DOCTRINES

REPENT

    A person can become confused these days about how to be saved. It seems two of the most common verses of Scripture used in these latter days on how to be saved are the following. Ro 10:13-FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED. Some preachers seem to indicate that nothing else is necessary other than saying a prayer. They seem to indicate this by saying nothing about one thing that is an absolute necessity for salvation. That absolute is "repentance." Another verse many people stand on for salvation is Acts 16:31-BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED. Again, many seem to stand on this verse alone for salvation without mentioning the necessity of repenting of sin. Ja 2:19 tells us-THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE. In Jn 12:42,43, we are shown that among the chief rulers MANY believed on Jesus, yet they were not saved. As it is written, NEVERTHELESS AMONG THE CHIEF RULERS ALSO MANY BELIEVED ON HIM; BUT BECAUSE OF THE PHARISEES THEY DID NOT CONFESS HIM, LEST THEY SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE: FOR THEY LOVED THE PRAISE OF MEN MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD. Ro 10:11-FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED.

    Some people may say, you have to do nothing to be saved except believe and say a sinner's prayer. This is not true. Two absolutes you must do are: repent of your sins and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, as the only hope you have of being saved. Yes, we are to call on the name of the Lord in prayer. Yes, we are to believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, God in the flesh. Yes, we are to believe that He died for our sins, and rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. Yes, we are to believe that Jesus Christ is the Living Word and that He came to earth to redeem men from their sins. But to say that all we are to do is call on the name of the Lord and believe on Him is not all that God’s Word requires. We must repent of our sins, forsake our sins, and even more, we must never be ashamed of Jesus. We are to be willing to stand up for Jesus and be willing to confess Him. Ro 10:9,10-THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALT BELIEVE IN THINE HEART THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION. 1 Pe 3:15 tells us very clearly-BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR. God’s Word is showing us clearly that to ask and believe is not all that is necessary for salvation.

    This most important thing that every person "must" do or there is no hope of salvation is often ignored in many churches and by many preachers. This absolute is the very first word that Peter is recorded saying when he was asked by the people what they must do. Jesus Christ is recorded 7 times in the 4 Gospels as saying that a person must do this one thing. God’s program is centered around trying to get men to do this one thing. What is this incredibly important thing that is so often left out by so many preachers, priests, and rabbi? What is this most important thing that even some of the best of the television evangelists often seem to forget to include? Let Jesus Christ tell us from Luke’s Gospel chapter 13, verse 3 and 5-I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. Again, in verse 5, Jesus repeats-I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH.
   John the Baptist made it very clear, as he said, REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL-Mk 1:15.
   Salvation depends upon faith that involves repentance. It may be said, as a result of believing or as a result of faith, repentance takes place. When a person truly believes the Gospel in his heart, repentance is the result. Thus, to believe includes repentance. Repentance then may be said to be the evidence of turning from unbelief to belief of God's Word. John the Baptist said, PRODUCE FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE-Mt 3:8 NIV.
   However, when unbelief sets in, a turning away from God occurs.

    Repentance may be defined in this manner. It is a total sacrifice and surrender of oneself to obey and submit to the Word of God in all situations. Anything short of this is sin.
   It means deny self and take up your cross daily and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23.
   It means to come to Jesus with an attitude of, "I can't do it." You come broken, humbled, in a helpless, hopeless, unworthy state, renouncing everything, and turn to Jesus as your only hope of salvation. You come acknowledging that He is God Almighty and you are not worthy to tie His shoelaces.
   It means as Job said in Job 42:6-I ABHOR (or hate or despise) MYSELF, AND REPENT IN DUST AND ASHES. This is not the kind of repentance that is being taught in most churches today, because most people do not want to come to Jesus by the way of the cross and the way of truth.
   Preaching such as WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE is rarely heard any more-Lk 14:33.

