Keep Yourself Pure!
"Do not lay your hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure" (1 Ti. 5:22).
One of the admonishments that is unheard of in our day stood at the very essence of the early Church. It was the first century Christians, (unlike the 21st century ones) who taught a message of godliness, self-control and purity of heart (Acts 15:9; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 1:1; 2:11-14; 1 Pe. 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:3). Many of you have been duped by modern day imposters into believing the Apostle Paul was an ardent sinner who was constantly struggling with inbreed sinfulness, however, this is the exact opposite of what the Scripture teaches and reveals about the true character and conduct of Paul the Apostle (Ro. 6:1-2; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-7).
It was Paul that was quick to warn young Timothy that "everyone who names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity", while instructing him to address his sisters in the faith "with all purity" (1 Tim. 5:2; 2 Tim. 2:19)! Timothy continually was instructed to "be an example to other believers, in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity" and was beseeched to "lay hold of eternal life by pursuing righteousness, godliness, patience and peace" (1 Tim. 4:12; 6:11-12). Furthermore, Paul, made it a point to caution his true son in the faith that "all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution" and charged Timothy to be ready to preach the word at all times and in all seasons (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:12; 4:1-2).
Why did Paul warn his beloved son in the faith to keep his way pure and to faithfully preach the word? It's because Paul foresaw a day coming where people would no longer endure sound doctrine, but "according to their own desires they would heap up for themselves teachers and turn their ears away from the truth" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Is this not what has happened in our day? Do you really think the people who profess Christianity can truly divide the word correctly and defend what they believe ( 2 Tim. 2:15)? What’s with all the denominations? How about your pastor? Can you confidently confirm he or she is holding to the pattern of sound words, while teaching doctrine that accords with godliness (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 1:13)? Think!!!
According to Paul, it's the Holy Scriptures that make us "wise for salvation", not men and their seminary learning (2 Tim. 3:15)! Without a doubt, it is the spirit of error owns the modern day platform and that has caused the multitudes to argue in favor for sin and consequently reject purity of heart, a good conscience and sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:18-20; 1 Jn. 4:6). The Church has fallen asleep and their doctrines are rotten to the root! Because the truth is being suppressed in unrighteousness the convicting power of the Holy Spirit has been withdrawn, strong delusion has set in and the preachers are teaching doctrinal fables (2 Tim. 4:4). The following is a sum of what's being taught within the system:
1) You're Born Wicked.
2) Freewill unable to make choices between doing right and wrong.
3) Freewill can only operate within the parameters of the wicked nature.
4) Gods Grace has to enable us to freely choose the Gospel by offsetting the wicked nature.
5) People are given Salvation by simply agreeing that they are born wicked and are willing to stop their sin as the Holy Spirit gives them remedy to that particular wrong doing done in the wicked nature.
6) People are not going to hell for their sins but for rejecting the solution to their wicked nature.
7) The witness of the Christian to the world is that of a hypocrite.
8) You Die Wicked (with exception on Holiness side of entire sanctification which is expressed by some sign of outward holiness or speaking in tongues which is never a true cleaning).
The question is, how is it the people have come to this conclusion? The answer is simple -- their preachers have told them so! Don't believe me? Search it out for yourself and you will find the majority of Churched people in our day have been taught that Paul was the "Chief of all sinners" and the "wretched man" of Romans chapter seven (1 Tim. 1:12-16; Ro. 7:24). Is this so? Was Paul truly teaching that we are positionally righteous by a passive belief in Christ, while the substance and evidence of our walk is that of disobedience to His commandments (Matt. 22:27-41; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3)? If so, then the first question I pose to you is how does one uphold and establish the law by faith (as Paul stated), while they violate that law daily in thought, word and deed (Matt. 5:17 & Ro. 3:31)?
Impossible right? Not according to the multitudes of evangelical outreaches. Today, the purity of the Gospel has been diluted and distorted from it's original power to deliver souls from the corrupting influence of sin (2 Pe. 1:3-4). No longer do preachers have the time to guide a defiled soul through the cleansing process of godly sorrow for sin and repentance unto life through a crisis of conviction, rather, the message is repeat after me and trust everything you need to enter the kingdom has been done in advance by Christ!
