Any man who tells you that overcoming is not required to get the rewards promised by God is in total error to what the word and spirit teach. A man will spend 10 years studying theology, and a further 6 years studying Latin, and more years studying Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic, and at the end of all this will take a position in the church to be a teacher. Does this make him anointed of God? Absolutely not! We see these men on the podium speaking big words to the multitude in the name of God, and next we see them sleeping with the congregation and molesting children. So you see that the word alone is of little benefit until it marries the spirit, the Holy Spirit, and sadly very few denominational pasters and teachers have it. Because of mans twisting of the word (bible), it is powerless to convict, but when joined by the spirit, it now has power and correctly convicts one of sin. It is this very Holy Spirit of God that tells us to repent. The problem with these ‘once saved always saved’ (OSAS) bunch is they are so caught up in their own iniquities that they have no other choice but to believe they are saved. It’s more wilful thinking than the truth, because they love their world too much, and need to use scripture out of context/twisted to justify their evil ways. They will always say they are into the meat of the word and that those who feel a need to repent and sin no more are still babies on milk. O God, give me strength. The Holy Spirit will only come in full measure to those who REPENT, or have a total change of heart so to speak. How arrogant of such people to impress they have the Holy Spirit of God while they continue to sin. Don’t they know this spirit is HOLY? How dare they suggest the Holy of Holies can abide in sin! 1Jo 3:9 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.

The word of God is choc full of repentance and overcoming advice, and yet so few can see it. Surely we can all agree that God hates sin and can not even look upon it, so those who believe as a Christian that it is ok to go merrily on their way sinning at will, must surely know God is not anywhere near them while they are in this condition. This is because they don’t have the Holy Spirit ruling their life, but instead have a spirit of hype from Satan that deceives them into thinking this hype spirit is actually the Holy Spirit. Ironically it is these poor souls that are still on baby milk and not allowing the Spirit of God to grow in them, convicting them of there evil ways, and guiding them in truth that they indeed need to overcome sin in order to receive the blessings/rewards of God. A soul cannot grow in sin, period. The word and spirit both convict sin. MAT 5:6 {Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.} God has built all things on the foundation of love and righteousness, and all good things are manifest through these two cornerstones.

Here are some verses from Jesus himself that really need to be digested, but before reading them, just take a few minutes and pray God to fill your cup of the Holy Spirit to the brim with wisdom and understanding, that you will see the truth in them. MAT 5:8 {Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.} The pure in heart are the ones who want to please God by searching the scriptures and the spirit for truth, and in turn obeying it.

MAT 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, {Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.}

Why would Jesus say ‘for the kingdom is at hand’? Put simply, it is because He knows only too well that sin is not welcome in heaven. Some will say that Jesus only said this for the people at that time, because He still had not yet paid the price for sin, but if that’s the case, you could say that about all Jesus uttered. No, He is telling all that we must repent now, because our time is short, and unless we sincerely repent we will miss the boat.

MAT 5:6 {Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.}

See, this is very clear, it shows that if we love righteousness (not sin), we will be blessed with all things of God. The Holy Spirit in particular that is our strength, our spiritual eyes, our provider of truth, that will lead us to the victory that will reconcile us with our blessed saviour Jesus Christ for eternity.

MAT 7:20 ¶ {Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.}

MAT 7:21 {Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.}

Wow, ain’t this heavy meaty words for those who have ears. Firstly Jesus says to ‘know them by their fruits’, because many speak with their tongue the will of God, but with their hearts they commit all sorts of disgusting things with their flesh. These people may have faith, but it is week like the seed that falls on the rocks, so Jesus says to know them by their fruit. If they appear to be righteous…trust them, but don’t trust the hypocrite who preaches salvation, but still sins. That is rotten fruit, and that is why Jesus goes on to say only those who do the will of God the Father shall find heaven, and the will of God is as clear as a bell on this one folk; STOP SINNING!

MAT 7:22 {Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?}

MAT 7:23 {And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.}

Now try and tell me Jesus meant this just for the people of that day only. He said ‘in that day’ meaning day of judgement, so be clear on this. Again Jesus speaks of iniquity/sin, and clearly tells us if we are still sinning then we must depart from Him. You see brothers and sisters; Jesus only knows those who are obedient to Him, but because He loves so much, if you get serious, He will give you another crack at it providing you repent.

MAT 10:22 {And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.}

Now what does Jesus mean here? Is it to those who profess His name to the end shall be saved, or those who are obedient? Well professing is easy, so that shouldn’t be a problem, but to those who are obedient and taking up their cross, is enduring in the fullness. MAT 10:38 {And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.} So enduring here surely means suffering for the sake of His mighty name, and to turn from the world and all it’s sin is suffering/enduring in the flesh, in order to purify the soul.

