Title August 2019

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, “I Did Not Come to Abolish the Law but to Fulfill It”?(Matthew 5:17-18)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Jesus’ statement here is foundational for understanding how the Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) relates to His mission. He is affirming that He did not come to cancel the teachings of the Old Testament, but to bring them to their intended fulfillment—to complete what they pointed forward to.

1. He Fulfilled the Law Morally
Jesus fulfilled the moral law (example the Ten Commandments) by living a sinless, obedient life. He was the only one who ever kept the Law perfectly.
Hebrews 4:15 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

When He deepened commands like “Do not murder” and “Do not commit adultery” in Matthew 5:21–30, He wasn’t replacing the Law but showing its true spiritual intent—that God desires purity of heart, not just outward compliance.

2. He Fulfilled the Law Ceremonially
Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the Law (like sacrifices, festivals, temple rituals) by becoming the true sacrifice and High Priest.
Hebrews 10:1 

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities…”

Colossians 2:16–17 

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Everything in the sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus. The lambs, the offerings, the priesthood—all of it was fulfilled in Him.

3. He Fulfilled the Law Prophetically
Many Old Testament laws and prophetic writings anticipated the Messiah. Jesus is the one to whom they all pointed.
Luke 24:44

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”

From the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 to the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophetic expectation.

4. He Enables Us to Fulfill the Law Through the Spirit
While believers are not under the Old Testament Law as a system of salvation (Romans 6:14), the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in us as we live by the Spirit.
Romans 8:3–4 

“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son… he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Through Christ, we are empowered to live out the heart of God’s law—not out of obligation, but out of transformed hearts.

In  Summary

Jesus did not abolish the Law; He fulfilled it:

By living it out perfectly (moral fulfillment)

By being the reality behind its symbols (ceremonial fulfillment)

By accomplishing what the prophets foretold (prophetic fulfillment)

And by making it possible for us to live in alignment with God’s will through the Holy Spirit.

The Law was never the way to salvation, but it pointed to the One who is. In Christ, we find both the end and the goal of the Law in Romans 10:4

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

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What is the meaning of “ELOHIM”?

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Is it okay to baptize young children?

ANSWER: No, it is not biblically permissible to baptize young children. Baptism in Christian theology is a sacrament that follows genuine repentance and faith. In the Bible, repentance involves a personal decision to turn away from sin and dedicate one’s life to God. This is clearly outlined in

Acts 2:38, where Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Notice the order: repentance first, followed by baptism.

In

Mark 1:15, Jesus also preached, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Again, repentance and faith precede baptism. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in

Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Thus, baptism is a conscious act that follows personal faith and repentance, and this cannot be applied to infants or young children who are not yet capable of making such decisions.

Why aren’t infants baptized? The primary reason is that infants do not have the ability to make a conscious decision to repent of their sins or to place faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that individuals must recognize their need for salvation and choose to follow Christ for baptism to be meaningful. In

Romans 10:9, it is stated, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Infants are not able to declare their faith or make this confession.

The Bible also speaks about the necessity of personal responsibility in salvation, as seen in

Acts 17:30, which says, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Children, being unaware of their sin or the gospel, cannot meet this requirement.

Instead of baptizing infants, we see in

Mark 10:16 that Jesus blessed children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

This shows that while children are precious in God’s sight, they are not yet at an age to make personal decisions about repentance and faith.

Baptism and Personal Decision: To baptize an infant is similar to baptizing someone who has not personally repented and confessed faith in Christ. True baptism, as shown in

Acts 8:36-37, is linked to an individual’s personal confession of faith. When Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch says, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And Philip replies, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

Baptism without personal faith and repentance is not consistent with the biblical model.

In summary, baptism is a deeply personal step that follows an individual’s decision to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Infants, who are not yet capable of making this decision, cannot be biblically baptized. Instead, they can be prayed for and blessed, just as Jesus did with the children in Mark 10:16.

Shalom. 

 

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What Is the True Sabbath? Is It Saturday or Sunday? Which Day Should We Worship?

Question:

Is the true Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday? Are Christians required to observe a specific day of worship? What does the Bible really say?

1. The Meaning of Sabbath: A Shadow of Spiritual Rest

The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, meaning “rest” or “cease.” In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week (Saturday), set apart as a holy day of rest and worship for the people of Israel (see Exodus 20:8–11).