Basically, the prevalent doctrine of the day is that Christ obedience to the Father and righteousness of life was not lived out as an example for you to follow, instead, Christ accomplishment was completed so God could magically transfer it to your account at the moment you believe on Him (Jn. 13:15; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pe. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:3-6). This exchange then declares you eternally righteous before God's sight and guarantees you a home in heaven when you exit this world and face the judgment. Sounds good right, however, is it true? Again, is this the message that Christ sent Paul to preach to the lost world? Upon Paul recounting his encounter with the risen Christ, he claims Christ sent him to the Gentiles:
" to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:18).
According to this passage the Gospel of Christ has the power to open the eyes of men’s hearts in order to turn them from darkness to light, that is, from Satan to God (Eph. 4:18; 1 Co. 14:6). The remedy Paul issued to sinful men and women alike upon issuing the word of truth was "they should repent, turn to God and do works befitting repentance", nothing is said about switching places with Jesus and being counted righteous, while you continue to wallow in sin (Acts 26:20; Matt. 3:8). As follows, reconciliation with God only can be had after the sinful heart of man has entered into a season of "godly sorrow that works repentance leading to salvation" (2 Co. 5:20; 7:10; Eph. 1:7; Tts. 3:7; Heb. 9:22). It is in this very process of repentance (that God has granted) that the heart "lays aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness" while by faith it lays hold of eternal life by "receiving the Implanted Word that is able to save the soul" (Lk. 8:11-15; Jas. 1:21-22)!
Like the Apostle Peter, Paul understood the heart is made pure by faith, that is, repentance and faith both proven by deeds (Acts 15:9; 20:21; 26:18-20; Ro. 6:4-6; 2 Co. 7:10-11). It is through this working dynamic the heart becomes circumcised and able to submit it's self to the will of God in obedience to His demands (Matt. 22:37-41; Jn. 14:15, 15:14; Ro. 2:29; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Jn. 5:3). According to Paul, a genuine encounter with God will produce a fear of the Lord and a burning zeal within the soul to do what is right (2 Co. 7:10-11; 1 Jn. 3:7-10)! It is only when one comes to the light by "clearing" themselves of wrong doing and follows Jesus Christ that their faith will be accounted by God as righteousness (Lk. 9:23; Matt. 10:38; Jn. 3:18-21; Ro. 2:13; 4:3, 19-22; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:24)! Like Abraham, man must walk in the steps of the faith, do the deeds of the faith by obedience to the faith -- before -- their faith is imputed, counted or reckoned as righteousness by God (Jn. 8:39; Ro. 4:12, 18-22; Heb. 11:8).
" But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).
In this passage, faith is likened to "diligently seeking" God. Like Isaiah says, " they have not all obeyed the Gospel...Lord, who has believed our report" (Ro. 10:16)? Therefore, to obey is to believe, which is why the Scripture says, "He who believes has everlasting life, and he who does not obey shall not see life, for the the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36 NASB). Do you see the connection the Scripture makes in regards to faith and obedience being synonymous, that is, they are one in the same thing? The Bible says, "God will render to each one according to their deeds; Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality, but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath" (Ro. 2:6-8). The message of Paul is that, "when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angles, in flaming fire [He will] take vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." (2 Thess. 1:7-8). Make the connection and understand why the Bible is abundantly clear that faith works by love to purify the heart of sin, while apart from deeds, faith is dead (Ro. 2:13; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:24)!
"... and [He] made not distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9)
When Peter stood up and gave testimony before the Jerusalem council, he informed his audience that God is not a respecter of persons and He purifies the hearts of men by faith (Acts 15:7-11). Peter would later confirm in his first epistle that heart purity is a result of "obeying the truth" (1 Pe. 1:22). Have you connected the dots yet (Acts 15:9 & 1 Pe. 1:22)? This fits well with Paul's understanding of salvation , that is, when one "obeys from the heart" they are set free from sin (Ro. 6:16-18). Of course it is the blood of the Lamb of God that purges the conscience from dead works and sanctifies the souls, however, this blood is only applied to mans heart when he repents and believes, which translates into, following and obeying (Ro. 3:25; Heb. 9:13-14, 22; Mk. 1:15, 6:12).