JOH 6:44 {No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.}

This clearly shows that only those who are drawn by the Father will be raised up at the last day. So does God draw every person on earth? Of course not, only those who please Him and show some potential for change. In other words, all those who God knows would be willing to be obedient to Him and overcome the sin in their lives. MAT 22:14 {For many are called, but few [are] chosen.} means this; all those who profess Christ are called, but only those who are obedient to Christ by repenting/overcoming, will indeed be chosen, and when God sees this potential, He draws them and blesses them with all kinds of gifts that will aid them in their walk with Him.

MAT 18:8 {Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.}

MAT 18:9 {And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.} Offend thee here means ‘causes you to sin’.

Boy, this sounds a little harsh to me. Or is it just that Jesus is showing us the high level of priority sin holds in our lives. Mercy be, could He be saying here that nobody can enter heaven in a sinful state of mind? Surely not, what would happen to all those ‘once saved always saved’ souls who feel it’s ok to do the occasional sin against God? Mmm, looks like they got it wrong.

MAT 5:48 {Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.}

MAT 19:21 Jesus said unto him, {If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.}

Can we be perfect in sin?

JOH 17:23 {I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.}

Don’t get off your bike now people, or you will get too excited and miss the point here. True, it does say made perfect in one, but if you go back a bit it says “may”, meaning if you answer the call of the Holy Spirit in you(Jesus Christ), you “will” be made perfect by overcoming the world and sin.

ROM 12:2 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.

Did I see the word ‘transformed’? Surely not, that would mean I would have to stop sinning.

JAM 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

This is very good advice from James. He is telling us that even though we all make mistakes, by not saying the wrong thing we are able to be perfect and able to control the whole body. It is the mind and mouth that is most instrumental in causing us to sin, so if we can control them, we can control the whole body. Why is James saying this? Because he wants us to overcome sin and be perfected in the sight of our Lord, because he knew to well that there is no place in heaven for sin.

2CO 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you

Well I have saved the best to last, and in this one verse from Paul really explains it all. “Be perfect” he says, which also means without sin, so it must be possible, and this will bring “good comfort” to those who can overcome and be perfect. “Be of one mind” in Christ who tells us to repent and sin no more and it will cause you to “live in peace”, and if you can do all this, “the God of love and peace shall be with you”.

The biggest stumbling block to Christians today is the misunderstanding of salvation through Jesus Christ. For some strange reason (probably because of teaching), they think that they have a free pass into heaven just by professing with their mouth and mind (but not their hearts), that they believe Jesus has forgiven every sin they will ever commit. To a point this is true, but wilful sin has no grace once one has known Jesus, and this needs to be seriously addressed. Our lord Jesus Christ has, by the shedding of His blood, washed away ALL sin from the time of birth in the flesh until the time of conversion, but from then on He clearly tells us to repent and sin no more, but most want/prefer to put aside the repenting because it interferes too much with their fun filled lives. What do you think Jesus meant by taking up our cross? Well it should be clear and simple, and that is to turn from worldly things and matters (for they are ALL of the devil), and focus on Godly matters that can build treasures in heaven. It requires much effort and was never meant to be easy and God knows that, but this is the sacrifice we have to make if we are to receive from God our heavenly treasure. Our fight is not against flesh and earthly things, but against spiritual wickedness in high places, so if we can defeat Satan at the highest level through Christ, our sinful tendencies will get up and flee from us without much effort at all, but on our own this has been proven fruitless so in Jesus is the only way.

Just relying on the word for truth is virtually impossible because it has been played with by so many that the essence in some cases has been lost through the ages by innocent mistakes or by the twisting of denominational translators and manipulating egos. For example: when Jesus was on the cross and said to the thief “Verily I say to thee, today shalt thee be with me in paradise”, the comma was put in the wrong place by the Jesuit priests responsible for the translations, and it should be after “today” not before it. So in actual fact it should read “Verily I say to thee today, shalt they be in paradise with me”, and there are many more like this where commas have been purposely moved to alter the meaning. So you can see that the interceding of the Holy Spirit is mandatory in getting the full truth, and by combining the word and the spirit into one, we have at least some hope in knowing Gods will in us, and that’s all that counts besides fulfilling it. To take only a few verses out of the word and build a belief system on that is down right foolish and those who do that cannot possibly have the Comforter that Jesus spoke of within. It just totally amazes me that some spend years studying the bible and end up living according to a few verses, and more often that not, those verses have been misinterpreted because of the absence of the Holy spirit.