    Webster’s New World Dictionary tells us the word "repent" means the following: "To feel such regret over (an action, intention), as to change one's mind, etc." This is further confirmed in the Bible as we read in 2 Cor 7:10-FOR GODLY SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE TO SALVATION. The next part of the verse states, NOT TO BE REPENTED OF. In other words, you turn away from all willful sin, and you do not go back. The next part of the verse gives us a warning: BUT THE SORROW OF THE WORLD WORKETH DEATH. A person’s attitude about sin changes. Before salvation, a person enjoyed sin. They were not concerned about disobeying God. Their own desires were more important to them than obeying God. But now, they begin to hate every sinful or evil way. It is written, YE THAT LOVE THE LORD, HATE EVIL-Ps 97:10. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL-Pv 8:13.
   Thus repentance (to repent), means we feel terrible about our sins. We are sorry about our sins. We deeply regret what we have done and are willing to turn from all sin. We change direction.
   We are willing to change our mind about our sins. Our life style changes.
   We are willing to forsake all our sins and give them up. To put it straight forward, we are willing to "stop all willful sin." We do a complete turn. This is repentance, which is an absolute condition for salvation.
   Psalm 119:59,60 gives us another definition of repentance. It is written, I HAVE CONSIDERED MY WAYS AND HAVE TURNED MY STEPS TO YOUR STATUTES. I WILL HASTEN AND NOT DELAY TO OBEY YOUR COMMANDS-NIV.
   Some people have stopped doing a particular sin not because of true repentance or Godly sorrow about their sin, but because of certain circumstances. One of many possible examples is a person might stop drinking or smoking for health reasons. Another example, is a person might stop having sex outside of marriage because of fear of getting AIDS. This is not repentance. "Turning over a new leaf," as some people may say, is not true repentance.
   Once a person truly repents, their parents, relatives, employers, husband or wife, friends, and others may persecute them. Other things may happen. Incredible temptations may occur. Yet we are to repent no matter what the cost and not go back into willful sin.

6-REPENTANCE MEANS TO PUT OFF THE OLD AND PUT ON THE NEW

    Repentance means that we put off the old man, the old ways, the past; and we put on the new man, the new ways, the future.
   It is written, PURGE OUT THEREFORE (or get rid of) THE OLD LEAVEN (or sin), THAT YE MAY BE A NEW LUMP (or a new creation in Christ)-1 Cor 5:7.
   THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW-2 Cor 5:17.
   We also PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN (or the old ways), WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS; AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND; AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS-Eph 4:22-24.
   LIE NOT ONE TO ANOTHER, SEEING THAT YE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS (our old sinful ways are put off, they are repented of); AND HAVE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM THAT CREATED HIM-Col 3:9,10. We can only be renewed in knowledge through God's Word.
   NO MAN PUTTETH A PIECE OF NEW CLOTH UNTO AN OLD GARMENT, FOR THAT WHICH IS PUT IN TO FILL IT UP TAKETH FROM THE GARMENT, AND THE RENT IS MADE WORSE-Mt 9:16. This happens because THE PIECE THAT WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE NEW AGREETH NOT WITH THE OLD-Lk 5:36.
   NEITHER DO MEN PUT NEW WINE INTO OLD BOTTLES: ELSE THE BOTTLES BREAK, AND THE WINE RUNNETH OUT, AND THE BOTTLES PERISH: BUT THEY PUT NEW WINE INTO NEW BOTTLES, AND BOTH ARE PRESERVED-Mt 9:17.
   The Holy Spirit is not to be put into an unrepentant sinner else the bottles break, and the wine (or Holy Spirit) runneth out, and the bottles or person perishes. But rather, the Holy Spirit is put into new bottles (a repentant person that has put away sin, that has put off sin, that has put off the old ways, that has put off the old man) and both are preserved.

