There is a similar scripture in Romans that states: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. [Indeed,] the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light .... put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 13:11-14)
Note that this latter verse does not suggest that we "put on the religious culture" of this day. Nor does it suggest that we -- as believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ -- clothe ourselves with what is the latest "politically correct" idea within the world we live. Rather, Jesus instructs us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:11-14)
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) "... seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:9-10)
But there is more to becoming a disciple of Jesus than just changing our outward habits and appearance. Note that I used the word 'disciple' rather than Christian here. Why? Because 'Christian' was a word that others attached to those who believed in Jesus' teachings. (Acts 26:28) But Jesus Himself called those who followed after Him, preaching the gospel of the kingdom -- His disciples.
As disciples then, we are to seek Jesus with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to "put on the whole armour of God that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
Why? Because "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) And second, as Paul indicated in Romans -- because we have already wasted too much time on earthly matters.
You see, Jesus gave us His Spirit so that when we seek His righteousness, we would also understand the state of the world in which we live. In fact, He gave us His Word -- God Himself in the flesh -- so that we could discern between what is right and that which is not. (John 1:1-18) But we can't reach our intended purpose if our hearts are "half-hearted" -- as the children in Jesus' parable about the unjust steward were portrayed to be. (Luke 16:1-13)
In the same way, true believers can't compromise the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) We all have to make a choice -- whether to stand wholeheartedly with Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- or the earthly powers that are in this world.
For true disciples, Jesus IS everything, which is why the Word states:
"Now we beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand ...
Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)
Rather, "we are bound to give thanks always to God ... because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13)
This is why we are to stand fast in the liberty, and to hold fast to the traditions which we have been taught, "whether by word or our epistle -- or our Lord Jesus Christ Himself." Therefore, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ -- the hope of our salvation -- and our sole reason to rejoice, teaching all nations to observe all things which Jesus commanded -- including every creature -- and be thankful for all that He has given us. This calling --- even in times of persecution.
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 1:7-11)
Notwithstanding these last days, we can be confident that when Jesus paid the price for our salvation with His precious holy Spirit blood on the cross, it was because He loved us. He is faithful. The very least we can do in response is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ..." and preach His good news gospel of the kingdom. (Luke 10:27) Stand in the offering plate.
Rather, "we are bound to give thanks always to God ... because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13)
This is why we are to stand fast in the liberty, and to hold fast to the traditions which we have been taught, "whether by word or our epistle -- or our Lord Jesus Christ Himself." Therefore, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ -- the hope of our salvation -- and our sole reason to rejoice, teaching all nations to observe all things which Jesus commanded -- including every creature -- and be thankful for all that He has given us. This calling --- even in times of persecution.
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 1:7-11)
Notwithstanding these last days, we can be confident that when Jesus paid the price for our salvation with His precious holy Spirit blood on the cross, it was because He loved us. He is faithful. The very least we can do in response is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ..." and preach His good news gospel of the kingdom. (Luke 10:27) Stand in the offering plate.
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