As I have said before, to take one verse from the word of God and build a belief system on is not only totally naïve, but against God, and those doing so will pay a much higher price than those being drawn into these misleading and easy way out doctrines. It’s human nature to follow the easy way; a way that will give the most reward for the littlest effort, but sadly for those doing this it will all be in vain. Jesus said to {Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.} LUK 13:24. Now I wonder why He said “strive”?

Strive means: struggle, try hard, do your utmost, make every effort, or attempt might be the best description. If what Jesus said here is true, then salvation does not end at conversion, not matter how sincere you were at the time. It ends when Jesus says it ends, and that is at heavens gate where the book of life will be opened and you will be judged according to your works. At conversion all your PAST sins were forgiven, and you are now required to be totally obedient to Christ, and repent and sin no more, but should you slip up as almost all of us do from time to time, then there is still mercy and grace available to you providing you confess them with remorse to God and ask the Lords forgiveness in Jesus name. If one continues to sin the same sin or wilfully sins, then there is no more grace. Sorry, but this is the truth, and this is why Jesus told us to strive/attempt with all our minds, hearts, soul, and STRENGTH.

HEB 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Paul’s words are so often misunderstood by many, be it purposely or by sheer ignorance one cant be sure, but again I plead to all sincere hearts not to take verses out of context, but search them diligently for correct meaning and pray God’s understanding of them. Supposing a friend had a sick liver, and you were reading a medical journal on the subject, and towards the end of a page it said, “if you have a liver problem, drink herbal tea, (coma) …and at this point, you get all excited and rush off to pass on this information to your friends. Later while you are looking over the notes again you turn the page over from where you left off, and you found the sentence was not completed. It actually goes on to say…”you will die”. So in actual fact, it was saying NOT to take herbal tea. So now we can see the danger of taking anything out of context. I suppose the only consolation is, that your friend will die, not you, hehe.

In Romans Paul says: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous ROM 5:19. Most who read this immediately jump on the OSAS band wagon and believe they are instantly made righteous at conversion because of the obedience of Jesus at the cross, but in most cases, this is a school of thought is entertained to justify unforgiven sin in their own lives, because they cant stop it. Now let’s add a few more verses to the above verse and see what it means in total. ROM 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

ROM 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous

ROM 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

ROM 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord

ROM 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

ROM 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

So what is this free gift spoken of in Rom 5:18? Is it heaven? Wow, I wish it was, but sadly it’s not, it is the forgiveness of all past sins and the ability through strength given by Christ, to shoot sin in the but and overcome it. In Rom 5:20 simply tells us because of the increase of sin caused by Adam, so to will be the increase of Grace through Christ. Now comes the good part in the next verse, showing us that sin does indeed lead to death, but if we seek righteousness through Jesus Christ we might find eternal life. In other words, sin ruled by means of death, but God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, and according to my dictionary sin is the opposite to righteousness. Now if you still are not convinced yet, just take a peek at the next two short verses that puts a lid on this subject once and for all. It clearly shows us that we cant live any longer in grace if we are NOT dead to sin, and “dead” don’t mean immune to the price, but means we do not commit it any longer because of the promise of Jesus in the comforter or Holy Spirit. Amen, and thank you Jesus.

Another perfect example of out of context verses is: ROM 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness, where OSAS people believe that ‘free’ means ‘not accountable’ because of grace, but if we add the three previous verses we find quite the contrary.

ROM 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid

ROM 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

ROM 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Rom 6:15 shows clearly that we are not to sin, and Rom 6:16 shows clearly also that sin still equals death and obedience to righteousness is still required. Rom 6:17 just confirms the others by thanking God that they sin no longer because they obeyed Jesus from the HEART and not just their mouth.

When we come to the realization that we do indeed have to overcome sin in our lives, it becomes a matter of ‘how’ we can search out and destroy it. Evil has such a sweet taste to the tongue, but bitter consequences to the soul, and so to be on familiar terms with sin becomes difficult if not in the Spirit of God. First we need to remember that on our own it is impossible to defeat, and as you know the Jewish sect has tried for over 6000 years and failed every time, so don’t even think for a moment that you are any better equipped. In full co-operation through Jesus is the only way, and even then it is not a done deal as it still requires much faith and strength, but still it is possible, so be determined and be prepared for an onslaught of attacks from Satan when you have a desire to overcome. All sorts of deceiving lies will surface while you are in true repent mode…like “God made me in flesh, so why cant I do this”, and “God wont mind just this one more time”, or “God created all things, so why cant I enjoy some of it”. Just think of the eternal reward waiting for those who can overcome as a motivator. Your fruits will denote the amount of faith you have, and so it is with sin because sin is a bad fruit, and should be evident to you as well as others. For me, to discern sin I imagine Jesus standing beside me while I am doing something, and if I am happy to have my Lord there watching, then I know its not sin, but should I feel and conviction at all, then indeed it is sin.

