Awake to Righteousness and Don't Sin

[Chris1975]

1 Corinthians 15
34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

This verse should settle the whole matter of these endless debates in the Church.

There should be no doubt that this is addressed to the Church. Not unbelievers. But yet you say (we are righteous!). That you are, positionally in Christ through faith in Jesus. Yet you are called to AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. How can that be? Because you still have no comprehension that God has not changed one iota towards this topic of SIN. It is what caused the downfall in the garden, it is what caused separation and captivity of Israel, and is the primary cause of Apostacy in the Church. He has given US all the grace we need to live in victory, and live a life led by the Spirit.

When confronted (here on these forums) about obedience, holiness, doing the will of God - there is kick-back. Works salvationists we are falsely called. Yet these very things describe life in the Spirit. When confronting the dangers of sin, the topic of sin becomes one that has already been dealt with at the cross, we are forever righteous and cannot lose our salvation, etc, etc. When confronted with verses which WARN believers against unholy behaviour, we see twisting and squirming - changing words and meanings, and intellectualising. Yet Paul is, of whom you all quote, WARNING those in the church to AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, and DO NOT SIN. Paul is not in conflict with the words of Jesus. Paul is not in conflict with the words of John. They marry perfectly.

Those who don't understand, or don't "see" this above - don't understand the Gospel at all. They do not have the knowledge of God. Haven't understood the cross to which they claim to cling.

Like Paul says - it is to your shame. For you do not have the knowledge of God.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

What is a works slavationist? I have seen this term but not sure I understand the meaning?

 

[Chris1975]

What is a works slavationist? I have seen this term but not sure I understand the meaning?

In essence what a works salvationist is, is someone who by the good works that they DO, believe they can EARN Gods favour and by that favour earn their way into heaven. This is not possible according to the scriptures, because no amount of good works are good enough. Just one sin puts us under the death penalty. No amount of "good" can overcome the singular bad. And all of mankind is born into sin through their Adam nature.

All of mankind is in need of a saviour. This is Jesus Christ. God in the flesh (100% God and 100% man - hypostatic union). He came, lived a PERFECT life on earth, and was crucified. To those who believe in Him, and call upon His name will be saved. This is a free gift of God (His Grace). It is accessed through Faith (belief) and not works. This is called JUSTIFICATION - it is justice satisfied. The only acceptable atonement for sin is the shedding of blood. We once again have peace with God.

But God does not leave us in the horrible state we were in. We immediately start the process of Sanctification (Holy Spirit is given to believers and we are called to walk in the Spirit - led by the Spirit). If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and continue in faith, we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. But the bible warns that we are not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh (our old lifestyle and nature). We have been given GRACE (which is POWER) by which we can put to death all of the misdeeds of the body.

The problem when sharing this last paragraph here, is that many posters here kick against this as WORKS, whereas it is simply the new nature in Christ.

Sanctification is a very important process in our "BEING SAVED". Those who willfully choose the old nature are at risk of Apostasy (falling away from the faith). From which there is no return. So should never be toyed with.

Hope this helps.

 

[John146]

If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and continue in faith, we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds

Agree with this if statement. If we do those things. What about those Christians that don’t for whatever reason. Some have no Bible, no Church, no discipleship whatsoever. Many have anti- God influences in their lives. Are they going on to maturity? Will they fall back into a worldly lifestyle? Have they lost their salvation? Nope.

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

1 Corinthians 15
34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
This verse should settle the whole matter of these endless debates in the Church.

There should be no doubt that this is addressed to the Church. Not unbelievers. But yet you say (we are righteous!). That you are, positionally in Christ through faith in Jesus. Yet you are called to AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. How can that be? Because you still have no comprehension that God has not changed one iota towards this topic of SIN. It is what caused the downfall in the garden, it is what caused separation and captivity of Israel, and is the primary cause of Apostacy in the Church. He has given US all the grace we need to live in victory, and live a life led by the Spirit.

But where does this verse say, "OR ELSE you will LOSE your salvation!" ?

It doesn't.

