The Gathering of Life

03/23/2026

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 27: “On the Path & Explaining the Unpardonable Sin."
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 27: “On the Path & Explaining the Unpardonable Sin."
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

The converted person has set his mind on the road to salvation. He has made his life’s goal the pursuit of eternal life. He knows he is properly equipped by God to succeed. He is determined to utilize the tools of Christian growth, recognizing that these, coupled with the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, are sufficient to keep him on the right path. His whole heart, mind, soul, and being wants to please God, submit to Him, and actively practice the way of giving, sharing, serving, and love as a WAY OF LIFE!

He recognizes that he will periodically sin. He may overdrink, lose his temper, tell a lie, or otherwise transgress God’s Law in some clear incident of sin. But his desire is to repent and seek God. While he committed the sin knowingly and willingly, it never became willful. He determines to use more of God’s Spirit and be more watchful, and he wants to stay on the path to eternal life!

The critical factor is that he continues to ask for forgiveness and for more of God’s Spirit, to help him grow and overcome, for the remainder of his life!

Explaining the Unpardonable Sin.

Now we are ready to describe exactly what the unpardonable sin is.

The book of Hebrews contains several admonitions and warnings about this sin. They leave little room for misunderstanding.

Sometimes people make the deliberate decision to change their overall life’s goal! Hebrews 6:4-6 demonstrates that they become unable to repent (Hebrews 12:17 shows that this was the case with Esau). They once had God’s Spirit, but let it completely slip away. Paul paints a sobering picture: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.” For such “there remains no more sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:26).

I have known many who once “tasted the good word of God,” and had been “partakers of the Holy Spirit,” who ceased to be “enlightened.” They fell away from God and salvation. In verse 4, Paul states that “it is impossible” for these people to recover!

This is because, in the process of falling away, a person loses all desire to repent and change. Some decide to return to the world and to practice carnal-minded thoughts. They once had God’s Spirit actively working in them, but they made a determined, willful decision to turn from God and His way. These people no longer strive to respond to God’s Spirit, but rather have chosen a whole new direction of life, back to the ways of human nature and the world! (I am not talking about one who, as some believe, made a single mistake causing God to throw him aside, though he still desired to seek and obey Him.)

Now read another express warning about how some can unwittingly choose to commit the unpardonable sin: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God [forgiveness is no longer available]; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (12:14-15).

When you feel thoughts of resentment, you are in grave danger. Never allow them to remain. Many times, I have seen this deadly poison destroy people. Resentment can easily well up in those who feel they are victims of injustice. Sometimes a very small “grievance” can be amplified into something much bigger. It has been my sad experience that human nature will only too readily cause people to believe themselves victims. Many times, this happens when a minister corrects one over issues that do not seem or feel right to the one corrected. Angry rebellion, leading directly to bitterness, can result.

Now understand! The Bible reveals that there are two distinct ways in which the unforgivable sin may be committed. Hebrews describes them both, and we have just identified the first way.

In summary, the first way that the unpardonable sin is committed is by a deliberate choice to depart from God. (Sometimes this can be the choice to harbor bitterness.)

Paul also described those who would live the Christian way in a negligent manner! This is the second way that the unpardonable sin can be committed by a Christian. Paul wrote, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip [Greek: to run out of a leaking vessel]. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…?” (Heb. 2:1-3).

Be careful! This is a caution to all. Salvation is not easy, not automatic. Some can neglect their conversion. As a result, it can slip away, because important understanding and continual need for action was allowed to slowly “leak” from their lives.

This is serious! The ministers of this world teach that people are under grace, that they are already saved in this life, that they cannot fall away or be aborted because of misconduct or sin. How wrong this is!

Never overly focus on pleasure, material pursuits, and the cares of this world. They will choke you into slowly neglecting all the things that Christians must do.

Here is what Paul wrote the Colossians: “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (3:1-2). This is God’s formula for being certain that you never drift into neglecting your salvation and into the unpardonable sin. Christ said that no one can “serve two masters.” You cannot serve God while also desiring to be part of the world.

