Enlightenment On The So Called Sting of Death

Sting of Death which is (little) sin can be clearly understood from the illustration or the analogy shown below.

 

Note that from a very small sting (small as a dot) it develops into a larger reddish spot on the  skin along with its ill effect to the whole body. And if the sting will not treat properly, according to the medical expert, people allergic to bee venom can become seriously ill and even die from a bee sting.

The analogy above is exactly what the bible wants for us as a saved person to understand clearly about the sting of death which is sin. Sting of death is the other biblical term of sin which simply means little sin and sin the bible said it brings death. Death means lack of spiritual life. A saved person must be save completely from the sting of death.

Bee sting is very small and yet dangerous so with the sin, it always begins in various forms known as a little sin. It is a fact, big sin begins first as a small sin. Just like a heinous crime committed by many notorious criminal. They started first doing few petty (little) crimes such as snatching, stealing and other small wrongdoings. As they become more involve in what they do, they inclined to do more and more until it becomes their passion to do bigger crimes. Because they wanted much more and much bigger and to get what they want, now they will kill and continue to kill whoever get along their way. 

Little sin is the first thing first to bring a saved person to a spiritual death. Sin begins its process when a saved person makes a little “touch”, “glance” or “taste” on it, and through that way it means little by little sin can encroach within. By this little sin many Christian and many man and women of God had caused them to turn back from God and found themselves again into their former detestable condition. The little sin they ignore overpower them because it grows and bring forth fruit called death (spiritual death- lack of spiritual life).

It’s very dangerous to belittle or ignore little sin, being careless on it brings tragedy. One example is King David, from the rooftop of his palace he begun to glance a little on a beautiful woman taking a bath. Then from glancing on the woman he looks and looks fixing his eye on what he saw. It then became that his mind turn wild. His mind conceived evil desires leading him to commit things detestable in God sight. He cheat, lie, murder and commit adultery.  

 “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”.  (Jas 1:15)

The actual event took place before Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden was because they always glance on the fruit of the tree forbids by God. However, to glance is not bad at all. But when both of them had tempted and lured by the devil, they begun to make a few touch and when they felt it seems good, they taste a little. And through that little thing their life had turned into a bad ordeal. They are separated from the presence of God which has the same meaning of the term spiritual death. From then and until now, many members, workers, leaders and ministers in the Church have fallen, it is because of the sting of death which is known as “little sin”.    

The sting which is little sin will not vanish in this world but it can be avoided and can be resisted. We must distinguish sin immediately how much small it is. We must learn to renounce all kinds of sin at once from its small beginnings if anytime they come on our way. Let not the sting which is sin enter in the door of our mind. Always remember all unrighteousness and sinful acts committed emanates in the mind.  

Therefore, let us continue to renew our mind and the perfect way to achieve it is through the Law which is the Ten Commandments. The Law is the only way because it is perfect to convert (renew) the soul-psyche-mind. By surpassing the “Law Now” mind is being renew until it becomes exactly like the mind of Christ. 

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting (renewing, reforming, transforming, changing)  the soul (psyche-mind)…   (Psa 19:7)

The Most Vital Element of the Great Commission

It is a big mistake saying that the law which is the Ten Commandments is obsolete.  Abolishing the law and teaching not to obey them will not complete the task of fulfilling the Great Commission. The law is actually the most important part to make disciples as well.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 NIV

There is one very interesting to take note of what Jesus said in the scriptures above.  He said, “Go and make disciples… and teaching them to OBEY everything I have commanded you”.  

No doubt, the teaching to obey the law which is the Ten Commandments is the most distinguishing aspect in everything Jesus have commanded to disciples all nations. In fact Jesus did not do away, destroy or abolish the law he expound clearly the negative significance of disobeying and not teaching them and the positive significance of obeying and teaching them.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (Mat 5:17-19)

 In Chapter 5 and 6 of Matthew, Jesus said, “You have heard of long ago”… “But now I tell you”,  it means the law has given more emphasis and importance. Therefore, the law “But now I tell you” is the law that must be obey and teach which is the vital element of the Great Commission as well as in making disciples.