Additionally,

if he had meant "some OF YOU" he would have said, like in:

"some OF YOU [1537 4771]" - https://biblehub.com/text/john/6-64.htm


...just like if he had meant "some OF THOSE OF JERUSALEM" he would have said, like in:

"some OF THOSE OF JERUSALEM [1537 3588 2415]" - https://biblehub.com/text/john/7-25.htm


...or, like if he had meant "some OF THE PHARISEES" he would have said, like in:

"some OF THE PHARISEES [1537 3588 5330]" - https://biblehub.com/text/john/9-16.htm


But he doesn't say any of that, and instead just says "SOME" (not "some OF YOU," which I do not believe it means) - https://biblehub.com/text/1_corinthians/15-34.htm

I believe this means, more like, if and when you sin, you are quenching and/or grieving the Spirit, and are consequently not manifesting "the LIFE of Jesus" [IN YOU] to others AROUND you [opposite from like those in 2Cor4:10-12], ppl who are onlooking... thus those people [onlooking] are not being benefitted (toward "the knowledge of God") because of your unrighteous "walk"/condition/state, so to speak. Coz, remember, it's not all about you.

THAT is what is "to your shame," here in this text.

When confronted (here on these forums) about obedience, holiness, doing the will of God - there is kick-back. Works salvationists we are falsely called. Yet these very things describe life in the Spirit. When confronting the dangers of sin, the topic of sin becomes one that has already been dealt with at the cross, we are forever righteous and cannot lose our salvation, etc, etc.

Righteous "postitionally" not in our "condition [state/ our WALK]" which no one is arguing (not sure why you think THAT is what is being argued, "in those threads"/"on these forums").

The argument has to do with, what constitutes our "salvation": Christ and His finished work [on the Cross] ALONE, OR [by means of] something *WE* ADD to that, as though we are saying, "HAVEN'T *WE* DONE... MANY WONDERFUL WORKS!?!" (and even "IN THY NAME" done them!!)

When confronted with verses which WARN believers against unholy behaviour, we see twisting and squirming - changing words and meanings, and intellectualising. Yet Paul is, of whom you all quote, WARNING those in the church to AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, and DO NOT SIN. Paul is not in conflict with the words of Jesus. Paul is not in conflict with the words of John. They marry perfectly.

[see my comment above]

Those who don't understand, or don't "see" this above - don't understand the Gospel at all. They do not have the knowledge of God. Haven't understood the cross to which they claim to cling.
Like Paul says - it is to your shame. For you do not have the knowledge of God.

The text does not state this... those two words have been INSERTED into this text BY YOU, here.

Think again.

 

[JaumeJ]

Agree with this if statement. If we do those things. What about those Christians that don’t for whatever reason. Some have no Bible, no Church, no discipleship whatsoever. Many have anti- God influences in their lives. Are they going on to maturity? Will they fall back into a worldly lifestyle? Have they lost their salvation? Nope.

Always remember that the work begun in each of us is not us working it is our Father working in us. Only He knows who is His and who is not.

It is possible, quite progagle, that each person has a different timing for this work to be accomplished in this age with the finalization only come the Kingdom, so we are not here to know or judge others, only to trust our Savior, Jesus, Yeshua. This in itself is a work for each of us given us bdy our Father.

 

[Chris1975]

Agree with this if statement. If we do those things. What about those Christians that don’t for whatever reason. Some have no Bible, no Church, no discipleship whatsoever. Many have anti- God influences in their lives. Are they going on to maturity? Will they fall back into a worldly lifestyle? Have they lost their salvation? Nope.

They theoretically would still be able to go onto maturity, as they have the law written on their hearts. See here:

Romans 2
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

and Romans 3
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

So God gave man conscience (con-science)
Con means With
Science means Knowledge

So Conscience means With Knowledge.

When Adam and Eve fell, Conscience came alive (the Knowledge of Good and Evil) Genesis 3 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves [b]coverings.

So these in Romans 2v15 will just as equally apply to those who don't have a bible. Will it be harder for those without fellowship and a bible? For Sure. Will it be impossible? No.