Remember that Christ said, “But he that endures unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13; 10:22). Christianity is an endurance test! There is nothing easy about it. A true Christian can be aborted in this lifetime if he does not continue on the right path. No one is permanently saved at conversion. Christ said (twice) that His servants must “endure to the end” of their lives. Now ask: What is the point of this statement if salvation is automatic upon accepting Christ? You must still be seeking God at the end of your life or at the time of Christ’s Return, whichever comes first!

The Bible does not teach “once saved, always saved.” Do not be confused by the soothing words of deceit from those who claim to represent Christ. God has standards. They must be met. James 4:17 states, “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.” The key is knowledge!

These are the plain words of the Bible. Each verse cited here is critical and must be carefully read to even begin recognizing the obligations that God places on His servants. Do not be like so many who easily dismiss them, falsely trusting that they are saved because they have “Jesus in their heart.”

This world’s professing “Christian” ministers teach an unscriptural, false “salvation” of going to heaven, instead of the truth, that this life is to prepare us for rulership. They ignore the verses that we have just examined, because they do not want to be responsible for having to do anything. The destiny of all God’s Spirit-led sons is to be born into His kingdom, to become Spirit-composed, having eternal life inherent within them in the Family of God.

How does “already saved” fit with a life of suffering, growing, obedience to God (Psa. 34:19), and sometimes intense persecution (John 15:20; II Tim. 3:12)?

Do not fall for the siren song of “just believe.” It is the greatest single deception that spiritually blind “Christian” theologians have foisted - ( a: to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant b: to force another to accept, especially by stealth or deceit.) upon an unsuspecting world!

Next time, we'll cover “Never Give Up!"

03/23/2026

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 27: “On the Path & Explaining the Unpardonable Sin."
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

The converted person has set his mind on the road to salvation. He has made his life’s goal the pursuit of eternal life. He knows he is properly equipped by God to succeed. He is determined to utilize the tools of Christian growth, recognizing that these, coupled with the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, are sufficient to keep him on the right path. His whole heart, mind, soul, and being wants to please God, submit to Him, and actively practice the way of giving, sharing, serving, and love as a WAY OF LIFE!

He recognizes that he will periodically sin. He may overdrink, lose his temper, tell a lie, or otherwise transgress God’s Law in some clear incident of sin. But his desire is to repent and seek God. While he committed the sin knowingly and willingly, it never became willful. He determines to use more of God’s Spirit and be more watchful, and he wants to stay on the path to eternal life!

The critical factor is that he continues to ask for forgiveness and for more of God’s Spirit, to help him grow and overcome, for the remainder of his life!

Explaining the Unpardonable Sin.

Now we are ready to describe exactly what the unpardonable sin is.

The book of Hebrews contains several admonitions and warnings about this sin. They leave little room for misunderstanding.

Sometimes people make the deliberate decision to change their overall life’s goal! Hebrews 6:4-6 demonstrates that they become unable to repent (Hebrews 12:17 shows that this was the case with Esau). They once had God’s Spirit, but let it completely slip away. Paul paints a sobering picture: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.” For such “there remains no more sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:26).

I have known many who once “tasted the good word of God,” and had been “partakers of the Holy Spirit,” who ceased to be “enlightened.” They fell away from God and salvation. In verse 4, Paul states that “it is impossible” for these people to recover!

This is because, in the process of falling away, a person loses all desire to repent and change. Some decide to return to the world and to practice carnal-minded thoughts. They once had God’s Spirit actively working in them, but they made a determined, willful decision to turn from God and His way. These people no longer strive to respond to God’s Spirit, but rather have chosen a whole new direction of life, back to the ways of human nature and the world! (I am not talking about one who, as some believe, made a single mistake causing God to throw him aside, though he still desired to seek and obey Him.)

Now read another express warning about how some can unwittingly choose to commit the unpardonable sin: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God [forgiveness is no longer available]; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (12:14-15).

When you feel thoughts of resentment, you are in grave danger. Never allow them to remain. Many times, I have seen this deadly poison destroy people. Resentment can easily well up in those who feel they are victims of injustice. Sometimes a very small “grievance” can be amplified into something much bigger. It has been my sad experience that human nature will only too readily cause people to believe themselves victims. Many times, this happens when a minister corrects one over issues that do not seem or feel right to the one corrected. Angry rebellion, leading directly to bitterness, can result.

