Earnestly Contending for the Faith - Part 798

There is a gospel song called Through It All that captured my heart many years ago. The lyrics state: "Through it all, I have learned to depend upon His Word." This is the same message found throughout the scriptures. 

Therein, the apostles encourage us to earnestly contend for the faith. (Jude 1:3) These same followers of Jesus similarly instruct us to hold fast to the faithful Word as the scriptures teach, in order that we can "both exhort and convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9) 

This is why when we are told something that doesn't appear to be accurate in terms of our faith and/or His Word, we need to be grounded in the scriptures -- in order to discern the truth accurately. 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16)

Indeed, it is for this reason that we are to search the scriptures daily. 

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."(Acts 17:11)

But what happens when we do not have a good understanding of the scriptures? The Bible states that we can be led astray from false teachings and prophets that do not align their doctrines and statements of faith with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

Recently, I found myself in one of these situations. I had stumbled across a presentation of the gospel that suggested born again believers who believe in Jesus by faith can be "convicted" by the holy Spirit -- AFTER they are saved. For example, someone might say, "I couldn't get to sleep last night because the holy Spirit was convicting me." Does this sound familiar? 

A couple of things immediately come to mind. First, Jesus said that it is expedient for us that He goes away -- "for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7) Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

Second, if we accept the idea that Jesus still convicts us after we have believed in Him by faith, then wouldn't this nullify the sacrifice of our Lord God and Saviour on the cross -- when He paid the price for us in full? Where would that leave us? 

Remember, we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is why every one of us must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins -- so that we too receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-42) The Lord doesn't give us "gifts" that torment. Rather, He bestows upon us blessings according to His abundant mercy and riches.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (I Peter 1:3)

Third, if the Holy Ghost convicted us, His precious blood shed on the cross for you and I would be insufficient, and subsequently, only partially cleanse us from sin. But as we know from the scriptures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ... And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ -- the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 1:9)

This is why it is critically important that we learn the scriptures as a foundation for our faith. It also explains why the apostles were diligent about delivering the original faith which was delivered unto them. 

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

"Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13)

This is good counsel not only for me but for every person who seeks Jesus and His righteousness in their life. We need to search the Word. We also need to know that when we believe in Jesus by faith, we are completely cleansed from ALL unrighteousness. Our sins have been forgiven forever -- never to return. Thus, believers are free from ALL condemnation.  

Moreover, because Jesus paid the ultimate price -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for you and I -- believers can be confident that -- "in Him verily is the love of God perfected, hereby, know we that we are in Him." (I John 2:5) 

Other scriptures about the Comforter?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)

"But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

"That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us .." (Hebrews 6:18)

"Therefore, study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

This discussion on "conviction" will continue tomorrow. In the interim, read the Word of our Lord God and Saviour for your own edification, knowledge and wisdom. 

Know that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) 

Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.