However, the Sabbath command was a shadow—a symbolic pointer to something greater that would come through Christ.

Colossians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

 Jesus Christ: Our True Sabbath Rest

Jesus fulfilled the law, including the Sabbath law (see Matthew 5:17). In Him, we find our ultimate spiritual rest—freedom from sin, legalism, and striving for salvation through works.

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”

Hebrews 4:9–10 (NIV)
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”

True Sabbath for the believer is not merely resting one day a week—it is resting in the finished work of Christ.

 Worshiping God Is Not Limited to a Specific Day

In the New Covenant, worship is no longer tied to a specific day or place. Worship is now a matter of spirit and truth—daily, heartfelt devotion to God.

John 4:23–24 (NIV)
“A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth…”

The Apostle Paul warned against elevating special days or seasons as requirements for righteousness.

Galatians 4:9–11 (ESV)
“…How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles… You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.”

The Example of the Early Church: Worship on the First Day

While Saturday was the Sabbath under the Law, the early Christians began meeting on Sunday, the first day of the week, in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection (see Mark 16:9). It became known as “the Lord’s Day”.

Acts 20:7 (NIV)
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread…”

1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV)
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income…”

This shift shows that the day itself was not the focus—what mattered was gathering in the name of Jesus.

 Do All Days Belong to the Lord? Yes.

Every day belongs to the Lord. Christians are not bound to the Old Covenant Sabbath laws.

Romans 14:5–6 (NIV)
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord…”

The point is this: worship must come from the heart, not from the calendar.

 Should We Still Gather Weekly?

Yes, regular fellowship is important. While we are free in Christ, we are encouraged not to neglect meeting together with other believers.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Whether that gathering happens on Saturday, Sunday, or another day, it is the spirit and purpose of the gathering that matters most.

In conclusion

So, when is the “real” Sabbath?

  • In the Old Covenant: It was Saturday (Exodus 20:8–11).
  • In the New Covenant: It is Jesus Christ Himself, in whom we rest daily.
  • In practical terms: Christians may gather to worship on any day, but many gather on Sunday in honor of the resurrection.

What matters most is that we worship God sincerely, not which day we do it.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Conclusion:

You are not more righteous for worshiping on Saturday, nor are you wrong for worshiping on Sunday. Let your worship be constant, your faith be rooted in Christ, and your rest be found in His finished work.

May the Lord bless you as you walk in His freedom and truth.

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Who Was Jezebel?

1. Jezebel’s Background

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31, NIV). The Sidonians, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, were known for their idolatry and devotion to Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god. Ethbaal himself was not only a king but also a priest of Baal, which explains Jezebel’s strong religious convictions and her later influence over Israel’s spiritual decline.

“He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” – 1 Kings 16:31 (NIV)

2. Jezebel’s Marriage to Ahab

When she married King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel brought her pagan religious practices with her, leading Ahab into Baal worship. Under her influence, temples and altars for Baal were built in Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33). This was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5).

3. Persecution of God’s Prophets

Jezebel wasn’t content with simply introducing Baal worship—she sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh altogether. She ordered the execution of many of the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), while promoting hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19). This led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, culminating in the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40).

“While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4 (NIV)

4. Jezebel’s Character and Sorcery

Jezebel is also associated with witchcraft and immorality. Her influence extended beyond politics into the realm of spiritual corruption. In 2 Kings 9:22, Jehu confronts King Joram and accuses Jezebel of idolatry and witchcraft:

“When Joram saw Jehu he asked, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’ ‘How can there be peace,’ Jehu replied, ‘as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?’” – 2 Kings 9:22 (NIV)

She even manipulated legal systems to have Naboth unjustly executed so Ahab could seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21), showing a ruthless and manipulative character.

5. Jezebel in the New Testament

In the Book of Revelation, Jezebel is used as a symbol of a corrupting influence within the church. Jesus, speaking to the church in Thyatira, rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess likened to Jezebel:

“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20 (NIV)

This shows that Jezebel became an archetype of spiritual adultery, manipulation, and false teaching.