As Paul said, "we receive grace and apostle ship for obedience to the faith" (Ro. 1:5; 16:26), while Peter confirms that by obedience we receive the "sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (1 Pe. 1:2). Further evidence of this eternal truth is affirmed by the Apostle John who tells us, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses up from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7). Without a doubt, it is the blood of Christ that cleanses the soul entirely from the corrupting influence of sin, however, this glorious truth is reserved only for those who have come to the light, and are now walking in the light as He is in the light (Jn. 3:18-21; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)!
" Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5).
It is through the "ministry of reconciliation" the heart is purged of ignorance and faith is wrought within the soul. Clearly, the Apostle Paul would not inform us the purpose (e.g the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose) of the commandment is love, sincerity and purity, if indeed, he lacked these qualities (Matt. 22:37-41; Ro. 13:8-10)! Furthermore, Paul warned severely that rejecting heart purity, that is, a good conscience and a sincere faith is a sure way for you to shipwreck your faith (1 Tim. 1:18-20). Likewise, turning aside to idle talk will cause you to stray from the purpose of the commandment and be carried away with the error of the wicked (Matt. 12:36-37; 1 Tim. 1:5-6; 2 Pe. 3:17).
[Note: Be sure to acknowledge that it would be utterly impossible to "shipwreck your faith" if indeed (as all the false teachers affirm) you were never on the ship to being with!]
This then would be why Paul "always strived to have a conscience without offense towards God and men", meaning, his aim was to serve God with a pure conscience because he knew (and preached) that Christ was going to return to repay each man according to his deeds (Acts 24:16; 2 Tim. 1:3; Matt. 16:27; Ro. 2:6-8; 2 Co. 5:10; 1 Pe. 1:17; Rev. 22:12). What deeds? The deeds of faith, that is, the motives of the hearts: love, sincerity, purity of heart (1 Sam. 16:7; Ro. 2:12-16; 1 Tim. 1:5).
"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold fast that word I preached to you -- unless you believed in vain" (1 Co. 15:1-2).
The Scriptures are crystal clear that man is a slave to whom he obeys, whether it is sin unto to death or obedience unto righteousness (Gen. 4:7; Jn. 8: 34; Ro. 6:16). The Bible is also definitive that faith purifies the heart from sin and gives us victory over the world, flesh and devil (Acts 15:9 & 1 Pe. 1:22; 1 Jn. 5:4). The Gospel message is to strive to enter through the narrow gate, while holding fast the pattern of sound words (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:13). It was Paul who told the Corinthians that we are "workers together with God" and beseeched those in Rome to "present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which was their reasonable service" (2 Co. 6:1; Ro. 12:1-2). Is this the message of the modern day Church? What living preacher have you heard tell his people that faith purifies the heart of sin, upholds and establishes the law, walks in the righteous requirements of the law and keeps the commands of Christ (Acts 15:9; 1Pe. 1:22; Ro. 3:31; Ro. 8:4; 1 Jn. 5:3)? Has your preacher every warned you to "pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14)? If not, then why not? Wake up before its too late!
" Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
Don't be deceived, God is not mocked the scripture declares (Gal. 6:7-9). The only way (according to Paul's Gospel) that Christ will "present you holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight [is] if you indeed continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel" (Col. 1:22-23). The Gospel is not Christ obeyed so you don't have to, rather, it is Christ set us an example that we should follow in His steps (Jn. 13:15; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pe. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:3-6). The Gospel message of Jesus Christ was to "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23; Matt. 10:38)! The purpose of His commandments was to bring about a purification of heart and a good conscience through sincere faith that works by love (1 Ti. 1:5). Take heed, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever", which means, if Christ demanded a perfect heart of obedient-love while He walked the earth, the same is expected of us today (Matt. 5:48; Heb. 13:8)!
"To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work" (Tit. 1:15-16).
