Must there be a difference between a person who knows Jesus Christ as Savior and a person who does not? Aren’t we all human beings with blood running through our veins and who God created “in His own image?” That is exactly right. However, there is a huge problem. Lets refer to God’s Word to shed some light on the subject.
The Bible tells us that God “made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Psalm 146:6). However, within our natural world is the “world system” or “cosmos” where Satan and his philosophy rules. The world system consists of evil, lies, corruption, and anything that is sinful. Christians must shun and be separated from the world system if we are to live a life that honors and pleases God.
The apostle Paul told the Roman Christians, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). If Christians are not prepared to live a life that wholly pleases God, what is the point of being saved? Paul also told the Galatians that “the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5). Paul is reminding the believers that they were saved to be delivered “from this present evil age.”
In the Lord’s own prayer for himself, we get a window into the the very soul of God the Son where His petitions very personal and definitely intercessory. He prayed concerning the believers, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). We clearly see here that the Lord Jesus shows His love and concern for those He has saved by His precious blood, and that His Father would “keep them from the evil one.” The Lord also mentioned “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Christians are saved to remain in the world but must separate themselves from worldly customs and practices.
There is absolutely no spiritual joy or satisfaction in the world. The world is definitely opposed to God, His righteousness, and the Christian faith. It is no wonder why the world is abhorrent to God to the extent “that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). “The ways of God and those of the world,” writes Dr. Charles Stanley, “are completely incompatible. Why? John 3:19 explains. “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” If we live our lives trying to please other people or ourselves, we will be at odds with the Lord. But if we live for Him, shining His light, the world will be hostile toward us because our presence convicts them of sins they want to continue committing” (The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Bible, p.1511).
To be in the world and not of the world is quite a challenge for the Christian who endeavors to live a godly life. And nowhere in God’s Word we are promised that it would be easy. But Jesus has declared: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John16:33). Since Jesus himself has overcome the world and He is able us to do likewise for His children. True peace is found only in Jesus Christ, which no tribulation can ever affect.
To be in the world and not be of the world requires “overcoming the world.” And John addresses the issue. “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4,5). The world will do its utmost to draw us away by offering things that appeal to the human senses. Satan tried to tempt Jesus but he was unsuccessful. Jesus knows exactly what we are facing in the world.
A person is saved not only to go to heaven, but also to love, worship, and serve the only true and living God until He calls us out of the world. Therefore. we cannot stand still in our faith but rather move on to maturity. The apostle Peter exhorts us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Note, “grow in grace and knowledge” Grace is God’s divine dealing in salvation and in the believer’s life and service. “Knowledge means acquaintance with the Lord through the word. Growth in knowledge means increasing study of and subjection to His words, works, and ways”(William MacDonald).
It is incumbent on believers to grow stronger and deeper in our relationship with, and our commitment to the Lord. In so doing, we will certainly reflect the grace and glory of our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Stand in his strength alone;
The area of flesh will fail you,
You dare not trust your own.
(George Duffield, 1880-1888).
Brothers and sisters in Christ, take a stand for the things we most surely believe and remain firm in the Christian faith. Remember “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6).