“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one
The corollary to Christians finding their origin in God is that the world finds its origin in the world system. This world, in its entirety, is under the sway of Satan. It lies helplessly recumbent with no possibility of resistance. It passively resigns itself to the pernicious power of the “wicked one.”
The Christian is under the sway of a new nature. That sets him off from the rebellion of the satanic system.
PRINCIPLE:
The entire constitution of the world system serves Satan.
APPLICATION:
The satanic system orients to different values than that of God. Satan fiercely defends this system. He pulls the strings here. It is a system entirely dominated by the devil.
Only by regeneration [the new birth] can anyone get out of the vicious cycle of lust, greed, drugs, pornography, immorality, betrayal, and empty religion. The world loves to pour people into its mold.
Jn 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”
Jn 14:30, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”
Jn 16:11, “…of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
Eph 2:1-3, 1 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”
We can determine whether we are spiritual or carnal by asking ourselves which nature dominates our lives: “Does the new man or the old man have control of my life? Who is running the show?” That determines what kind of Christian we are, spiritual or carnal. The carnal Christian and the spiritual Christian both have the same amount of salvation – eternal salvation. The big difference is what kind of reward we will have when we get to heaven. The issue is not whether we will get in, but what will be our reward.
God always gives the Christian latitude when he sins. The degree of latitude differs according to the light received – the more light, the less latitude. The Spirit of God convicts him and disciplines him so that he gets back on track.
Am a bit confused here you say that christians can backslide being consitantly carnel and not repenting so
can come under sin unto death and look like from all
apparences like a unbeleiver as the corinthians were but
then in 1john 3 he states that you can see the difference
of a true beleiver from a chlld of the devil. The carnel
beleiver has no rewards so has’nt produced any righteousness( good works.) all human good .So what does john mean. How
can you see the difference of a carnal christian who is
out of fellowship for a period of time and may be backslidden for a few years how could you tell them from
a non christian.
David, the ultimate way we determine on a human level whether a person is a Christian is whether they accept the claims of Christ. We know believers can commit the worst sins such as murder and adultery (as David). God forgave him and restored him to fellowship (Ps 32; 51). He even wrote Scripture (the two Psalms) after God restored him. If, however, a believer reaches a point of absolute negative volition, then he sins a sin unto death (1 Jn 5:16-17).
Could you give me a little insight as to what is being said in 1 John 5:19?
Brent, did you read the first study on 1 John 5:19? You commented on 5:19b. Your question is general and I need more specifics as to your question.
I read the book, chapter and verse of many different translations but i have not found a study on this particular verse so I’m reaching out to a number of people for input to help me further understand.
I think that I’ve always had the understanding that God was in charge of all (every) things. Also that as believers we had protection from God over the devil.
I stated the comment very vaguely because even though knowing that as believers we are from God and saved by the blood, all versions that I read indicated that the devil ( the evil one or the wicked one) has all the power over the rest of man kind.
When I think of the statement that God can do all things and that when I pray that he would put someone in my son’s life to draw him closer to Christ, the passage to me suggest that since he is lost and does not have a relationship, that the devil has the control over what happens to his soul.
I don’t believe that for one moment because I do trust in Christ and I myself have been pulled from depths of hell.
Thank you for taking the time with me. I read what I did and immediately did not like what the devil was saying to me. When this happens I look for ways to diminish any unhealthy thoughts I may have as soon as possible. Also it makes me want to understand it as much as possible so that when I’m asked, I might be able to truly share what is intended.
Brent, is this what you are looking for: https://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/doctrine/concursus/gods-decree-and-free-will/
Brent, you may want to go to my studies on Romans 8:28 starting here: https://versebyversecommentary.com/2013/01/05/romans-828/
Thank You.