CARNAL CHRISTIANS

Carnal Christians, Pt. 1

Phil. 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as
in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your
own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

The carnal Christian is basically a "cheater". This is the person that
claims to have accepted Christ, but are always trying to find out if they
can do this or that, and remain saved! They want to know what all they
can get away with and how far into the world they can go and still make
it into heaven. But a person that lives like this has really missing Christ in
the first place. You cannot accept a piece of him! You cannot accept him
and not listen to him! You cannot accept him or love him and not desire
to be changed by him.

I know there have been theological debates and arguments over eternal
security and the "once saved always saved" doctrine for hundreds of years.
Man has insisted on finding out just how far he can go and still remain
a Christian. But the bottom line is, we are responsible for our own salvation.
And the word tells us to work it out within ourselves, "with fear and trembling"
meaning that we should be cautious and careful! I know we want to make
God's love a big old blanket and let it cover everyone and every thing, no
matter what folks are doing. But according to the word, we better make sure
our spot is secured and pray for others. Sure there is grace to cover our
mistakes or shortcomings, but our goal should be perfection in him. Our
attitude should always be "What must I do to be saved" not "What wrong can
I do and be saved".

Suggested Reading: Matt. 7:21, Col. 3:1, Rom. 8:1, Gal. 5:1, Heb. 6:6