    Not only do we stop doing those things which are wrong, but we "start" doing those things which are right, and "obey" God's Word. For the person that can read, the number one thing he begins doing is reading and studying the Bible. It is written, AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE (or crave or are starving for) THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS-1 Pe 2:2,3. It is only through God's Word that we can learn what is right and wrong in God's eyes. It is only by God's Word that we can grow in faith, because faith comes only by the Word of God (the Bible).
   A person that can read and claims they are saved, yet only reads one, two, or three chapters a week, would appear to be very misled. It would appear true repentance may not have taken place. It would seem to indicate that they are not serious about God, about their salvation, and about obeying God's Word.
   They may have stopped willful sin, but have not begun to FOLLOW JESUS. For Jesus would lead them to begin reading and studying HIS Word heavily. Just as a new plant in a garden needs water, so the new born-again Christian needs God's Word. If you gave a new plant in a garden only a few drops of water a week, it would soon die. If you give a new born-again Christian only one, two or three chapters a week, they will soon die, or perhaps they never were born-again to start with.
   It is written, LEARN OF ME-Mt 11:29. We are to hear God's Word, study God's Word, meditate in God's Word, and read God's Word. If a person claims they are born-again, yet God's Word does not take first place in their life, then it is a good indicator that the person is not truly born-again, but only thinks they are. They are deceived.
   To follow Jesus is, number one—to learn HIS Word and obey it. It is written, Mt 4:19-FOLLOW ME. Mt 8:22-FOLLOW ME. Mt 9:9-FOLLOW ME. Mt 16:24-IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME. Mt 19:21-COME AND FOLLOW ME. Many more times these words appear in the Bible, also. The message is loud and clear. A person, even a preacher, even a denominational head, even someone that goes forth to evangelize, BUT does not meditate, study, read, hear, learn, and obey God's Word is not truly following Jesus. As it has already been said, a person that can read, but only reads one, two or three or even four or five chapters a week, is NOT FOLLOWING JESUS. They are not serious about God's Word, which is Jesus. They are certainly not doing God's will. Repentance may never have taken place. A fruit of repentance is doing what God's Word says. A person that does not LABOUR in God's Word or that does not dwell in God's Word cannot grow in faith, in knowledge, in wisdom, and in understanding.
   The evidence of repentance is good fruit. It is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20.

• Practicing willful sin stops. It does not slow down. It does not get reduced. It stops.

• Lying stops.

• Deceitfulness stops.

• Stealing stops. Restitution begins to take place.

• Hatred ceases.

• Forgiveness for all who have wronged us takes place.

• Sex outside of a marriage recognized by God stops.

• Fornication stops.

• If a person is not married according to God's Word, then a separation takes place until the marriage is accomplished in accordance to God's Word. The person should also be baptized by full immersion afterwards.

• Selfishness stops.

• Smoking and alcohol stops.

• Ancestor worship, and worshipping angels, and demons, and "so-called" saints and idols of every kind including nature, stops. Worship is reserved for the Jesus of the Bible. He is JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH-2 Jn 7.

• Praying to the dead, or to, or through "so-called" saints, or Mary stops.

• Astrology stops.

• A person begins to fear God as the Bible says.

• Studying and obeying the Bible begins.

• Doing God's will begins.

• Following and obeying God begins from the heart.

    This is only a very small, partial list.
   Some believe they can bind the devil from tempting them. Some believe that when a person sins, others should just pray for them or with them. This is not repentance. There is much deception regarding "repentance." This is all part of the Laodicean church age we now live in. Some come to churches and go to the altars time after time, but they refuse to repent.
   If a person claims they have repented, but are not "following" Jesus, then it is solid evidence no repentance has taken place, or the person is backsliding. To follow Jesus is to begin to do in our daily life what Jesus would do. It is to begin to do what Jesus would do in each and every daily situation that arises. The fruits of obedience, the fruits of God’s Spirit, the fruits of God’s work should begin to manifest themselves. Many do what appears to be God’s work, but they are not following Jesus in their daily lives. God’s will does not manifest itself in many things the person does. The fruits of God’s Spirit are at best, lukewarm. God’s will is not obeyed when it is contrary to what the person’s emotions want to do. Sometimes God’s will is not sought in certain situations, because the person does not want to conform to the will of God, if it is contrary to his own will.

    After true repentance has taken place, which is in line with God's Word, then the person is to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Any baptism before true repentance means absolutely nothing. We are to "first" believe, and then get baptized-ref Mk 16:16. We are to "first" repent, and then get baptized-ref Acts 2:38.