"Do not lay your hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure" (1 Ti. 5:22).
One of the admonishments that is unheard of in our day stood at the very essence of the early Church. It was the first century Christians, (unlike the 21st century ones) who taught a message of godliness, self-control and purity of heart (Acts 15:9; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 1:1; 2:11-14; 1 Pe. 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:3). Many of you have been duped by modern day imposters into believing the Apostle Paul was an ardent sinner who was constantly struggling with inbreed sinfulness, however, this is the exact opposite of what the Scripture teaches and reveals about the true character and conduct of Paul the Apostle (Ro. 6:1-2; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-7).
It was Paul that was quick to warn young Timothy that "everyone who names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity", while instructing him to address his sisters in the faith "with all purity" (1 Tim. 5:2; 2 Tim. 2:19)! Timothy continually was instructed to "be an example to other believers, in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity" and was beseeched to "lay hold of eternal life by pursuing righteousness, godliness, patience and peace" (1 Tim. 4:12; 6:11-12). Furthermore, Paul, made it a point to caution his true son in the faith that "all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution" and charged Timothy to be ready to preach the word at all times and in all seasons (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:12; 4:1-2).
Why did Paul warn his beloved son in the faith to keep his way pure and to faithfully preach the word? It's because Paul foresaw a day coming where people would no longer endure sound doctrine, but "according to their own desires they would heap up for themselves teachers and turn their ears away from the truth" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Is this not what has happened in our day? Do you really think the people who profess Christianity can truly divide the word correctly and defend what they believe ( 2 Tim. 2:15)? What’s with all the denominations? How about your pastor? Can you confidently confirm he or she is holding to the pattern of sound words, while teaching doctrine that accords with godliness (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 1:13)? Think!!!
According to Paul, it's the Holy Scriptures that make us "wise for salvation", not men and their seminary learning (2 Tim. 3:15)! Without a doubt, it is the spirit of error owns the modern day platform and that has caused the multitudes to argue in favor for sin and consequently reject purity of heart, a good conscience and sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:18-20; 1 Jn. 4:6). The Church has fallen asleep and their doctrines are rotten to the root! Because the truth is being suppressed in unrighteousness the convicting power of the Holy Spirit has been withdrawn, strong delusion has set in and the preachers are teaching doctrinal fables (2 Tim. 4:4). The following is a sum of what's being taught within the system:
1) You're Born Wicked.
2) Freewill unable to make choices between doing right and wrong.
3) Freewill can only operate within the parameters of the wicked nature.
4) Gods Grace has to enable us to freely choose the Gospel by offsetting the wicked nature.
5) People are given Salvation by simply agreeing that they are born wicked and are willing to stop their sin as the Holy Spirit gives them remedy to that particular wrong doing done in the wicked nature.
6) People are not going to hell for their sins but for rejecting the solution to their wicked nature.
7) The witness of the Christian to the world is that of a hypocrite.
8) You Die Wicked (with exception on Holiness side of entire sanctification which is expressed by some sign of outward holiness or speaking in tongues which is never a true cleaning).
The question is, how is it the people have come to this conclusion? The answer is simple -- their preachers have told them so! Don't believe me? Search it out for yourself and you will find the majority of Churched people in our day have been taught that Paul was the "Chief of all sinners" and the "wretched man" of Romans chapter seven (1 Tim. 1:12-16; Ro. 7:24). Is this so? Was Paul truly teaching that we are positionally righteous by a passive belief in Christ, while the substance and evidence of our walk is that of disobedience to His commandments (Matt. 22:27-41; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3)? If so, then the first question I pose to you is how does one uphold and establish the law by faith (as Paul stated), while they violate that law daily in thought, word and deed (Matt. 5:17 & Ro. 3:31)?
Impossible right? Not according to the multitudes of evangelical outreaches. Today, the purity of the Gospel has been diluted and distorted from it's original power to deliver souls from the corrupting influence of sin (2 Pe. 1:3-4). No longer do preachers have the time to guide a defiled soul through the cleansing process of godly sorrow for sin and repentance unto life through a crisis of conviction, rather, the message is repeat after me and trust everything you need to enter the kingdom has been done in advance by Christ!
