03/05/2026
Many gatherings today are not directing people toward holiness.
Instead of calling sinners to repentance, they offer comfort to those who remain unchanged.
Why?
Because much of modern Christianity has grown uneasy with the God revealed in Scripture—
the God who hates sin,
who disciplines those He loves,
who commands repentance,
and who says,
“Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23 LSB)
We do not naturally desire a holy God.
We prefer a version of God who does not confront our flesh,
who does not call us to turn,
and who allows us to remain as we are.
Rather than putting sin to death (Colossians 3:5–8),
it is often excused, protected, affirmed—
even celebrated under the name of “love.”
Sin is no longer treated as something to hate,
but something to hold onto.
And when the Word of God speaks plainly,
it is resisted.
People say, “God knows my heart.”
Yes—He does.
And Scripture says,
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick;
who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 LSB)
God knowing your heart does not mean He approves of ongoing rebellion.
A heart made new by God does not make peace with sin—
it fights against it.
When God saves, He gives a new heart, new desires, new affections.
What was once loved is now resisted,
because we have become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Yet many are taught that outward association—
attending church, speaking Christian language, or feeling spiritual—
means they are secure,
even while their lives contradict His Word.
Western Christianity has become deeply self-focused:
self-love, self-expression, self-fulfillment, self-preservation.
But true, biblical Christianity begins with death to self.
There is little endurance now,
little long-suffering,
and little fear of the Lord—
because many choose the broad way when it feels easier than the narrow one.
If we cannot endure losing the approval of the world,
how will we endure suffering for Christ?
Do not be double-minded.
You cannot cling to sin,
live for self,
love the world,
and follow Christ at the same time.
The grace that forgives is the same grace that transforms—
it teaches us to turn away from sin.
We are not striving to earn victory—
we stand in the victory already accomplished in Christ.
So count the cost.
Christ did not die so that sinners could remain comfortable in sin,
but so that they might be made holy.
The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong battle against the flesh—
not sinless perfection,
but a life steadily being shaped into the likeness of Christ.
