’s true ministry preaches the truth, exposes error and guides God’s holy flock. You get a full course meal at the church of God, not just a sermonette. The messages are not always easy on the flesh but the spirit bears witness that it is truth. I’ve found out that the straight preaching keeps me straight with God. The ministers of the church of God are not voted in or out. Neither are they self appointed. The Holy Ghost calls and qualifies them. The saints and other ministers can recognize God’s hand on the calling of a new minister. Even though they are bold in their stand for truth, they are humble brethren. They take not the title of Reverend, as that name is reserved for the Lord, (Psm. 111:9). At camp-meeting time their equality, humility and unity is very evident. They see eye to eye and there are no big preachers and little preachers. They “are all brethren” (Matt. 23:8). They are not “Lords over God's heritage” but they “take the oversight” as God has ordained them to do. They get their messages from God, not some headquarters system. There is no earthly headquarters for the (true) church of God. Just for the record, this writer is not a minister. In writing about the ministry or the church of God, I am not trying to lift anyone or anything above Christ. Salvation and the power to live righteously comes through none other than Jesus Christ. However, living righteously entails more than just our personal relationship with Christ. It starts there but also includes our relationship with all others who have a right relationship with Him.
FINAL REMARKS
God’s requirement of living righteously, how to find the enabling power to do so, and the benefits of it all are what we have tried to tell in this book. Perhaps what you have read here is new to you like it once was for me. When I first found the church of God some of the things I heard sounded pretty incredible. Somehow God helped me hold steady until He could prove it to me. When I finally got it settled in my heart that the church of God message was truth, I was spoiled for anything else. One time I wrote a poem entitled “TRUTH”. In it I tried to tell how we can know what is true. First, truth would encompass the entire Bible. Therefore truth could not ignore any Bible precepts. Second, truth does not contain any contradictory precepts. Any that appears to, simply means we have not discovered the truth of it yet, for all Bible precepts harmonize. Third, truth includes the verification found in Old Testament types and shadows. For example, the tabernacle God had Moses build was a “figure” (Heb. 8:5, 9:9). The two rooms it had, (holy place and most holy) “typify” Justification and Sanctification. Fourth, truth would even include the book of Revelation, since it is part of the Bible. While it may not be as clear as the epistles and gospels, its symbolic language is not so dark and mysterious to be unknowable. Fifth, and final, truth will line up with our personal experience. Something can look good on paper, but the acid test is: does it work in practical everyday living? The invitation to prove-it-for-yourself is offered to “whosoever will”. For those that are genuinely seeking, it sometimes may be a struggle. Yet the fulfillment is sure, for in Matthew 5:6, Christ said: “Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they SHALL BE FILLED!”
Bill Roberts
Gospel Truth and Publications,
P.O. Box 142, Jackson Center, OH 45334
This concludes “POWER FOR LIVING RIGHTEOUSLY” BOOK I. The follow up book is “EVIL SPIRITS IN CHURCH HISTORY”.
Topics include:
Origin of Denominations
Brief sketch of Church History
Symbolic Language of Revelation
Spirit of Unbelief in Church History
Spirit of Compromise in Church History
Spirit of Rebellion in Church History
Pagan Rome, Papal Rome
Daniel’s Prophecies
Mystery Babylon
The Protestant Reformation
The Evening Light
The Come-Out Message
Apostasy of the Reformation Movement
The Millennial Theory
Spiritual Israelites
The Seventh Seal Message
The Spirit of Ecumenicalism
The Last Great Earthquake and more…
SPIRITUAL FORTS
Imagine if you will, an American pioneer trying to build a house from scratch out in the wilderness. Let’s say he is a greenhorn and not too sure how to go about it. Let’s further add he is in hostile Indian country and inexperienced at Indian fighting. His situation looks almost impossible doesn’t it? That is just about the way that living righteously appears to many, almost impossible. But what if this pioneer learned of an established fort out there in that hostile land? What if he found a place where he could build inside the secure walls and even have others to help and instruct him? Others who at one time were in similar circumstances, people who have had experience at building houses and fighting Indians. His situation looks much more possible now, doesn’t it? He would even be a help to the fort as he would be adding one more to their number. Friend, God has some established spiritual forts in this hostile land. God has a people, some of whom at one time did not think that living righteously was possible. But they have built an individual experience with God and He has banded them together. They have learned some of the tricks of the enemy against their soul and how to overcome him. These people are willing and anxious to help and encourage each one that has a desire to live righteously.