Basically, the prevalent doctrine of the day is that Christ obedience to the Father and righteousness of life was not lived out as an example for you to follow, instead, Christ accomplishment was completed so God could magically transfer it to your account at the moment you believe on Him (Jn. 13:15; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pe. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:3-6). This exchange then declares you eternally righteous before God's sight and guarantees you a home in heaven when you exit this world and face the judgment. Sounds good right, however, is it true? Again, is this the message that Christ sent Paul to preach to the lost world? Upon Paul recounting his encounter with the risen Christ, he claims Christ sent him to the Gentiles:
" to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:18).
According to this passage the Gospel of Christ has the power to open the eyes of men’s hearts in order to turn them from darkness to light, that is, from Satan to God (Eph. 4:18; 1 Co. 14:6). The remedy Paul issued to sinful men and women alike upon issuing the word of truth was "they should repent, turn to God and do works befitting repentance", nothing is said about switching places with Jesus and being counted righteous, while you continue to wallow in sin (Acts 26:20; Matt. 3:8). As follows, reconciliation with God only can be had after the sinful heart of man has entered into a season of "godly sorrow that works repentance leading to salvation" (2 Co. 5:20; 7:10; Eph. 1:7; Tts. 3:7; Heb. 9:22). It is in this very process of repentance (that God has granted) that the heart "lays aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness" while by faith it lays hold of eternal life by "receiving the Implanted Word that is able to save the soul" (Lk. 8:11-15; Jas. 1:21-22)!
Like the Apostle Peter, Paul understood the heart is made pure by faith, that is, repentance and faith both proven by deeds (Acts 15:9; 20:21; 26:18-20; Ro. 6:4-6; 2 Co. 7:10-11). It is through this working dynamic the heart becomes circumcised and able to submit it's self to the will of God in obedience to His demands (Matt. 22:37-41; Jn. 14:15, 15:14; Ro. 2:29; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Jn. 5:3). According to Paul, a genuine encounter with God will produce a fear of the Lord and a burning zeal within the soul to do what is right (2 Co. 7:10-11; 1 Jn. 3:7-10)! It is only when one comes to the light by "clearing" themselves of wrong doing and follows Jesus Christ that their faith will be accounted by God as righteousness (Lk. 9:23; Matt. 10:38; Jn. 3:18-21; Ro. 2:13; 4:3, 19-22; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:24)! Like Abraham, man must walk in the steps of the faith, do the deeds of the faith by obedience to the faith -- before -- their faith is imputed, counted or reckoned as righteousness by God (Jn. 8:39; Ro. 4:12, 18-22; Heb. 11:8).
" But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).
In this passage, faith is likened to "diligently seeking" God. Like Isaiah says, " they have not all obeyed the Gospel...Lord, who has believed our report" (Ro. 10:16)? Therefore, to obey is to believe, which is why the Scripture says, "He who believes has everlasting life, and he who does not obey shall not see life, for the the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36 NASB). Do you see the connection the Scripture makes in regards to faith and obedience being synonymous, that is, they are one in the same thing? The Bible says, "God will render to each one according to their deeds; Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality, but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath" (Ro. 2:6-8). The message of Paul is that, "when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angles, in flaming fire [He will] take vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." (2 Thess. 1:7-8). Make the connection and understand why the Bible is abundantly clear that faith works by love to purify the heart of sin, while apart from deeds, faith is dead (Ro. 2:13; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:24)!
"... and [He] made not distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9)
When Peter stood up and gave testimony before the Jerusalem council, he informed his audience that God is not a respecter of persons and He purifies the hearts of men by faith (Acts 15:7-11). Peter would later confirm in his first epistle that heart purity is a result of "obeying the truth" (1 Pe. 1:22). Have you connected the dots yet (Acts 15:9 & 1 Pe. 1:22)? This fits well with Paul's understanding of salvation , that is, when one "obeys from the heart" they are set free from sin (Ro. 6:16-18). Of course it is the blood of the Lamb of God that purges the conscience from dead works and sanctifies the souls, however, this blood is only applied to mans heart when he repents and believes, which translates into, following and obeying (Ro. 3:25; Heb. 9:13-14, 22; Mk. 1:15, 6:12).
