Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” – Hebrews 10:26 NLT
Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Now, I’ve heard teachings based on this verse. It has been interpreted to mean several things. People say that irrespective of whether they sin or not, they are always perfect in God’s eyes. And so on.
But have you ever stopped to think of why, in the same chapter, after verse 14, verses 26-31 warns of punishment for those who have believed but take the blood of Jesus for granted? Verse 28-29 in particular, says, “For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.”
Brothers and sisters, I know that we like to feel good, and to be assured of salvation; but the greatest assurance of salvation that you can ever have is by being obedient and living a life that pleases God. 1 Peter 1:14-15 says, “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.”
Here’s the truth that I always emphasize: God made us holy when we believed; it’s our responsibility to stay holy. Thankfully, we have the help of the Holy Spirit and the grace of Christ to strengthen us in our areas of weakness. Please stop taking your salvation for granted! Amen.
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