6. Jezebel’s Death and Divine Judgment

Jezebel’s death came as prophesied by the prophet Elijah. She was thrown from a window by her own servants at the command of Jehu, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs—fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 21:23-24; 2 Kings 9:30-37).

“They went out to bury her, but they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. They went back and told Jehu, who said, ‘This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’” – 2 Kings 9:35-36 (NIV)

7. Jezebel’s Legacy

Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, followed her mother’s footsteps in wickedness. She usurped the throne of Judah, murdered members of the royal family, and promoted Baal worship (2 Kings 11:1-3). Jezebel’s legacy was one of spiritual corruption, violence, and rebellion against God, making her one of the most infamous women in biblical history.

 

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Who is Satan?

Understanding His Origin, Nature, and Role in the Biblical Narrative

The name “Satan” means accuser or adversary. In Scripture, he is described as the one who accuses God’s people before Him day and night (Revelation 12:10, NKJV). His mission is to oppose God’s work and lead humanity away from truth and righteousness.

The Origin of Satan: Lucifer Before the Fall

Before his rebellion, Satan was known as Lucifer, which means “morning star” or “light-bringer”.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”
— Isaiah 14:12 (NKJV)

Lucifer was created as a glorious angelic being, a cherub with great beauty, wisdom, and authority in heaven. He held a high rank among angels and served in the very presence of God.

“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”
— Ezekiel 28:14–15 (NKJV)

These passages are often seen as dual references: while they address earthly kings (Babylon and Tyre), many theologians understand them as symbolic descriptions of Satan’s original state and fall.

The Rebellion in Heaven

Lucifer’s heart became proud because of his beauty and wisdom. He desired to exalt himself above God and sought to be worshiped.

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’”
— Isaiah 14:13–14 (NKJV)

Through his deception, Lucifer led a rebellion, drawing a third of the angels in heaven to join him.

“His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.”
— Revelation 12:4a (NKJV)

This resulted in a spiritual war in heaven.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan… he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
— Revelation 12:7–9 (NKJV)

Satan’s Role on Earth and the Ongoing Battle

After being cast out of heaven, Satan’s activity shifted to earth. He became the deceiver of the world and the tempter of mankind. The spiritual war that began in heaven continues here on earth.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

While Satan was defeated in heaven, he still influences the world until the final judgment. This ongoing battle is not just cosmic; it involves every believer. Our spiritual struggle is described clearly in the New Testament:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

The Final Defeat of Satan

Satan’s end is certain. Scripture assures us that he will ultimately be judged and cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
— Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)

Conclusion:

Satan was once a glorious angel named Lucifer, but pride led to his fall. He now stands as the adversary of God and humanity. However, believers have victory through Jesus Christ, and the Bible assures us that Satan’s time is limited. The war may still be ongoing, but the outcome has already been written—God will triumph.

 

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The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak

 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)

. This phrase encapsulates the tension we often experience between our spiritual aspirations and our physical limitations. While we may have a strong desire to align with God’s will, our bodies often become weary, distracted, or resistant.

Context:

After a full day of ministry with His disciples, Jesus didn’t have the opportunity to rest. Instead, He went to a designated house for the evening, where He continued teaching and preparing them for what was to come. He shared important teachings, including the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and spent time in fellowship with them. It was in this context that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and service (John 13:1-17). They stayed up very late, and around 8:00 PM, when they should have been resting, Jesus called them to pray with Him.

The key lesson here is that despite being physically exhausted, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. This request highlights a significant challenge: the ability to push through physical tiredness to fulfill spiritual duties. Jesus understood this challenge, which is why He said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This statement is a recognition that, while our spiritual desires may be strong, our bodies often struggle to keep pace with those desires.

The Struggle of the Flesh:

In theological terms, the “flesh” refers to our sinful human nature—those aspects of our being that are prone to selfishness, laziness, and disobedience. The term is often used in Scripture to describe the part of humanity that resists God and is inclined toward sin. The “flesh” doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but to our sinful tendencies.

Romans 7:18 (NIV): “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”

This battle between the spirit and the flesh is a central theme in Christian life. While the spirit desires to follow God, the flesh is weak and prone to distraction or sin.