Never forget that the new believer HAS the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit leads. A choice to live according to the flesh will still stain the conscience, even of someone without a bible.

 

[Melach]

Chris what did the death of Jesus on the cross do? did it just take away our past sins only?

 

[Chris1975]

Chris what did the death of Jesus on the cross do? did it just take away our past sins only?

I could give you my usual Scripture based answer, but for a momentary pause, let me ask you instead a question based on your question:

Q: Are you free to continually sin?

 

[John146]

They theoretically would still be able to go onto maturity, as they have the law written on their hearts. See here:

Romans 2
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

That’s Gentiles in general. This passage is not talking about believers but how Gentiles under the OT law were without excuse.

 

[Melach]

I could give you my usual Scripture based answer, but for a momentary pause, let me ask you instead a question based on your question:

Q: Are you free to continually sin?

i want the scripture based answer.

A: im not free to continually sin. if i do i will grieve the Holy Spirit and my faith life will suck.

 

[John146]

I could give you my usual Scripture based answer, but for a momentary pause, let me ask you instead a question based on your question:

Q: Are you free to continually sin?

Yes, but God forbid we do. You never know about people’s circumstances. I’m not excusing them, but many are ignorant of Scripture. The Holy Spirit leads the believer to the truth of Scripture and enables one to live it out.

 

[LordsHandmaiden]

I believe in a God of impossibilities in mans eyes.

He wants NONE to perish!

What may be impossible for us to love and forgive,He can and does to those who call to Him with a repentant heart.

I know in myself there is NOTHING I can add to or take away from Gods plan to redeem mankind.

My own righteousness isn't worth spit to Him.
It is in His righteousness and holiness we can walk.

If I do anything for Him it is in obedience to His word and my love for Him.

We surely live on a slippery slope and if we harbor sin in our hearts and lives,it brings forth death.

Ppl need to wake up and realize the enemy of God and our souls is looking to rob us from God.

There was a time in my life where I let sin overtake my walk and I became slack concerning my discipleship..........I backslid!
I left God,therefore if I had died in my sins (for multiple they were,drink,drugs,sex,two unholy marriages) I would have ended up in the line for HELL.


Now some will say I was NEVER saved to begin with,only God knows,I lived in love and obedience to Him and the word.

If works was what it would take to never return to sin,I would gladly do it.

It is obedience and love that keeps my walk before God and the covering of Jesus that protects me and makes a way through the Holy Spirit that I can walk in holiness to Him!


Thank you Chris. I very much like your posts and the stance you portray! Blessings

 

[JamOn]

They theoretically would still be able to go onto maturity, as they have the law written on their hearts. See here:

Romans 2
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

and Romans 3
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

So God gave man conscience (con-science)
Con means With
Science means Knowledge

So Conscience means With Knowledge.

When Adam and Eve fell, Conscience came alive (the Knowledge of Good and Evil) Genesis 3 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves [b]coverings.

So these in Romans 2v15 will just as equally apply to those who don't have a bible. Will it be harder for those without fellowship and a bible? For Sure. Will it be impossible? No.

Never forget that the new believer HAS the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit leads. A choice to live according to the flesh will still stain the conscience, even of someone without a bible.

Hmm I think that’s a bit of a stretch about conscience means knowledge etc, especially the came alive part.
Adam and Eve both had consciousness/conscience before disobedience, it takes a conscience to know right from wrong, they knew what they had done, hid in the garden because of it. And it was because of their conscience they chose what they did on their own.

 

[Chris1975]

i want the scripture based answer.

A: im not free to continually sin. if i do i will grieve the Holy Spirit and my faith life will suck.

Scripture based answer:

Hebrews 10
10 By that will we have been [c]sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being [d]sanctified.

See the last part. Quite profound.

Then lets look at your answer, because its not quite as benevolent as you make it out to be:

Also Hebrews 10
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” [g]says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

More that just grieve the Holy Spirit, you may just end up without any FAITH at all.

