Pass the Time of your Sojourning Here in Fear

The Bible describes the life of a man as a vapour which appears for a while and then disappears (James 4:14). This passage clearly points out that our sojourn here on earth is not only temporary but also very short, when compared with eternity. We came into this world one day, and we shall definitely take our bow out of it one day. Sometimes, God allows us to exit with notice e.g. death at a very good old age, death after a prolonged illness, etc. At other times it is very sudden e.g. death while sleeping, death by accidents, natural disasters etc. Just like the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 died, and are in hell and heaven respectively, so also shall we die one day and be in heaven or hell. Death is no respecter of persons: males die just like females; the poor dies just like the rich; believers die just like unbelievers. How we exit this world or the age we exit is not as important as where we are heading to. As God prefers to have it, nobody else aside us determine where we'll spend eternity. We determine this while here on earth through the one we yield ourselves to obey. Paul says in Romans 6:16 that we are servants to whom we yield ourselves to obey; "whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." Eternity is therefore determined through our obedience to God's words or rejection of His words.

The Lord Jesus Christ strongly advises us as follows in Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." To strive is to make great efforts, struggle or fight vigorously to obtain something, in this case eternal salvation. The straight gate and the narrow way leads to life and there be few who find it (Matthew 7:14). This straight gate with the narrow way is the way of holiness, righteousness and sanctification. Brethren, without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). To be holy means to be separate from sin and be dedicated to God. It is founded upon salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Although we are not saved by works but by grace alone, we however as people who have been saved from sin must do the works of righteousness. This is the reason we see Paul declares in Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

This very important passage most unfortunately is not usually quoted by the 'grace and faith' preachers. They divorce verse 10 from verses 8-9 of Ephesians 2. The lifestyle of a believer is a life of holiness and righteousness. A true believer will not pattern his or her life to be in accordance with those in the world who do not know God (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14; James 4:4). He is a friend of God and an enemy of the world. The world will hate a true believer just like it hated Christ (John 15:18-19). When people who claim to be believers act like those in the world by watching what the world watches; sing like those in the world sings; dance like those in the world; attend parties with those in the world; organise parties the way those in the world organises and play the same worldly music and dance same steps in those parties like those in the world, then they are no longer walking in the truth, no matter their claims and confessions.

The Bible teaches believers not to be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

God will receive into glory only those who are separated from the world’s filthiness, lusts and pride (1 John 2:15-17).

Peter says the following in 1 Peter 1:14-16
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Brethren, God is a holy God and we must live holy lives in order to walk with Him before working for Him. Holiness is the most pronounced and foremost characteristic of God. The Third Person in the Triune God is called The Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). Christ is referred to as the Holy Child of God (Acts 4:27). The Seraphims in God's throne (Isaiah 6:3) and the four Beasts each with six wings (Revelation 4: do not rest day nor night singing "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the Lord God Almighty. God's temple is holy (1 Corinthians 3:17). God's house is referred to as holiness. Psalm 93:5b says ".... holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever." The list is endless!

Holiness is the only condition under which anyone can enter God's holy presence and have eternal salvation (Psalm 24:3-4; Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 3:1-3). If God says so, then He means so. He says what He means and He means what He says. God cannot change His Word or standards because of the world and its so called advancement. God will not change His Word because of what big preachers with clouts are preaching. In fact He does not respect any man with views contrary to His Word. He treats such people with disdain (1 Samuel 2:30). I am sure that based on how God dealt with them for their lack of respect and honour to His Word, Eli the high priest, Saul the first king of Israel and Nebuchadnezzar (once the emperor of the whole world) understood this very well. If He did this to these persons and many others as read in the Bible, what makes us think that He will not do the same to those of us who believe in eternal security; easy believism; faith without works, financial prosperity etc? Make no mistake about it; He will definitely do the same, if not more.

As we close this message, let us remind ourselves with what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:17 "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear".

Till we meet again on this platform, I remain yours in Christ Jesus.

God bless you.