A true follower or a disciple of Christ must do the same as what Jesus did to the law.Obey them and teach them.  It is exactly and the surest way to fulfill the Great Commission.  

Modern Translation of 1 Corinthians 1:12

Original Translation:

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos… Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?  (1Co 1:12-13)

 Modern Translation:

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Calvin ; and I of Armenian… Is Christ divided? was Calvin crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Armenian?  (1Co 1:12-13)

When it comes in the doctrine of salvation both (Calvinism and Armenian) agree that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of whatsoever. But when it comes in the issue whether salvation can be lose or not , conditional or eternal, division exist in the Body of Christ which is the church and it creates a big separation wall between of them.  There have been many debates and discussions over that matter until today and it seems will never end. They even pointing each other as unbiblical, heretic, inspired by the devil etc..etc.., Did they know that they are actually condemning and judging each other?

One thing is clear, both missed a very important issue relevant to salvation. All of those who claimed they are “truly saved” or “always saved” should know that the Law which is the Ten Commandments is the vital thing to give an outmost importance.  

Look carefully on the teaching of Jesus about the law:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (Mat 5:17-19)

What law Jesus is talking about?

It is not the Ceremonial law, not the Sabbath law and not even the Law of Moses in particular is the Ten Commandments written in the two tablets of stone. The law Jesus is talking about is the law called the law “But now I tell you”. Unlike the Law of Moses that must be caught in the act such as adultery, murder, stealing to be declared guilty of sin, the law Jesus teach doesn’t need to be caught in the act to become guilty.  The former committing adultery is guilty punishable by death while the latter to look with a lust is already adultery and shall be in danger of the fire of hell.

Jesus said, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  (Mat 5:29-30)

 All who claimed they are in Christ be reminded, ignoring the teaching of Christ regarding the “Law Now” is dangerous. Many think they are “truly saved” or “always saved” but in fact they are not saved at all because of their “hell-dragging-body”- (their eye, hand and tongue caused them to be in danger of the fire of hell).

Jesus Teaching To Obey the Law

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 14:23-24 NIV

What teaching of Jesus will obey by anyone who loves him?

• It is the teaching to obey the Law (The Ten Commandments)

"Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with — not until the end of all things. So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:17-20GNT

Nearly all of Chapter 5 and 6 of the gospel of Matthew deals about the Law which is the Ten Commandments. Jesus teach the importance of the law and today they can be represent as the law “But now I tell you”. Same with the Apostle, they didn’t do away with the law, they said, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Rom 3:31KJV)

The teachings of Jesus about the law that must be obeyed are as follows:

• The teaching about Anger (6th Commandment)

"You have heard that people were told in the past, 'Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.' But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial, if you call your brother 'You good-for-nothing!' you will be brought before the Council, and if you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell. So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God. Matt 5:21-24GNT

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1Jn 3:15)

• The teaching about Adultery (7th Commandment)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But now I tell you: anyone who looks at a woman and wants to possess her is guilty of committing adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5:27-28GNT

• The teaching about Vows (3rd Commandment)

"You have also heard that people were told in the past, 'Do not break your promise, but do what you have vowed to the Lord to do.' But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. Just say 'Yes' or 'No' — anything else you say comes from the Evil One. Matt 5:33-37GNT

• The teaching about Prayer (2nd Commandment)

"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matt 6:5-6GNT

• The teaching about Fasting (1st Commandment)

"And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting — only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matt 6:16-18GNT


Anyone who loves God must obey the teaching of Christ which is the law- The Ten Commandments. Jesus is not referring the law or the commandments “heard of long ago” but the law or the commandments “But now I tell you”. The former law was outward while the latter law deals with the inward. Meaning, God looks not the outward appearance but the inward which is inside of the heart and mind of those who will love Him.

It is very important therefore that the “law now” should become the most desirable to be obey by anyone who say they love God. Obeying the “law now” is all about loving God.