Now understand! The Bible reveals that there are two distinct ways in which the unforgivable sin may be committed. Hebrews describes them both, and we have just identified the first way.

In summary, the first way that the unpardonable sin is committed is by a deliberate choice to depart from God. (Sometimes this can be the choice to harbor bitterness.)

Paul also described those who would live the Christian way in a negligent manner! This is the second way that the unpardonable sin can be committed by a Christian. Paul wrote, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip [Greek: to run out of a leaking vessel]. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…?” (Heb. 2:1-3).

Be careful! This is a caution to all. Salvation is not easy, not automatic. Some can neglect their conversion. As a result, it can slip away, because important understanding and continual need for action was allowed to slowly “leak” from their lives.

This is serious! The ministers of this world teach that people are under grace, that they are already saved in this life, that they cannot fall away or be aborted because of misconduct or sin. How wrong this is!

Never overly focus on pleasure, material pursuits, and the cares of this world. They will choke you into slowly neglecting all the things that Christians must do.

Here is what Paul wrote the Colossians: “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (3:1-2). This is God’s formula for being certain that you never drift into neglecting your salvation and into the unpardonable sin. Christ said that no one can “serve two masters.” You cannot serve God while also desiring to be part of the world.

Remember that Christ said, “But he that endures unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13; 10:22). Christianity is an endurance test! There is nothing easy about it. A true Christian can be aborted in this lifetime if he does not continue on the right path. No one is permanently saved at conversion. Christ said (twice) that His servants must “endure to the end” of their lives. Now ask: What is the point of this statement if salvation is automatic upon accepting Christ? You must still be seeking God at the end of your life or at the time of Christ’s Return, whichever comes first!

The Bible does not teach “once saved, always saved.” Do not be confused by the soothing words of deceit from those who claim to represent Christ. God has standards. They must be met. James 4:17 states, “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.” The key is knowledge!

These are the plain words of the Bible. Each verse cited here is critical and must be carefully read to even begin recognizing the obligations that God places on His servants. Do not be like so many who easily dismiss them, falsely trusting that they are saved because they have “Jesus in their heart.”

This world’s professing “Christian” ministers teach an unscriptural, false “salvation” of going to heaven, instead of the truth, that this life is to prepare us for rulership. They ignore the verses that we have just examined, because they do not want to be responsible for having to do anything. The destiny of all God’s Spirit-led sons is to be born into His kingdom, to become Spirit-composed, having eternal life inherent within them in the Family of God.

How does “already saved” fit with a life of suffering, growing, obedience to God (Psa. 34:19), and sometimes intense persecution (John 15:20; II Tim. 3:12)?

Do not fall for the siren song of “just believe.” It is the greatest single deception that spiritually blind “Christian” theologians have foisted - ( a: to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant b: to force another to accept, especially by stealth or deceit.) upon an unsuspecting world!

Next time, we'll cover “Never Give Up!"

03/16/2026

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 26: “But What If One Sins?"
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 26: “But What If One Sins?"
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

We have seen that all human beings sin. The newly-begotten Christian must expect this to continue after baptism. Perfection is not achieved overnight by a “profession of faith,” or by repentance and baptism alone. There is one lengthy series of verses that is very helpful on the subject of forgiveness and related matters.

The following passage bears instruction, but only after first reading all of it: “…and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ…that your joy may be full. This then is the message…that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins” (I John 1:3-2:2).

This is an important instruction. Examine it verse by verse with an open Bible.

Verse 3: John, the last living apostle in the Bible, speaking on behalf of all the apostles (“we”), explains that a Christian’s true fellowship is on the spiritual plane with Christ and the Father. It is through God that Christians have real, true fellowship with one another, within His Church.

Verse 4: John’s purpose was to show people the source of real, permanent fullness of joy.

Verse 5: The true God represents light; He “is light”, and there is nothing dark about what He does or who He is. The person who fellowships with the true God of the Bible wants to come to the light and come out of all the darkness of this world and sin!

Verse 6: This is the first of five verses beginning with the word “if.” The use of this word always indicates conditions, in this case, conditions involving free moral agency. Many people claim to “know” God, to fellowship with Him, but they neither know nor practice His truth in their lives. He says this makes them plain liars.