    We ask you, have you truly repented? Have you given up illicit sex, drugs, getting drunk, and putting your will before God’s will? Have you given up cursing, lying, cheating, and defiling your body with anything that might cause it harm? The Bible clearly tells us, if you defile or cause harm to your body, God will destroy you. 1 Cor 3:17-IF ANY MAN DEFILE (destroys, or causes to wither, or spoils, ruins, or corrupts) THE TEMPLE OF GOD, (that is your body) HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; FOR THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HOLY, WHICH TEMPLE YE ARE. Then verse 18 gives us a warning with the first five words, LET NO MAN DECEIVE HIMSELF. Satan will tell you sin is all right. He will try to put in your mind that you do not have to fear God’s judgment. He did it with Eve in the Garden of Eden when he told her, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE. But God’s Word said she would die. Eve was deceived, and she ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and God’s Word did come to pass. Now we ask you again, have you truly given up all sin? Have you truly repented?
   Let us put it plainly. If you have not completely repented at this point, you are not saved. You may believe on Jesus. You may have said a sinner’s prayer, and you may have been baptized, but if you did not forsake all willful sin, if you did not repent as God’s Word commands, you are not saved.

    Many people in this deceived and sinful world have sex outside of marriage. They need to come to repentance, or they will surely perish.
   Many people are living in fornication. Many do not understand what fornication is. One form of fornication is when a man and a woman move in together. Some may even have the permission of their parents. They may even have paid some money. Sometimes they may live in the house of one of the parents, yet they have never been married in the eyes of a holy God. They have no documentation or marriage license, and they shrug this off as not necessary. They say they are married because their parents, preacher, relatives, and friends approve. They may say, "Many people do this. It is our tradition." They may have children or even grandchildren.
   Let's be very blunt. Both they and the many people that do this are living in fornication. This is one definition of what fornication actually is. A person that is doing this is living in wickedness and sin. They have not repented of ungodly evil traditions. They are not saved. They may say they believe on Jesus, but they twist and do not believe "His" Word; though they may say they believe God’s Word. All of their lives they have been taught by their parents, relatives, and clergy that what they are doing is all right in the eyes of God; but it is not. They have been misled. They have been conforming to traditions. Now when they study God's Word, they do not see what they are doing is evil and wrong. They are in blindness and darkness because of ungodly traditions.
   They will surely perish when they die, unless they repent of this sinful life style, and stop justifying it. They should hate every evil way, yet they do not hate this sin, because they refuse to admit what they are doing is a wicked sin.
   Many preachers and even some denominational heads over many churches do this. They refuse to believe the truth of God's Word on this subject. Some even have two or more wives and justify this sin also. God forbid.
   Some lesbians and homosexuals live together and even call themselves married. Many even claim they are Christians. When they die, they will find they are in hell and that they were very misled—unless they totally repent.

    Immediately, separate. Get married God's way. If a dowry is required, pay it first in full. A large, expensive wedding is NOT necessary. Get the proper, legal paperwork. Get baptized afterward.