Dreadful Condition of the Body of a Saved Person

The dreadful condition of the body which is the flesh of a saved person are as follows:

• Nothing good lives in there
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Rom 7:18)

• There are sin dwelling and became actively doing the sin “I hate to do but I do”.
Eyes- lust of the eyes; Hand- lust of the flesh; Tongue- lying and exaggeration

• Never and ever can be in harmony to the desires of the Spirit
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Gal 5:17)

• So weak to carry out the good we want to do (such as to pray and read the bible)
“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Rom 7:15)
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Gal 5:17)

• Always struggle with the sin living in the members of the body
“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members”. (Rom 7:22-23)

• Causes a saved person to be carnally minded and compromiser (one feet on the church and one feet on the world)
The body causes a saved person lazy to the things of God and crazy to the things of the world.

• Can put a saved person in the danger of the fire of hell
Scriptures tells us that if your right eye, your hand and your tongue causes you to sin you’re putting yourselves in the danger of the fire of hell. Mar 9:43-49

• Subject to the law of sin and slave to sin
“For the wages of sin is death” Rom 6:23

• Destined to destruction and hell
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1Co 15:50)

• Love to be in the comfort zone and love to see, feel and taste “little evil” things
Watch out, too much staying in the comfort zone makes the so called “little lustful sin” to creep in. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (Jas 1:15)

A saved person must put to death the body (flesh) and always condition himself to do what Apostle Paul do to his own body, “ I beat my body and make it my slave”. 1 Cor 9:27NIV. When a saved person attained that condition he is completely saved. See The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation.

God Hides the Truth

Paradox is a statement seemingly absurd or self-contradictory, but really found in truth. It is God’s way of hiding the truth on a purpose and Jesus glorified God the father for having that way.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:21 NIV

There are many paradox in the bible we can find that the Lord Jesus used to convey the truth to the hearers of the Word of God. Actually, there are two ways Jesus used to convey his message which contains hidden truth.

• Parables – Jesus narrates things and events to illustrate moral or spiritual lesson, so the hearers could easily understand the truth.

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Matt 13:34-35NIV

• Paradox – Jesus speaks a very contradicting statements which many hearers becomes so perplex, it becomes so hard and difficult to understand.

Example:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 NIV. But in Matt 10:34-35, Jesus said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you... On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. John 6:53-66NIV (Jesus is God and Man which is a paradox)

Through the parables, the hearers heard plainly the truth but regarding about the paradox, God is hiding the truth which makes the hearers to misunderstood and misinterpret the scriptures. The truth is, God hides the truth for the sole purpose of making the wise in the standard of this world to become fools in his sight, to frustrate the intelligent and to destroy the wisdom of the wise (1 Cor 1:19). While the so called ‘’foolishness of God’’ makes wise those who are being saved.

Two kinds of hearers:

• The Wise (by the standard of the world) – A kind of hearer who are proud of themselves.

• The ‘’Little Children’’ – A child-like kind of learning attitude who have a humble and teachable spirit.

God hides the truth, and this was for his own good pleasure. Therefore, let us all become like of those little children because Jesus loves the little children (those who change and become like them Mat.18:3). He loves to show to them hidden things, unsearchable things, great and mighty things, and difficult things which are hard to understand.

The Law: A very vital part of Salvation

Many saved person were not aware that the law which is the Ten Commandments is a very vital part of Salvation. In fact they ignore them saying the law is obsolete and it doesn’t need to keep to be saved. Actually that is true a person can be saved not because he obey and keep the law but because of Eph 2:8 and 9.

However, there are two distinctions regarding the teachings of the law in the bible:

The Law of Moses

• They are written in the two tablet of stone
• Jesus called them, “the law heard of long ago”
• Cannot saved a person

The Law of Christ

• Written in the heart
• Christ called them, “But (now) I tell you”
• Can save a saved person from the danger of the fire of hell

Teaching of Christ on the law is all about the concerns a saved person might be in danger of the fire of hell if he breaks them (habits of breaking them such as lying, stealing, lustful look etc.). Look at the teachings of Jesus about the law which is in the Ten Commandments:

Jesus teaching on the 6Th Commandment

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matt 5:21-22 NIV

Jesus teaching on the 7th Commandments

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5:27-29NIV

“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die,and the fire is not quenched”.Mark 9:47-48NIV

Christ teach the importance of the law and in the New Testament the apostles highlights many teachings on the Law- the Ten Commandments. They make the law not void (Rom 3:31), they establish them as a very vital part in the life of a saved person in order to be saved from the danger of the fire of hell.

