Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject
to the Law of God neither, indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please
God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell
in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, ROM 8:7-9.
We cannot ask Christ to pay the penalty for our sin if we still love sin. We cannot
go on believing that Christ takes away the penalty of sin by His blood if we continue to
live in sin.
If we claim that our pardon is in the blood of Christ, it has to be manifested by the
fact that the power of sin has been broken, and sin has been destroyed. Rebellion has been
broken, and we have a new heart’s desire to obey God, walk in the ways of God.
When we receive forgiveness for our sins, it will manifest itself in a new walk of
life. In other words, our walk of life will manifest that we have received the pardon by a
real penitence.
This penitence is a sorrow or deep contrition for sin, which is an offense and dishonor
to God, a violation of His holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards our Saviour who
has suffered for those sins. A true repentance will cause us to mourn over the pollution
of sin even more than the penalty of sin.
The question then arises: Do you have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you? Is yours a
carnal mind — are you still living in sin? Are you one of those who is "none of
his?"
"…If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his," is a
strong statement by our Lord to us. But see the remedy for this hopeless situation—to
be in the Spirit. We are called to be children of God and to come to Him in faith and
repentance of these very sins that keep us from Christ.
Dear friend, have you sought after Christ? Do you love Him? Seek Him this day while he
may be found. Don’t let this day close without having fellowship with the Son of God.