    As stated above, a man and woman might be living together. They may have had permission from their parents. They might even have children. They might have even paid some money. However, they are not married in the eyes of a holy God. They are following the tradition of a country, but not God's Word. It is not possible for them to be walking with God, no matter how much they teach God's Word. They are blind, yet they are positive they are not blind, as the Pharisees also were. They are living in fornication. Often-times, when they are confronted with God's Word on this subject, they are so filled with wrong thoughts, teachings, traditions, fears, and pressures from relatives and their community that they will not or cannot understand in their heart. They do not understand that they are living in wickedness and sin, and are not walking with God no matter how much they may look like they are. They will not believe God's Word. They may even become argumentative and strifeful, and say that God's Word does not mean this or that. They may say, "That is your interpretation." They may say, "God knows my heart." They do not understand that "Without holiness, no man will see the Lord"-ref Heb 12:14. They do not understand that THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?-Jere 17:9.
   Because they will not believe God's Word on this subject, neither would they believe a missionary, an angel, or even Jesus Himself, or anyone sent to them from God to correct them. Their own traditions and sins have blinded them to the truth.
   Such people need to repent. They need to be broken and humbled. They need to cry out for God's mercy and deny themselves. They should separate, and then get married God's way. Then afterward, they should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. From that point, they should continue walking with God.
   Again, it needs to be said. Because they will not receive correction as a little child, with a childlike, humble, meek attitude, it shows clearly, they are not being led of God. Some of these people are so positive they are saved and so blind that even when they are left behind in the Rapture or even when they are at the judgment, they try to argue with Jesus. Nevertheless, because they would not depart from iniquity, they shall surely perish for eternity.
   This needs to be understood. Sin is not defined by traditions of a people or a country. It is not defined by a person's emotions. It is not defined by what you think sin is or is not.
   Sin is defined by God's Word, and God's Word only. It is God's Word that shall judge you. No matter how positive you, your parents, your friends, your church, and your community may be, or even if your country believes you are right; it is God's Word that will judge you. It is God's Word that will declare if you are in sin or not.
   WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR-1 Jn 4:6.
   IF ANY MAN HAVE EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR-Mk 4:23.
   Many think they have come to the light. They teach God's Word. They go on missionary trips. They evangelize, but they will not come in truth and surrender to God's Word.
   It is written, AND THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, THAT LIGHT IS COME INTO THE WORLD, AND MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL.
|    FOR EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH THE LIGHT, NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED (or made known or corrected).
   BUT HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT, THAT HIS DEEDS MAY BE MADE MANIFEST, THAT THEY ARE WROUGHT IN GOD-Jn 3:19-21.
   Regarding "fornication" it is written,
   Acts 15:20-WRITE UNTO THEM, THAT THEY ABSTAIN FROM…FORNICATION, also ref Acts 15:29.
   Ro 1:29-BEING FILLED WITH ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, FORNICATION, WICKEDNESS, COVETOUSNESS, MALICIOUSNESS; FULL OF ENVY, MURDER, DEBATE, DECEIT, MALIGNITY; WHISPERERS,…
   1 Cor 6:13-NOW THE BODY IS NOT FOR FORNICATION…
   1 Cor 6:18-20-FLEE FORNICATION. EVERY SIN THAT A MAN DOETH IS WITHOUT THE BODY; BUT HE THAT COMMITTETH FORNICATION SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN BODY. WHAT? KNOW YE NOT THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS IN YOU, WHICH YE HAVE OF GOD, AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN? FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD'S.
   1 Cor 10:8-NEITHER LET US COMMIT FORNICATION, AS SOME OF THEM COMMITTED, AND FELL IN ONE DAY THREE AND TWENTY THOUSAND.
   2 Cor 12:21-AND LEST, WHEN I COME AGAIN, MY GOD WILL HUMBLE ME AMONG YOU, AND THAT I SHALL BEWAIL MANY WHICH HAVE SINNED ALREADY, AND HAVE NOT REPENTED OF THE UNCLEANNESS AND FORNICATION AND LASCIVIOUSNESS WHICH THEY HAVE COMMITTED.
   Eph 5:3-BUT FORNICATION, AND ALL UNCLEANNESS, OR COVETOUSNESS, LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU, AS BECOMETH SAINTS;
   1 Thes 4:3,4-FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, EVEN YOUR SANCTIFICATION, THAT YE SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION: THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO POSSESS HIS VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION AND HONOUR.
   Jude 7-EVEN AS SODOM AND GOMORRHA, AND THE CITIES ABOUT THEM IN LIKE MANNER, GIVING THEMSELVES OVER TO FORNICATION, AND GOING AFTER STRANGE FLESH, ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE, SUFFERING THE VENGEANCE OF ETERNAL FIRE.
   Rev 9:20,21-AND THE REST OF THE MEN WHICH WERE NOT KILLED BY THESE PLAGUES YET REPENTED NOT OF THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS…NEITHER REPENTED THEY OF THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES, NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION, NOR OF THEIR THEFTS.
   Col 3:5,6-MORTIFY THEREFORE YOUR MEMBERS WHICH ARE UPON THE EARTH; FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, INORDINATE AFFECTION, EVIL CONCUPISCENCE, AND COVETOUSNESS, WHICH IS IDOLATRY: FOR WHICH THINGS' SAKE THE WRATH OF GOD COMETH ON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE.
   Gal 5:19,21-NOW THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE MANIFEST, WHICH ARE THESE; ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LASCIVIOUSNESS…I TELL YOU BEFORE, AS I HAVE ALSO TOLD YOU IN TIME PAST, THAT THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
   If a person's heart and mind is so corrupt that they cannot understand what fornication is after they have been shown by God's Word, then there is little else that can be said. A minister that does not understand the biblical meaning of fornication is not a preacher of righteousness. He is a blind leader of the blind.
   Does your preacher live in fornication or adultery?  In 1 Cor 11:1, Paul wrote, BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. Note the words EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. If a preacher of the church you attend is not following Christ, you should not follow Him.

