Read the above verse carefully. The same concept is repeated by the Apostle Paul in several other passages.

What does Paul mean when he says "if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die"?

Paul does not mean we will die physically, because we will die physically whether or not we live according to our sinful nature. The context of Romans 8:13 is not about physical life and death but about making alive the mortal body in the Day of Resurrection, about the redeeming of the body, the revealing of the sons of God, and the releasing of the material creation into the life of the Spirit of God.

Paul means we will kill our new spiritual life if we keep on living in our lower earthly nature.

This thought is repeated in the parable of the sower, where the Word of God that had germinated was choked out before it bore fruit. Also in Galatians where Paul tells us that if we sow to the flesh we will reap corruption.

So we see that our future lies in our new life in the heavens at the right hand of God in Christ. If we pursue that life we will inherit the Kingdom of God. But if we give only minimal attention to our new spiritual life, choosing instead to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, we will have no eternal life with which to clothe our personality when it is raised from the dead in the Day of the Lord, no firstfruits of the Spirit so we can contribute to the release of the material creation.

The Conflict of the Ages

It is time now for Antichrist to arise. His new world order will be based on money, education, communication, military power. There may also be a massive increase in occult activity. Antichrist, and Satan in him, will build an earthly kingdom. God will give Antichrist power to ascend in spirit into the heavens and attack the forces of Christ. It will become impossible to pray, to receive Christ. The godly remnant will be driven into the wilderness to await the return of Christ.

The Christian churches as presently conceived and constituted will not nearly be able to cope with such tremendous spiritual wickedness. Satan will deceive them (has already deceived them) until they are dedicating each service to an imminent "rapture." They are preparing for this by jumping up and down next to their pews. Satan wants the Christian churches off this planet and the Christian people are anxious to oblige him!

But here and there the Spirit is speaking to individuals and telling them of the plan Christ has for bearing a true witness of God during the coming age of moral horrors, and for preparing many kings who will return with Him to establish His righteous Kingdom on the earth.

Those believers who are spending the main part of their time and energy on the things of this world, who are not setting their minds on their position in Heaven, will be deceived by Antichrist. They cannot and will not be able to stand when Antichrist receives the authority God is going to give him.

To be continued.