Those teachings of Jesus about the law or the commandments refers more so on the saved person. Therefore, the Law "Now" is a very vital part of Salvation. See “ The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation”.

“Hell Dragging Body” of a Saved Person

Many Christian didn’t know that their body is a “Hell Dragging Body”. It means in the little members of their body (the flesh) there are sin living and dwelling within. Sins that are deeply ingrained causing many to do sin habitually, continuously and willfully. They are not aware of what their members can do to put them in danger of the fire of hell.

Sin living, dwelling and deeply ingrained in the little members of the Body:

• Hand- Lust of the Flesh

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-44)

• Eye – Lust of the Eyes

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:47)

• Tongue – Lying, Boasting, Exaggeration- also a form of lying

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (Jas 3:5-8)

These little members are very dangerous that if a saved person will let his members to be slave of sin a place where the worm die not and the fire is not quenched shall be his place. The apostle Paul said in his body (the flesh) dwell no good things and he notice the fact it is the sin dwell in there that caused him to sin (Rom 7:17-20). He is not actually who do it but the sin itself dwelling in his members. He saw his own body (flesh) dragging him always to do evil.

It is undeniable truth, anyone who is in Christ will experience in his own body a dwelling sin dragging him to do evil. You can actually see and can prove it to yourself. In your inner being you want to read the bible and pray, right? Even if we feel sleepy we can watch movie for long hours but to pray we find very difficult to do it. Why we can’t do the good thing we ought to do?

• Our body is weak but our spirit is very willing
• There are sins working actively in the members of our body
• Those ingrained sin is the caused of the ingrained sinful habits we do

Putting to death the body (the works of the flesh) and removing entirely the sin dwelling will save a saved person completely from the danger of the fire of hell. One and the only way of doing it all were already given by the Lord. It is perfect, the perfect solution to the problem from this body of sin. See The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation.

Let this be a prayer of those who are in Christ:

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me (in the members of the body): then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psa 19:13-14)


Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Psa 120:2

Mark 9:43-48 is Address to a Saved Person

Jesus in Mark 9:43-48 also in Mat 5:27-30 were referring not the unsaved but much on the saved. Why? Simply because the unsaved is already in danger of the fire of hell (they were not in Christ) while the saved (those who in Christ) still, might be in danger of the fire of hell.

Reason a saved might be in danger of the fire of hell:

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-44)

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:46)

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:48)

A saved person must see to it that there are dangerous members of his body that can put him in danger of the fire of hell. Then, he must be watchful to his hand, eyes and more so in his tongue (which is the most dangerous part of the body) with has a sinful habit (deeply ingrained) that must be put to death. Take heed the apostle Paul said in his epistles:

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom 6:11-13)

Many man and women of God had put their self in danger just because of the member of their body causing sin which lead them to be enslave by it. They become again bondage of the sin living and dwelling in their members. See “Claimed it, But Watch Out!

There is an undeniably in every saved an ingrained habit hard to break. The things ought to do I cannot do or things I hate to do I do are repeatedly struggling within. Why it happen oftentimes? For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Gal 5:17)

Is your flesh (the body with its dangerous parts- hand, eye and tongue) desires thing against the desires of the Spirit? Indeed this is a very serious matter and you must do something and work out something to save your members that keep pulling you to hell.

All members of the body of a saved person must entirely be saved from the danger of the fire of hell.

See “ The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation”.

Stung By A Sin

Bee sting is so small that according to the medical expert, people allergic to bee venom can become seriously ill and even die from a bee sting.


If so happen that you stung by a bee the practical thing to do is to remove the sting. But be cautious, do not pull it out by gripping it with your fingers as the venom sacs are still attached, and you will squeeze in a lot more venom than was injected in the first place. The sooner you remove it the less venom will be injected. The sting will probably cause a bit of pain for 10 minutes or so, and may be itchy for a day or two.


