It is in the area of the stern warning concerning the consequences of not keeping the commandments that the battle is joined. I think most sincere Christians would agree that we should keep the New Testament commandments, the exhortations of Christ and His Apostles. The problem is, today's teaching is that even if we don't keep them we still go to Heaven by grace.

You will soon discover that the fifth chapter of the Book of Ephesians does not agree with the teaching that even if we do not do what the Apostles and Christ have commanded we still will go to Heaven by grace.

Remember, the famous passage about being saved by grace is also in the Book of Ephesians (2:8,9). Is Paul now contradicting himself in the fifth chapter? Or is it possible that by ignoring Ephesians 2:10 we have misunderstood 2:8,9? I don't think Paul was so stupid he would contradict himself in the same epistle. Do you?

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (Ephesians 5:1-3)

Fornication—let it not be once named among you. This is a New Testament commandment. What if we don't obey it?

All uncleanness—let it not be once named among you. This is a New Testament commandment. What if we don't obey it? Will Christ be formed in us anyway? Will we go to Heaven anyway by grace?

Covetousness—let it not be once named among you. This is a New Testament commandment. What if we don't obey it? What if we continue in the greedy amassing of money? Will we go to Heaven anyway by grace?

Numerous Christians in America are destroying their spiritual life because of their interest in laying up quantities of money. The Bible teaches if we have more money than we need we should assist the brother or sister who is poor. The Bible teaches also that we should lay up treasures in Heaven.

But many believers greedily store up money for their old age—much more than is reasonable. Then they die before they use it and their children waste it. Will Christ be formed in them in any case?

What about the Kingdom of God? Will greed affect our entrance into the Kingdom of God?

Let it not be once named among you as becomes saints. The term "saints" means holy people. What if a believer does not lead a holy life? Is he or she saved anyway?

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4)

Filthiness—let it not be once named among you. A commandment.

Foolish talking—let it not be once named among you.

Such behavior is not suitable, not fitting for a Christian. It should not be found among us even once!

Give thanks instead. A New Testament commandment.

To be continued.