See this in the same chapter 10....
38 Now the[n] just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

 

[Chris1975]

I believe in a God of impossibilities in mans eyes.

He wants NONE to perish!

What may be impossible for us to love and forgive,He can and does to those who call to Him with a repentant heart.

I know in myself there is NOTHING I can add to or take away from Gods plan to redeem mankind.

My own righteousness isn't worth spit to Him.
It is in His righteousness and holiness we can walk.

If I do anything for Him it is in obedience to His word and my love for Him.

We surely live on a slippery slope and if we harbor sin in our hearts and lives,it brings forth death.

Ppl need to wake up and realize the enemy of God and our souls is looking to rob us from God.

There was a time in my life where I let sin overtake my walk and I became slack concerning my discipleship..........I backslid!
I left God,therefore if I had died in my sins (for multiple they were,drink,drugs,sex,two unholy marriages) I would have ended up in the line for HELL.


Now some will say I was NEVER saved to begin with,only God knows,I lived in love and obedience to Him and the word.

If works was what it would take to never return to sin,I would gladly do it.

It is obedience and love that keeps my walk before God and the covering of Jesus that protects me and makes a way through the Holy Spirit that I can walk in holiness to Him!


Thank you Chris. I very much like your posts and the stance you portray! Blessings

My sister, it is an absolute pleasure. Bless you.

Here is another confirming your post above:

2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

 

[Chris1975]

Hmm I think that’s a bit of a stretch about conscience means knowledge etc, especially the came alive part.
Adam and Eve both had consciousness/conscience before disobedience, it takes a conscience to know right from wrong, they knew what they had done, hid in the garden because of it. And it was because of their conscience they chose what they did on their own.

Conscience came alive when eating the fruit of the tree of the "Knowledge of Good and Evil". To that point they neither knew good or evil. They were 100% following God. But true love requires a test. And this test they failed because they looked to SELF instead of God. Looked to Flesh instead of Spirit.

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

But he doesn't say any of that, and instead just says "SOME" (not "some OF YOU," which I do not believe it means) - https://biblehub.com/text/1_corinthians/15-34.htm
I believe this means, more like, if and when you sin, you are quenching and/or grieving the Spirit, and are consequently not manifesting "the LIFE of Jesus" [IN YOU] to others AROUND you [opposite from like those in 2Cor4:10-12], ppl who are onlooking... thus those people [onlooking] are not being benefitted (toward "the knowledge of God") because of your unrighteous "walk"/condition/state, so to speak. Coz, remember, it's not all about you.
THAT is what is "to your shame," here in this text.

Adding to my post ^ :

2Cor2 -

12 Now having come to Troas for the gospel of Christ, a door also having been opened to me in the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, in my not finding Titus my brother. Instead, having taken leave of them, I went out to Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God, the One always leading us in triumph in Christ, and through us in every place making manifest the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 15 For we are a sweet perfume of Christ to God in those being saved and in those perishing: 16 to one indeed an odor from death to death, and to the other a fragrance from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, we speak before God in Christ.


2Cor4 -

10 always carrying around the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus also should be manifested in our body. 11 For we the living are always being delivered to death on account of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then, death works in us, but life in you.

 

[Chris1975]

That’s Gentiles in general. This passage is not talking about believers but how Gentiles under the OT law were without excuse.

Its 100% the opposite of what you are saying (this passage). The scripture says the Gentiles WERE NOT under the Law of Moses.

 

[JamOn]

Conscience came alive when eating the fruit of the tree of the "Knowledge of Good and Evil". To that point they neither knew good or evil. They were 100% following God. But true love requires a test. And this test they failed because they looked to SELF instead of God. Looked to Flesh instead of Spirit.

Where does it say that in the Bible conscience came alive? Animals don’t have a conscience they go by instinct man wasn’t created without a conscience to choose right from wrong the inner feeling of knowing that is why God said you can eat any from any except one a conscience thought to dwell on.

God made adam complete with everything as humans today, they became aware like riding a bike for the first time. the more knowledge a person has the more their conscience expands

And you’re right it takes a conscience to know if your going by the flesh or by the word.