Overcoming the Flesh:

In the Christian tradition, overcoming the flesh involves not denying the legitimate needs of the body but rather learning how to submit those needs to God’s will. The desires themselves—hunger, sleep, pleasure—are not inherently sinful. God designed our bodies with these needs for a purpose: to sustain us and help us enjoy life in this world. However, after the fall of humanity (Genesis 3), these desires became twisted by sin, and they can lead us astray if they are not controlled by the Spirit.

Sleep and Hunger:

Psalm 127:2 (NIV): “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
God created the need for sleep to restore our energy. If we didn’t need sleep, we would burn out quickly. Similarly, hunger is not a sin.

Matthew 6:25 (NIV) tells us not to worry about our bodily needs because God will provide: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink.”

These desires are part of God’s provision for us to enjoy life and thrive.

However, in a fallen world, these desires can lead to excess and selfishness, which is where the problem arises. For instance, excessive indulgence in food (gluttony), or rest (idleness), can hinder spiritual growth.

The Desire to Enjoy the World:

After Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, the world became corrupted. What was once a paradise filled with beauty and harmony became a place where evil and temptation abound.

1 John 2:15-16 (NIV): “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

God intended for us to enjoy the world, but now, because of sin, our enjoyment can lead to idolatry, selfishness, and separation from God. The desires of the flesh have become entangled with sinful temptation, and therefore, we must be cautious and avoid things that draw us into sinful patterns.

How Do We Overcome the Flesh?

Overcoming the flesh is not about rejecting our physical needs but about surrendering those desires to God. The key is to understand that spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential to living victoriously over the flesh.

  1. Avoid Temptation:
    To resist the desires of the flesh, we must avoid situations that provoke those desires. For example, if you want to avoid overindulgence in food, stay away from places where food is a constant temptation. If you struggle with lust, avoid watching inappropriate content or exposing yourself to situations that feed that desire.

  2. Overcoming Sleep:
    Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to rebuke the “spirit of sleep”; He simply told them to pray (Matthew 26:41). The remedy for sleepiness during spiritual activities, like prayer or Bible study, is not supernatural rebuke, but discipline. Keep busy, stay active, and focus on the importance of the task. Recognize that sleep is not a demon, but a physical need.

  3. Discipline and Focus:
    It’s essential to develop spiritual habits that can help you stay disciplined and focused. If you find it difficult to stay awake during prayer or Bible study, recognize the importance of these practices and remind yourself why they matter. Overcoming the flesh involves a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual activities over physical distractions.

Walking by the Spirit:

Paul emphasizes the need to “walk by the Spirit” in order to overcome the flesh. Walking by the Spirit means living in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power, allowing Him to guide us and give us the strength to resist temptation.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

The Spirit provides the power we need to resist the pull of the flesh. In our own strength, we cannot overcome these desires, but through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live godly lives.

The Final Battle:

The battle against the flesh is ongoing. We are called to deny our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. The ultimate goal is not to reject the body or its needs, but to use them in service to God, submitting them to His will.

Romans 8:13 (NIV): “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Conclusion:

The battle is real, but the victory is assured for those who walk by the Spirit. The more we grow in our relationship with God, the more we can overcome the weaknesses of the flesh. Remember that the flesh is weak, but through the Spirit, we can live a life that pleases God.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Let us stay close to God in prayer, reading His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the challenges of the flesh. And, by avoiding the temptations of the world, we will continue to grow stronger in the faith and honor God with our lives.

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Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen”

The Call of Many – God’s Open Invitation

The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:

“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1, NKJV)

This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men—were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.

This reflects God’s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)

2. The Choosing of a Few – God’s Sovereign Election

Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn’t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)

These men were chosen by grace, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election—God’s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.

“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)

Grace is unearned favor. Unlike “luck,” which may imply randomness, grace chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.

3. Election Is Not Immunity – The Danger of Falling Away

Being chosen doesn’t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance.

“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, NKJV)

“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25, NKJV)

Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn’t expel him—He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.

4. A Warning for the Elect – Deception in the Last Days

Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)

This means that even the elect must remain vigilant. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.

5. The Privilege of Knowing the Mysteries – A Call to Responsibility

Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.

“It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)

If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God’s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility—to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.