Just the same in our spiritual life, there are sting surrounding us everyday which is known as a "little sin" (in various form) always ready to bring spiritual death on us. This sting which is sin usually begin as a small sin and when a saved person let himself accustomed with the sting or the sin, it will goes bigger and deeper into his whole being. Then consequently it will bring a negative effect in his spiritual being. The bible said, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”. (Jas 1:15)

The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh pulls many Christians away from the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:17) wherein the lust itself serves as the sting. And when the sting is injected, it bring forth more sin that if it will not forsake and resist immediately sting of death (which is the exact biblical term of the word sin) will swell within. It will bring more venom into the whole spiritual body. Then it will dominate the spiritual whole being leading to spiritual death-lack of spiritual life.

Spiritual death which bring forth lack of spiritual life manifest as in the following:

• No time for bible reading
• Lack of prayer
• Neglect of Fellowship
• Inner desire to serve God and to witness fades away
• Lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh gains control over his life

The fact is, majority of Christians find lots of time watching T.V. than bible reading and prayer. Things they ought to do they cannot do, they struggle with sin. Lack of vital spiritual thing needed to do by a saved person result to lack of spiritual life. Lack of spiritual life shall result to lack of power over the sin (lustful sin, fleshly desires, temptation, sin of omission and sin of commission) which is the sting of death.

Work out the law (which is the Ten Commandments) by surpassing them is the only way to remove and be saved completely from the sting of death. The more a saved person surpasses the law the more "ingrained sinful habits" (sting of death) shall be remove.

Save Your Whole Body

Is your body completely saved from the danger of the fire of hell? How to tell if the members of your body were altogether saved? See what the bible said about the members of the body:

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Mat 5:27-29)

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Mat 5:30)

This is a very serious teaching of Jesus not on the unsaved but more so on the saved persons. Just only one small member of the body causes to sin will put the whole body along with the whole being in the danger of the fire of hell. No wonder, many who prophesied, cast out devil and do many wonderful works in the name of Jesus will not enter heaven (Mat 7:21-23). Why? It because of the iniquities they did, such as the wickedness done by their hand and eyes, which is the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes.

And much iniquity why many will not enter heaven is because of the tongue. James said that the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity an unruly evil, full of deadly poison and no one can tame: that it defiles the whole body and it is set on fire of hell. (Jas Chap. 3)

Therefore, a saved person must always be on the watch to the members of his body which is the hand, eye and particularly the tongue. Lying and boasting (exaggeration) must be put away from the tongue- a very dangerous member of the body. Look at what happen to Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10)

The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation is all about the continuous saving of oneself (by surpassing the law which is the Ten Commandments) to save the members of the body (hand, eyes, tongue) completely from the danger of the fire of hell.

“Work Out Your Salvation” (from the power of sin)

A well prominent man of God had preached a very important matter on the subject of salvation a saved person must need to understand:

“We are not to work out our salvation from the guilt of sin—that has been done by Christ. We have now to work out our salvation from the power of sin. God has, in effect, worked that in us—He has broken the yoke of sin in our hearts. It lives, and struggles, and contends—but it is dethroned and our life is to be the continual overthrow and dethronement of sin in our members. A man may be saved from the guilt of sin, and yet at present he may not be altogether saved from the power of pride. For instance, a saved man may be defiled by being purse-proud, or proud of his position, or of his talents”. (from the sermon entitled, “Working Out What is Worked In” by C.H. Spurgeon )

As what Charles Spurgeon said, “A man may be saved from the guilt of sin, and yet at present he may not be altogether saved from the power of pride. For instance, a saved man may be defiled by being purse-proud, or proud of his position, or of his talents”.

When a saved person became purse-proud he is not altogether saved because God oppose the proud: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 NIV. And in the book of Proverbs, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished”. Prov 16:5NIV

A saved person must continue to work out the salvation by surpassing the Law “Now” which is the Ten Commandments. They are the Ten Commandments teach by the Lord Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament.