    Many are going to churches that have blind leaders of the blind. The preacher himself is not married in the eyes of God. IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, BOTH SHALL FALL INTO THE DITCH-Mt 15:14. (Both shall perish.)

    It is written-1 Jn 3:6-8-WHOSOEVER ABIDETH IN HIM: SINNETH NOT: WHOSOEVER SINNETH HATH NOT SEEN HIM, NEITHER KNOWN HIM. LITTLE CHILDREN, LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU: HE THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS, EVEN AS HE IS RIGHTEOUS. HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL; FOR THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING. FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL. A born-again person is a person that has repented. He has turned from all willful sin. God’s Word warns us, Ro 6:23-FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. Isa 64:6-BUT WE ARE ALL AS AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE AS FILTHY RAGS. Ro 3:10-THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE.
   When we repent, we change direction. We now obey God’s Word. We now yield ourselves to God, not to sin and ungodly traditions. We begin to do the will of God which is always in accordance with the Bible. Ro 6:13-NEITHER YIELD YE YOUR MEMBERS AS INSTRUMENTS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO SIN: BUT YIELD YOURSELVES UNTO GOD. Upon becoming born-again, God gives us His Spirit. The Spirit of God actually comes and dwells inside us. Now the question arises, will we yield to the leading of God’s Spirit, or will we rebel? Ro 8:14-FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD.
   Ro 8:9-NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS. A person may think to himself, "I am saved." But the Scripture has just told us, NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS. Not only must we have the Spirit of Christ, we must allow the Spirit to lead us as Romans 8:14 has told us. We no longer live for this world when we repent. We begin living for God. We no longer consider the things of this world of value; for the world will pass away and the things thereof, but only what is done for Christ will last. God’s Word makes this very clear in Ro 8:5,6-FOR THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE FLESH DO MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH. In other words, the unsaved seek after the things of this world, such as material things and sin. But then the verse continues with what the saved person does. BUT THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED (worldly minded) IS DEATH. We are to be so dedicated to Christ that Ro 8:36-WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER. Ro 12:1-I BESEECH YOU THEREFORE, BRETHREN, BY THE MERCIES OF GOD, THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD. We are Ro 12:2-to BE "NOT" CONFORMED "TO THIS WORLD:" BUT BE YE "TRANSFORMED" BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD. Ro 13:14 tells us-MAKE NOT PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, TO FULFIL THE LUSTS THEREOF.

    God warns us particularly about illicit sex in 1 Cor 6:18,20-FLEE FORNICATION. EVERY SIN THAT A MAN DOETH IS WITHOUT THE BODY; BUT HE THAT COMMITTETH FORNICATION SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN BODY. FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S. Your body no longer belongs to you, if you have given yourself to Jesus through repentance. Your body either belongs to God or Satan. If you choose to serve sin, then you are a servant of sin, and your father is the devil. If you choose by an act of your will to serve God, then you are His possession redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Gal 5:17 tells us-YE CANNOT DO THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD. Gal 5:24 tells it so clearly-THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S HAVE (past tense) CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS.