As Paul said, "we receive grace and apostle ship for obedience to the faith" (Ro. 1:5; 16:26), while Peter confirms that by obedience we receive the "sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (1 Pe. 1:2). Further evidence of this eternal truth is affirmed by the Apostle John who tells us, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses up from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7). Without a doubt, it is the blood of Christ that cleanses the soul entirely from the corrupting influence of sin, however, this glorious truth is reserved only for those who have come to the light, and are now walking in the light as He is in the light (Jn. 3:18-21; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)!
" Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5).
It is through the "ministry of reconciliation" the heart is purged of ignorance and faith is wrought within the soul. Clearly, the Apostle Paul would not inform us the purpose (e.g the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose) of the commandment is love, sincerity and purity, if indeed, he lacked these qualities (Matt. 22:37-41; Ro. 13:8-10)! Furthermore, Paul warned severely that rejecting heart purity, that is, a good conscience and a sincere faith is a sure way for you to shipwreck your faith (1 Tim. 1:18-20). Likewise, turning aside to idle talk will cause you to stray from the purpose of the commandment and be carried away with the error of the wicked (Matt. 12:36-37; 1 Tim. 1:5-6; 2 Pe. 3:17).
[Note: Be sure to acknowledge that it would be utterly impossible to "shipwreck your faith" if indeed (as all the false teachers affirm) you were never on the ship to being with!]
This then would be why Paul "always strived to have a conscience without offense towards God and men", meaning, his aim was to serve God with a pure conscience because he knew (and preached) that Christ was going to return to repay each man according to his deeds (Acts 24:16; 2 Tim. 1:3; Matt. 16:27; Ro. 2:6-8; 2 Co. 5:10; 1 Pe. 1:17; Rev. 22:12). What deeds? The deeds of faith, that is, the motives of the hearts: love, sincerity, purity of heart (1 Sam. 16:7; Ro. 2:12-16; 1 Tim. 1:5).
"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold fast that word I preached to you -- unless you believed in vain" (1 Co. 15:1-2).
The Scriptures are crystal clear that man is a slave to whom he obeys, whether it is sin unto to death or obedience unto righteousness (Gen. 4:7; Jn. 8: 34; Ro. 6:16). The Bible is also definitive that faith purifies the heart from sin and gives us victory over the world, flesh and devil (Acts 15:9 & 1 Pe. 1:22; 1 Jn. 5:4). The Gospel message is to strive to enter through the narrow gate, while holding fast the pattern of sound words (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:13). It was Paul who told the Corinthians that we are "workers together with God" and beseeched those in Rome to "present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which was their reasonable service" (2 Co. 6:1; Ro. 12:1-2). Is this the message of the modern day Church? What living preacher have you heard tell his people that faith purifies the heart of sin, upholds and establishes the law, walks in the righteous requirements of the law and keeps the commands of Christ (Acts 15:9; 1Pe. 1:22; Ro. 3:31; Ro. 8:4; 1 Jn. 5:3)? Has your preacher every warned you to "pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14)? If not, then why not? Wake up before its too late!
" Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
Don't be deceived, God is not mocked the scripture declares (Gal. 6:7-9). The only way (according to Paul's Gospel) that Christ will "present you holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight [is] if you indeed continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel" (Col. 1:22-23). The Gospel is not Christ obeyed so you don't have to, rather, it is Christ set us an example that we should follow in His steps (Jn. 13:15; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pe. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:3-6). The Gospel message of Jesus Christ was to "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23; Matt. 10:38)! The purpose of His commandments was to bring about a purification of heart and a good conscience through sincere faith that works by love (1 Ti. 1:5). Take heed, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever", which means, if Christ demanded a perfect heart of obedient-love while He walked the earth, the same is expected of us today (Matt. 5:48; Heb. 13:8)!
"To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work" (Tit. 1:15-16).
