Christians who walk in the passions of the flesh shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

I do not know how modern teachers of grace deal with the above passage, whether they apply it to unbelievers or to the Jews or to whomever else. But one thing is clear from the internal evidence of the Book of Galatians—the passage is addressed to born-again, Spirit-filled believers.

Ordinarily God does not move us to put to death the deeds of the flesh. We make the effort and then the Holy Spirit does the work.

Ordinarily God does not move us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord. But God will bless us if we do so.

We say "ordinarily" because there often are times in our discipleship when the Lord prompts us or reminds us to do something. Also there are seasons when God "bears us on eagles' wings," helping us through a difficult period. The times when the Lord "bears us on eagles' wings, lifting us out of ourselves for a season, are extraordinary interventions, not the normal Christian experience. We do not grow during such times. We grow when we are using our spiritual "muscles."

There is a multitude of commandments to righteous, holy living found in the New Testament writings along with many stern warnings concerning the consequences of not turning from our sinful ways. If we respond obediently to the exhortations and warnings God will deliver us from sin and rebellion and we will enter eternal life.

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:17,18)

"Obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." The key is obedience.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22)

Everlasting life is the result of holiness. We become holy as we obey the teaching of the Apostles.

It is of God that we address Jesus as Lord. It also is of God that we do what Jesus says. It is vain to call Jesus, Lord and then not do what He says.

Jesus will not obey the commandments for us, although He certainly stands ready to assist us as we come to Him for help. We must obey God in all that the Apostles have stated. When we obey the Word, God sets us free from sin. When we do not obey the Word we are not set free from sin. The result of slavery to sin is spiritual death. This is the meaning of the famous Romans 6:23, which is not addressed primarily to the unsaved!

The reason so many evangelical believers have been deceived by the current errors is they no longer are "people of the Book." God's people have turned away from reliance on the written Word and are following the various traditions and errors in the evangelical churches of today. The worst of these errors is that we are saved unconditionally and shall go to Heaven no matter how we behave.

Some pastors have become psychologists in the attempt to relieve the pressures on people. There is a place for psychologists in the world as there is also for medical doctors. But it is the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God that finally breaks the chains of sin.

Perhaps the reader is weighing the two alternatives. Should I rest in Jesus and wait for Him to live the Christian life in me, or should I obey the numerous commandments in the Gospels and the Epistles, praying always to God to help me overcome the love of the world, the love of sin, and the love of my self-will?

Must I overcome or did Jesus do all the overcoming for me?

If you are making this choice now we suggest that you turn away from the soft, people-centered, ear-tickling "gospel" we are hearing in our day. Reread the New Testament and discover for yourself whether it teaches that Jesus will do it all for you and in you, or whether you must meditate continually in the written Word, being careful to do all that it commands.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. (Matthew 25:26,27)

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (II Peter 1:10)

"If ye do these things."

Amen! (from The First and Second Resurrections)