In our zeal and haste to create an Christian theology that will "get people saved," we have forced a few verses of Scriptures into a simple mold. We learn where these are and then show them to the non-Christian.

At least one substantial problem has been created from this simplistic approach. In our effort to prove man's works are useless and only Christ is worthy we have overstated our case. We have left people with the impression it is useless to attempt to lead a godly life and we cannot become worthy of the Kingdom of God. Neither of these ideas can pass the test of Scripture. As Christians we are required to lead a godly life and we must be found worthy of the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21; I Peter 4:18).

In the seventh chapter of the Book of Romans, Paul bemoans the fact that the good we desire to do we do not do, and that which we choose not to do we keep on doing. This does not mean it is hopeless to attempt to overcome sin. It signifies, rather, that man has a basically rebellious nature that refuses to conform to the Law of Moses.

Paul goes on to state in the eighth chapter of the Book of Romans that the Christian is not to continue to sin. It is by putting to death through the Holy Spirit the deeds of our flesh that we enter eternal life and prepare ourselves for the first resurrection. If we do not choose to overcome through the Holy Spirit the lusts of our animal body we slay our own resurrection unto eternal life.

We Christians have not cut a straight course in the Word of truth. We have not preached the whole counsel of God. The result is, the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ have lost their testimony of godliness and power.

One cannot depart from the Scriptures and then prosper!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Person who lives in the pure righteousness of God. In comparison with Him, all of us are undone in our sins and self-seeking.

Nevertheless, God expects us to do what we can. The Spirit of Christ in David, referring to David's conduct, said: "For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God" (Psalms 18:21). David walked in the knowledge of the Lord that he had, and prospered. God described him as a man after God's own heart. Any one of us would rejoice if God would say that about us.

Under the new covenant we have been given grace that was not available to King David. How much more should we walk in righteousness, holiness, and obedience before God! Is God such an impossible taskmaster that no matter how hard we try we cannot please Him? Not at all. His commandments are not grievous.

Did Christ come to point out our wretched condition? No! This is the task of the Law of Moses and the Holy Spirit. Christ came to deliver us from the works of Satan.

The Christian formula is causing people to call Jesus "Lord" and not keep His commandments. It is reasoned, He alone is worthy. He alone is righteous. All of us are doomed to be sinful and unworthy. So why try?

No fighter climbs into the ring if he knows his defeat is certain. No runner strains every nerve in the contest if he knows it is impossible for him to win.

Such a theology will produce a defeated church, a church that hopes to live in victory in Heaven for it is doomed to defeat on the earth, although there is no scriptural support for this.

Christ's warriors understand the whole counsel of God. They realize only through the Lord Jesus can we receive forgiveness of sins and the ability to serve God. They know that apart from the Lord Jesus we can do nothing at all but through the Lord Jesus Christ we can achieve victory over sin here and now. Through Christ we can perform the will of God in the earth as it is in Heaven. Through Christ we can behave righteously, we can be found worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. We can keep the ways of the Lord and not depart wickedly from our God.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

To be continued.