“Work Out Your Salvation” from the power of sin (which is also called the “sting of death”) can be done through the following:

Bible reading
Prayer
Fellowship
Witnessing
Surpassing the law “Now” (the Ten Commandments)

The part of sermon (stated above) of Charles Spurgeon contribute and complement to what I have already written regarding on the subject of Salvation entitled “The Paradox of the Biblical Salvation”.

Murder in Prayer

Have you ever pray or wish to someone you hate to be “struck by lightning” or to be “slip with his feet”? Did you told “You fool” every time you get angry with others?

Murder while praying is happening everywhere including in the Church.

This is a very somber reminder to all Christian who pray to God. They must make sure that when praying particularly during in the church worship service, there should be no anger or thought of hatred toward others. No hatred whatsoever to your husband/wife or in any members of your household and including the relatives.

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 1 Tim 2:8 NIV

Jesus teaching about anger in Mat 5:21-26 can be clearly understood, “Anger is the same as Murder”. The Lord mentioned the 6th commandment in that scriptures, “You shall not murder” in which the full meaning is, “You shall not anger”.

If and when a Christian pray either in their house or in the church or everywhere with having anger, thought of hatred and resentment or bitter against someone, it is a direct transgression of the 6th commandment. Already he committed murder and more so, he might be in the danger of the fire of hell (v 22).

Therefore, when we pray let us make sure that our heart and mind are free from any sin and without anger, wrath, bitterness or hatred. But if we get angry the Bible tells us what to do:

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary . Mat 5: 23-25 NIV

In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, Eph 4:26-27 NIV

Jesus teaching on the commandment “Thou shall not murder” is now “Thou shall not angry”. The “Now” commandment is what we should keep so to keep us from anger-murder.

“Work Out” the Relationship

“Work out your salvation” is all about the working out by all saved person to build a loving and harmonious relationship with each other. And it is only can be fulfilled by surpassing the Law which is the Ten Commandments.

Building a right relationship among the believers is the very much concerns of Apostle Paul on his writing in Phil 2:12, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”.

It is very logical why Paul urging the Philippians believers to “continue to work out your salvation”:

• We are a person born with a sinful nature, which is called “childhood-well used-selfishness-sinful nature-ingrained-habit”.
It means, I love to be first, I want to be above from others, I don’t want others to boss me around. Selfishness is an ingrained habit that need to be work out. It can only be done by learning the biblical principles of giving. The bible tells, “It is more blessed to give than to received”(Acts 20:35).

• We are not a person who easily to get along well with others.
In other words we are so easy to get angry with others even in some small matters. If they critic me, or say unkind words towards me or they making a fun of me and laugh at me I burst with anger on them. We need to work out this problem and it can be resolve by learning the biblical principles of forgiving.

• We are a person inclined to be disobedient and work not so well when a leader is not present.
“When the cat is away the mouse goes astray”, and that is true, we are like the mouse. Likewise, when a manager or the boss is not around the employees don’t do their job. Just the same in the Church, when the pastor is absent the workers and the members become insolent or wary to each other. More so if the pastor will be gone for a long time, envy and strife shall build up among them.

We must understand that Christianity is a social religion. Meaning, each of us believers must have a genuine fellowship or right relationship to all kinds of people specially to our brethren. Whether they are poor or rich, educated or not and whatever color of the skin all believers should be in harmony on following or obeying the command that say, ”Love your neighbor as yourself”.

If the believers for in some reason shall be against to other believers, what would be their difference from the unbelievers- the unsaved? When a believer will be against the other believer there would be a strife to each other. And when there are strife there are hatred and when there are hatred there are murder committed. Why there is a murder being committed? In the Bible, Jesus teaching about anger is very clear that “hatred which is also anger is the same as murder” (Mat 5:21-26). In that case, it is very plain to tell, all of them are not different from the person who murder someone. They are all murderer! (This case actually happened in the Corinthian Church 1 Cor 1:10-13)

Murder is a direct transgression of the 6th commandment, “You shall not murder” in which Jesus fully explained it as “You shall not be angry”. Apostle Peter also has more teaching on that case he said, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1Jn 3:15)

Note: “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” and “ no murderer hath eternal life”. Note also the word “brother”, why on that verse mentioned brother? As what usually happen in the family, when the parents particularly when the father is not present there would be envy and strife among the children.