6. Strengthening Your Calling and Election

Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)

Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:

  • Stay grounded in God’s Word
  • Guard your heart from compromise
  • Remain humble and prayerful
  • Pursue holiness and spiritual growth
  • Be alert to deception and false teachings

Conclusion: Finish Well

You may have responded to the call of God with sincerity. Perhaps you’ve even walked closely with Jesus. But like Judas, it’s possible to grow too familiar with the Word, to let the world’s desires in, and to end up spiritually lost.

God won’t force you to stay. He will walk with you in grace, but your choices will determine your end.

“It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24, NKJV – about Judas)

This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You are called. You may even be chosen. But will you remain faithful to the end?

Let us strive to finish well—holding fast to grace, resisting temptation, and growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)

 

Shalom

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THE END OF THOSE WHO FORGET GOD

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22

Introduction: A Warning for the Last Days

The name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be glorified forever. We live in prophetic times. The signs of the end are not only evident in the world’s events but also in the hearts of believers. Jesus clearly warned in Matthew 24:12,

“Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”

This is not only about human affection but also the diminishing love for God. Many believers who once walked closely with God are slowly drifting, losing their spiritual fire. The danger here is subtle—it begins unnoticed and ends in spiritual death.

How People Forget God

Forgetting God doesn’t always mean open rebellion. It often begins with slow spiritual neglect:

  • Neglecting prayer (Luke 18:1)
  • Neglecting the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)
  • Compromise in personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
  • Pursuit of worldly pleasures (2 Timothy 3:4-5)

A believer may start off well: praying fervently, seeking the Lord, living modestly, serving in church, evangelizing. But as the cares of this life grow, and the temptations of modern culture increase—entertainment, social media, peer pressure, secular ideologies—these things can slowly pull one away from intimacy with God.

Paul speaks to this in Galatians 5:7:

“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

Job’s Warning: The Spiritual Withering of Those Who Forget

The book of Job 8:11–13 uses an illustration of water plants to describe the spiritual life:

“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God.”

Papyrus and reeds depend completely on water. Remove them from that environment, and they wither—even if they still appear green for a while. This is a striking metaphor. When we disconnect from God—our source—we may seem fine temporarily, but spiritual death follows.

Jesus echoed this in John 15:5-6:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit… If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.”

Who Are “Those Who Forget God”?

The phrase doesn’t refer to atheists or unbelievers—it applies to those who once knew Him but have grown cold. You can’t forget someone you never knew. These are Christians who once walked in truth, but now:

  • They no longer pray consistently.
  • They no longer hunger for the Word.
  • They adopt worldly behaviors and justify sin.
  • They fellowship with the world more than with God’s people.

2 Peter 2:20-21 warns:
“If after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled… it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness.”

The Consequences of Forgetting God

1,Spiritual Dryness.                 At first, nothing seems wrong. But just as a tree cut off from water dries gradually, so do believers who disconnect from God.       

  Hebrews 2:1– “We must pay the most careful attention… so that we do not drift away.”.                                    

2, Vulnerability to Sin
Prayerlessness and lack of the Word open doors to temptation. Without the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), we are spiritually defenseless.

3,Judgment

“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you.” — Psalm 50:22

How Not to Forget God

God has provided practical and spiritual means to help us remain steadfast.

1. Daily Meditation on the Word

Not just reading, but deeply reflecting and applying Scripture.

Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous.”

James 1:25: “The one who looks into the perfect law… and perseveres… will be blessed in what he does.”

2. Regular Fellowship with Believers

Surround yourself with those who encourage your faith.

Hebrews 10:25: “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

3. A Lifestyle of Prayer and Worship

Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s heart. Worship draws us close to His presence.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

Ephesians 5:18-20: “Be filled with the Spirit… singing psalms and hymns… giving thanks to God.”

4. Guarding Your Time and Mind

In a digital age, distractions are constant. We must intentionally redeem our time.

Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live… making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”

Conclusion: Be Watchful, Be Wise

These are the days spoken of in Scripture—times of great deception, lukewarmness, and spiritual distraction. Let us not fall asleep spiritually or take God for granted. If you’ve drifted, return today. God’s grace is still available. But don’t delay.

Revelation 2:4-5:
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

Final encouragement:
Be vigilant. Be in the Word. Stay in fellowship. Keep praying. Don’t forget God—because He has not forgotten you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you faithful until the very end.

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