Bible Studies

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Keeping moral degeneracy out of the picture has been an ongoing struggle since the very beginning (See Galatians) of the Church Age, and is only going to get worse (1Tim. 4: 1) as we come to the end of this dispensation (period of history).

Moral degeneration is very deceptive, and sad to say, is often accepted and promoted as being what God requires of us for salvation, with a long history of violent opposition towards anyone or anything that dare to speak against the misguided majority (Matt. 7: 14).

Jesus warned His disciples that, “They will ban you from the synagogue,” and warned us as His Church Age disciples that, “an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God (John 16: 2 NASB2020}.”

All advancing disciples come to expect adversity from the devil, but it is an eye-opening experience to suffer persecution from elements WITHIN the Christian Community, as many advancing disciples have experienced over the course of the Church Age.

Having been deceived themselves, misguided religious leadership has an extensive history of unwittingly becoming blind leaders of the blind, and then training future generations of clergy to continue to do the same.

It is because moral degeneracy is made to appear to be what God requires, that makes it so dangerous to our spiritual well-being, leading its deceived followers to believe that all is well.

Post salvation spiritual activity has its place and purpose, but has got nothing to do with retaining the gift of eternal life that a born-again believer has already received (John 5: 24) and cannot lose (Rom. 8: 1).

If such things as good behavior, good deeds, and living a lifestyle within all the generally accepted parameters of moral behavior, entitled someone to receive eternal life and a home in Heaven, then even an atheist (who does such things) would be “entitled” to at least a little time and a place in Heaven.

The only time and place that a soul that has not been born again will have in Heaven, is when he or she is brought up from the Torments of Hades in order to attend the horrific Rev. 20: 13-15 event foretold in Scripture.

According to Matt. 7: 22, there will be many in the Court of Heaven who will cite all of the “religious” activity and good deeds that they had taken part in while here on Earth, only to be told, “I never knew you, depart from me… (Matt. 7: 23 KJV).”

Until one is born-again, his or her name is NOT recorded in the book of life (Luke 10: 20).

Q. Why does this matter?

A. “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20: 15 NASB2020).”

Moral degeneration can involve doing the right thing (e.g., attending worship services), but for the wrong reasons, accomplishing NOTHING of eternal value! This is evidenced by the fact that such attendees are no further along the road to spiritual maturity, than what they were 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, 6 years, or 60 years ago.

Another equally jaw-dropping event (1Cor. 3: 12-15) involves born-again believers that will take place in Heaven, when they see much of what they thought was going to bring them heavenly reward going up in smoke! Such born-again believers remain saved (1Cor. 3: 15), and have a place in the general environment of Heaven, but will spend all of eternity without the reward and privileges that are reserved for born-again believers who chose to identify and execute the post salvation spiritual life of Biblical discipleship, during their time here on Earth.

The man on the cross on the side of Jesus, who had less than a few more hours to live, is one of the greatest examples that it may never be too late to become “right with God,” as far as salvation is concerned, and can leave this world with the assurance of a place in Eternity future with God. I say “may” because no one is promised a “death-bed” opportunity.

150,000 souls depart this world every 24 hrs., with their earthly departure having been the last thing on their minds when they went to bed last night, or got up this morning!

Securing salvation, and securing the additional rewards and that are reserved for advancing disciples, are two VERY different things.

Advancing disciples do not serve God to be rewarded, but God has made it clear that He intends to reward and privilege born-again believers who embrace post salvation discipleship.

Moral degeneration is in view whenever and wherever Man has attempted to promote human effort, good behavior, good deeds, and religious traditions of men (Matt. 15: 9), as the means of securing a place in Heaven; to complete the salvation process; or to retain the benefits (eternal life) thereof.

End of Part 4

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