Jesus wrote the new covenant on our hearts/spirit, so it is the Holy Spirit that is one with us when we are born again that actually convicts us, and besides the bible is the only way we can really discern sin. Mans laws are so far off that they are almost all against God’s will, so we can not hold any credence to them anymore, but instead have to rely on God to lead us in spirit. Once we have this holy Spirit of God, it is almost impossible for us to wilfully sin against it because of the love of God that is instilled in us, and through grace, He reveals his holy will that we may (it’s our choice) abide in it. Because we love Him we keep his commandments, so we not choose to sin.

JO1 3:9 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. JO1 5:18 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.

For some strange reason those who believe they are already through the straight gate to heaven, feel they are forgiven every sin they will commit between now and then, but Paul the apostle had different ideas about that where he says it is for the sins “past” that are forgiven, and any further sins that are committed having known Jesus, and having known the sin was sin, will need special pardon from God. By special, I mean that you truly repent and am sorry from your heart, so God can see that and may forgive you providing it is asked of in Jesus name. I mean to think like that is just like the Mafia who go out and kill someone and then confess it to the big man himself (and I don’t mean God), and happily go back to their daily routine again of robbing and killing. Remember that verse about “no more grace”? Now Romans 3:23-26 says; For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Could not be any clearer here, SINS OF THE PAST. If there are any premeditated sins in your life, be assured you are NOT born again yet, but the good news is you still can be. If you truly believe, the Holy Spirit will convict you of sin, and if you continue to sin, then there is no more grace and you become lukewarm, and we know what happens then don’t we? Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. This is very condemning and should be strongly acknowledged in the scheme of things.

There is just so much evidence in the word of Almighty God, to suggest with a passion, that sin needs to be dealt with in one way or another. To believe that one can take the grace of the Lord for granted by having no conscious adverse affects from sinning, is a total contradiction to the word and the spirit, and if taught, will only lead many to become lukewarm and eternal torment as shown in Rev 3:16 above. If you take Jon 3:16 to the letter, you will see the correlation with Rev 3:16. It’s no accident. If one BELIEVES in Him…eternal life. Well, can you see it yet? ‘Believe’ means just that, but if you believe, and don’t show true repentance, what does this mean? Simply, that you don’t REALLY believe the way Jesus wants you to believe, and that is with a passion, and therefore you become lukewarm. Believe it or not, that’s the truth, and it’s your choice to react.

Overcoming certainly has its reward, and like Paul, I also have not reached the mark and am struggling to overcome ALL sin, but I do know for sure, by the little effort I have used in overcoming sin has revealed much from God, that has been such a blessing to me in my walk with Him, and like Paul again, I press forward to that mark. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that Overcometh will I give to eat of the Hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he That Receiveth it...... {Rev 2:17}. It is easy to see those who are overcoming or overcome sin in there lives. They are the ones who bear good fruit, show great wisdom and truly love God with their hearts and not just their mouth. Why? Because they overcome, and receive the Hidden manna and the white stone (Jesus), and a new name. I wait in faith and excitement and anticipation for that new name. Amen.

Following are a few more verses that show we are indeed to overcome this world, but for the sake of space I will not comment on them as they are pretty much self explanatory.

I JOHN 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him

JOHN 8:34 “Whosoever committeth sin is a servant of sin.

1COR 1:15 “Awake to righteousness AND SIN NOT.

REV 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I

give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

REV 3:12 {Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I

will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new

Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will

write upon him] my new name.}

REV 3:5 {He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of

the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.}

REV 2:5 {Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come

unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.}

REV 2:26 {And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the

nations:}

LUK 6:40 {The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.}

MAT 5:48 {Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.}

1PE 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye

should follow his steps.

PHI 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may

apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus

PHI 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

PHI 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God

shall reveal even this unto you.

Please brothers and sisters in Christ, let the holy spirit of God convict you of the sin in your life and press forward to the mark that holds a house ready and prepared by the Lord Jesus Himself for the overcomers. Listen to what the Spirit is saying, not what man is saying, and be obedient to it by keeping your house clean, the same house that Jesus cleaned when He went to the cross for you. Next time you feel guilty about a sin, think of it as the spirit tapping you on the shoulder and reminding you God is not pleased. And remember; the reward is great but our time is short, so let’s not mess up, and the time of that reward is eternal, so let go of mans interpretation of the word of God and follow the simple essence of what it speaks. The peace of God passes all understanding, and this peace is only available to the obedient. There is no other way. Fret not friends, Jesus said “and low, I will be with you always”, so use the gifts that He offers freely, and run the race, keep up the good fight, and gain victory over the devil in and through the mighty name of Jesus.

REV 3:5 {He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;

and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I

will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.}