“Sin will be rampant (be widespread) EVERYWHERE, and the love (agapē) of many will GROW COLD. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:12-13) Jesus says because of the widespread occurrence of sin the agapē of many will grow cold. Remember this agapē love is the unconditional, unlimited, freely given and perfect love of God. So, what would cause it to grow cold in us?
Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and KEEPS THEM, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21) A sure sign of the widespread occurrence of sin is the devil strongly tempting us to TAKE PART IN THIS SIN because he knows that we show our agapē love to the Father through our OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION to Him! What should we do to keep from being caught up in this?
First of all, the Bible teaches that SIN IS DEVASTATING and it should never be practiced or tolerated, why?
- “The wages (what we earn as a result of our participation) of sin is death!” (Rom. 6:23)
- “All have sinned (and earned this death) and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)
- “your iniquities have SEPARATED you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isa. 59:2)
- “…the one who practices sin IS OF THE DEVIL; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
What then shall we do? Remember this, “…we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.” (Rom. 8:37)
- “…I acknowledged my sin to you (God) and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psa. 32:5)
- “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on THE NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:23-24) Just ask God to do that…
- “Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all DIED TO OUR OLD LIFE. He died for everyone so that those who receive HIS NEW LIFE will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will LIVE FOR CHRIST, who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corin. 5:14-15)
-Bill Stockham