Verse 7: Christ’s blood continues to cover all the sins, the errors, mistakes, weaknesses, and flaws of the person who is striving to walk in God’s truth, and in fellowship with other true Christians. Though they usually do not mean to, Christians slip and have to get back on track.

Verse 8: This verse is very important. Christians need to acknowledge that they sin. It has been my experience that self-deceit (Jer. 17:9) is the single biggest reason why most people do not grow and overcome as they should. Self-deceit, lying to yourself, is still deceit. There is no place for the truth to dwell in such a person! Remember, sin carries its own deceit (Heb. 3:13).

Verses 9-10: To those who acknowledge and confess their sins, these verses are self-evident. Christ is there to wash, to clean up the true Christian when he has momentarily strayed from the light of living by God’s word and law. A Christian must learn to overcome. Like learning to play the piano or paint a beautiful picture, this does not happen overnight! The Greek word for “cleanses” (vs. 9), katharizo, is written in the present progressive tense, not the past tense. Cleansing is a process that always requires forgiveness from God.

Many worry that God will only forgive them once or a few times. Yet Christ told the disciples that they should forgive others “seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21-22). That is many times! If God tells human beings to be willing to forgive others that many times, and that His willingness to forgive us is based upon this principle (Matt. 6:12), then how could He be willing to do less?

Of course, God would never hold Himself to a lower standard than He requires of His human servants. He will forgive many times, if necessary, as long as the person continues in his struggle against sin.

Chapter 2, Verses 1-2: John uses the endearing term, “My little children,” because this is how God looks at His begotten sons and daughters. We are all little children in His sight. He knows that He needs to watch over us like human parents watch over their own small children. It is God’s intention that we not sin, yet when we do, Christ stands before the Father as our “Advocate.” As our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16), Jesus literally “roots” for His younger brothers and sisters in the presence of the Father. He understands what it is like to battle with and overcome sin, and He offers strength and forgiveness to those who acknowledge that they need both.

The first six verses in I John 2 describe the obedient Christian as one who keeps God’s Law and strives to walk and live the same life that Jesus did (vs. 6). He is one who “keeps His [God’s] word,” striving not to compromise. He always seeks to do what is right.

When you stumble and occasionally fall down, remember the words of David in Psalm 37:23-24: “The steps of a good man are ordered [established] by the Lord…Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Like a parent lifting or steadying a child, God regularly picks up and upholds His children. Let God’s wonderful promise encourage you when you feel discouraged because you have fallen.

Next time, we'll cover “On the Path."

03/16/2026

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 26: “But What If One Sins?"
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

We have seen that all human beings sin. The newly-begotten Christian must expect this to continue after baptism. Perfection is not achieved overnight by a “profession of faith,” or by repentance and baptism alone. There is one lengthy series of verses that is very helpful on the subject of forgiveness and related matters.

The following passage bears instruction, but only after first reading all of it: “…and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ…that your joy may be full. This then is the message…that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins” (I John 1:3-2:2).

This is an important instruction. Examine it verse by verse with an open Bible.

Verse 3: John, the last living apostle in the Bible, speaking on behalf of all the apostles (“we”), explains that a Christian’s true fellowship is on the spiritual plane with Christ and the Father. It is through God that Christians have real, true fellowship with one another, within His Church.

Verse 4: John’s purpose was to show people the source of real, permanent fullness of joy.

Verse 5: The true God represents light; He “is light”, and there is nothing dark about what He does or who He is. The person who fellowships with the true God of the Bible wants to come to the light and come out of all the darkness of this world and sin!

Verse 6: This is the first of five verses beginning with the word “if.” The use of this word always indicates conditions, in this case, conditions involving free moral agency. Many people claim to “know” God, to fellowship with Him, but they neither know nor practice His truth in their lives. He says this makes them plain liars.

Verse 7: Christ’s blood continues to cover all the sins, the errors, mistakes, weaknesses, and flaws of the person who is striving to walk in God’s truth, and in fellowship with other true Christians. Though they usually do not mean to, Christians slip and have to get back on track.