All believers are children of God and each children have their own traits, temperament, and upbringing. As what it said, we are a “childhood-well used- selfishness-sinful nature-ingrained habits”, in which we are to make every effort to “work out” to transform ourselves from that condition. After we become completely transformed then we are no longer the same with the person who murder- who is unbeliever- who is unsaved.

The Law which is the Ten Commandments portrays and teach only one thing- relationship. Right relationship to God and to all man is what we are about to “work out”. If we have no right relationship to God and to all man, we are just like the unbelievers and the unsaved. That is why we need to “continue to work out our salvation” by surpassing the Law.

• As an individual believer we are to work out to remove completely our sinful nature-ingrained habit of being selfish, easily to get angry-hateful and bitter.

• As a Church we are to work out with all of our effort not to become like the Corinthian Church full of envy and strife and with all kinds of immorality.

Love God With All Of Your Mind

Anyone who says they love God must learn to love Him with all of his mind. It means our whole mind must be focus on God alone. In whatever we think, do and say God will glorify. That’s how the state of our mind should be, (all things starts in the mind) because oftentimes our “mind’s eye” see different things including the detestable things in the sight of God. When the mind’s eyes see things not pleasing to God that mind is called “carnal mind”. Therefore in loving God with all of our mind, the mind must be a whole mind not half-mind which is carnal mind.

How to love God with all of our mind?

To love the Law “Now” is to love God with all of our mind. Like David in his Psalm we must love the Law, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long”. Ps 119:97NIV

In the New Testament there is another way to love the Law as what the Apostle Paul wrote in Phil 4:8, (NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Think about "these things."

When we meditate the Law or “Think about these things” it becomes a by words in us. When it become a word, it becomes our actions. Then that actions will becomes habits. And when the habits formed it builds a character.

Altogether, the positive results shall be the change of mind which will be develop into the likeness of the “mind of Christ”.

You must fall in love with the law

This is a reminder that if anyone (who claimed Christians) will not fall in love with the law (the Law “Now”) the chance of falling into deliberate sin will take place and will continue in your mind. Simply to say that if one will not fall in love with the law he will fall into sin again and again to the sin which is called, “Sin I hate to do, but I do”.

It is real in many believers, there is a sin they hate to do but oftentimes they do. They keep falling to the sin (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life) they inwardly known is sinful and evil. That is the big problem in many Christians today. Big problem because they are putting their self in the danger of the fire of hell (Mark 9:43-49). And that problem will not be resolve unless you will not fall in love with the Law.

Understand that the Law is perfect to change the soul- the mind. (Psa 19:7)
You must fall in love with the “Law Now” and surpass them. Also meditate them all day long so you can utter to God the words,

Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long. Ps 119:97 NIV

Faith is not the Standard of Christian Living

Faith is not the Standard of Christian living nor it is the standard of God.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Cor 13:1-3 NIV

Note: if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Unequivocally and without a doubt, LOVE is the standard of Christian living and the standard of God. LOVE was clearly expound by apostle Paul as he stated it as follows:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV

From that well given meaning of the word LOVE, there is a very important matter we must understand. Because as far as the LOVE and LAW which is the Ten Commandments is concern, they both have a direct relation to each other.

Love is patient – directly related to the 6th commandment
Love is kind – directly related also to the 6th commandment
It does not envy – directly related to the 10th commandment
It does not boast – directly related to the 9th commandment
It is not proud – directly related also to the 9th commandment
It is not rude – directly related to the 5th commandment
It is not self-seeking (selfish TLB) – directly related to the 7th and 8th commandment
It is not easily angered – directly related to the 6th commandment
It keeps no record of wrongs – directly related also t the 6th commandments
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth – directly related to 1st,2nd and 3rd commandments

Summing Up All:

LOVE which is directly related to the Law which is the Ten Commandments is the standard of Christian living which is also the standard of God given to all men. God requires every Christian to surpass the Law.

If ye love me, keep my (ten) commandments. (Joh 14:15)