    The Bible is ever so clear that in the latter days, which we are living in right now, the people will not want to hear the truth of God’s Word. They will prefer to turn away from God’s truth and find teachers that preach nice things that do not offend them. People today want to be able to do as they wish, go about business as usual, go to church when they wish, control their own lives; and when the judgment comes, they want to enter heaven. Sorry, it just doesn’t work that way. Right now, people are being tested to see if they will follow God and obey the Gospel, or if they willingly choose to put their will before what God wants them to do. 2 Tim 4:3 NIV-FOR THE TIME WILL COME (that time is right now) WHEN MEN WILL NOT PUT UP WITH SOUND DOCTRINE. INSTEAD, TO SUIT THEIR OWN DESIRES (note—to suit their own desires) (lusts or traditions) THEY WILL GATHER AROUND THEM A GREAT NUMBER OF TEACHERS TO SAY WHAT THEIR ITCHING EARS WANT TO HEAR. THEY WILL "TURN THEIR EARS" AWAY FROM THE TRUTH. Friends, we are presenting to you God’s truth. Will you turn your ears from the truth, as many do in this lukewarm generation?

    God is not willing that any should perish. God loves you so very deeply that He sent His only begotten Son to suffer a horrible death to atone for your sins. Do you love Him enough to receive this forgiveness? Do you love Him enough to say, "Thank you?" Do you love Him enough to say, "Yes, God, I love You, and will follow You and Your ways?"

    Repent is a command to both those that have never been saved and also those that were once saved and walking with the Lord, but then turned from the faith and went back into sin and unbelief.
   It is written, WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TURNETH FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (which is Jesus, his faith) AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, HE SHALL EVEN DIE THEREBY (go to hell). BUT IF THE WICKED TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS (repents), AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL LIVE THEREBY-Ezek 33:18,19. These people thought they could not lose salvation. The Lord responds to that notion through Ezekiel, in v.17, with these words: YET…THY PEOPLE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL: BUT AS FOR THEM, THEIR WAY IS NOT EQUAL. These words are for every person who believes once saved, always saved. God's way is this. When you surrender to Jesus, all your sins are erased. They are not remembered. However, if you turn from your faith in Jesus and go back into sin, all your righteousness is equally not remembered. Totally equal are God's ways. AGAIN, WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMIT INIQUITY,…HE SHALL DIE IN HIS SIN, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED-Ezek 3:20. (This includes baptism, as Jesus said of baptism, TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15.) Those who were once saved, but then fell away; if you again repent and return to the Lord, then you need to be rebaptized.
   God says to you right now these words 1 Pe 2:11-DEARLY BELOVED, I BESEECH YOU AS STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS, ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS, WHICH WAR AGAINST THE SOUL. Ezek 14:6-REPENT, AND TURN YOURSELVES…FROM ALL YOUR ABOMINATIONS. Ezek 18:30,31-REPENT, AND TURN YOURSELVES FROM ALL YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS; SO INIQUITY SHALL NOT BE YOUR RUIN. CAST AWAY FROM YOU ALL YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS, WHEREBY YE HAVE TRANSGRESSED; AND MAKE YOU A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT; FOR WHY WILL YE DIE…? Heb 12:4-YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING AGAINST SIN.
   1 Jn 2:4-HE THAT SAITH, I KNOW HIM (saith you are saved), AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR. Mt 3:2-REPENT YE: FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. Acts 3:19-REPENT YE THEREFORE, AND BE CONVERTED, THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT. Acts 8:22-REPENT THEREFORE OF THIS THY WICKEDNESS, AND PRAY GOD. Acts 17:30-GOD...COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT. It is God’s desire, 2 Pe 3:9-THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE. Rev 2:5-REPENT. Rev 2:16-REPENT; OR ELSE. Rev 2:22-REPENT. Rev 3:3-REPENT. Rev 3:19-REPENT. Acts 2:38-REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU and that is by full immersion as Col 2:12 and Ro 6:4 shows us. Rev 3:20-BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM. Sinner will you repent and open that door now?

    If you are willing to turn from all your sins and afterward be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and are willing to give your life totally to Jesus; then I invite you to say this prayer right now and mean it with all your heart: DEAR JESUS, I AM A SINNER. I BELIEVE YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD AND DIED FOR MY SINS ON THE CROSS. FORGIVE ALL MY SINS. REMOVE ALL MY DOUBTS. JESUS, I ASK YOU TO COME INTO MY HEART. HELP ME TO FOLLOW AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS AND TO LIVE FOR YOU. JESUS, I GIVE YOU MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY PRAYER. THANK YOU FOR COMING INTO MY LIFE. I ASK IT IN THE NAME OF MY LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.