Verse 8: This verse is very important. Christians need to acknowledge that they sin. It has been my experience that self-deceit (Jer. 17:9) is the single biggest reason why most people do not grow and overcome as they should. Self-deceit, lying to yourself, is still deceit. There is no place for the truth to dwell in such a person! Remember, sin carries its own deceit (Heb. 3:13).

Verses 9-10: To those who acknowledge and confess their sins, these verses are self-evident. Christ is there to wash, to clean up the true Christian when he has momentarily strayed from the light of living by God’s word and law. A Christian must learn to overcome. Like learning to play the piano or paint a beautiful picture, this does not happen overnight! The Greek word for “cleanses” (vs. 9), katharizo, is written in the present progressive tense, not the past tense. Cleansing is a process that always requires forgiveness from God.

Many worry that God will only forgive them once or a few times. Yet Christ told the disciples that they should forgive others “seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21-22). That is many times! If God tells human beings to be willing to forgive others that many times, and that His willingness to forgive us is based upon this principle (Matt. 6:12), then how could He be willing to do less?

Of course, God would never hold Himself to a lower standard than He requires of His human servants. He will forgive many times, if necessary, as long as the person continues in his struggle against sin.

Chapter 2, Verses 1-2: John uses the endearing term, “My little children,” because this is how God looks at His begotten sons and daughters. We are all little children in His sight. He knows that He needs to watch over us like human parents watch over their own small children. It is God’s intention that we not sin, yet when we do, Christ stands before the Father as our “Advocate.” As our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16), Jesus literally “roots” for His younger brothers and sisters in the presence of the Father. He understands what it is like to battle with and overcome sin, and He offers strength and forgiveness to those who acknowledge that they need both.

The first six verses in I John 2 describe the obedient Christian as one who keeps God’s Law and strives to walk and live the same life that Jesus did (vs. 6). He is one who “keeps His [God’s] word,” striving not to compromise. He always seeks to do what is right.

When you stumble and occasionally fall down, remember the words of David in Psalm 37:23-24: “The steps of a good man are ordered [established] by the Lord…Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Like a parent lifting or steadying a child, God regularly picks up and upholds His children. Let God’s wonderful promise encourage you when you feel discouraged because you have fallen.

Next time, we'll cover “On the Path."

03/08/2026

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03/02/2026

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 25: “Resisting Temptation."
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

What is the Unpardonable Sin? Bible Study.
Part 25: “Resisting Temptation."
Please click Like and Share to support the Ministry.

Christ taught His disciples to understand the pulls of human nature at work within them: “And He said, That which comes out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness” (Mark 7:20-22).

These same attitudes, pulls of the flesh, and wrong patterns of conduct are at work within everyone. They leave us fertile for temptation by Satan, the master “tempter” (Matt. 4:3).

Therefore, many temptations will be thrown at you throughout life. You must successfully resist them. They will often come when you least expect them, and the devil will try to strike you where you are weakest, most vulnerable, and least prepared. You must always be on guard, ready! Do not assume that you are stronger or more prepared than you think. Consider Paul’s warning: “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12).

The apostle James explained how temptation can turn into sin: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death” (1:14-15). Put out wrong thoughts and attitudes. Do not ease up or assume victory before these feelings are gone!

Peter added, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). He continued, “Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (vs. 9). And James added, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (4:7).

The second part of this verse offers encouragement: You are not alone in your struggle to overcome sin. All human beings face the same problems. Understand! “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23) and “sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). All have broken God’s Law. But God promises that “sin shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:14).

Remember how Paul explained forces at work within him: “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 7:15, 19).

These pictures are what we all face. When you feel like this, battle! resist! Use God’s power within you. Call out to Him for help and always remember that you must “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (Jms. 4:8).

Certainly, fulfilling this verse in your own life is not an overnight process. It takes much time and effort.

Seek God through earnest, regular, believing prayer. Commune with Him daily. Pray without ceasing (I Thes. 5:17-18). Study your Bible (Matt. 4:4). Drink it in as God’s Word spoken to you, as though God were talking to you personally, in the same way you talk to Him through prayer!

Above all, do not get discouraged and give up when the temptation is severe and appears unrelenting. Never forget that “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Cor. 10:13). This is God’s sure promise to all who strive to overcome!

Next time, we'll cover “But What If One Sins?"