“For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.’”
Tough verses this morning. We have discussed that “apples don’t make a tree an apple tree – they just show that it is one” … This passage is the flip side of that. Fruit shows what you are… and it can also show what you aren’t.
When the Holy Spirit indwells you, He changes you. If you are only simulating Christianity, you may clean up for a while, but your true nature will eventually re-emerge. Like a dog or a sow, you will return to what you love. Coming to Christ, is a transformation… We aren’t perfect, but our faith leads us to die to ourselves and walk differently.
This passage says it would be better for people not to think they tried Christ – when all they tried was religion. They built a house on sand, and when the storm came, it crashed… This makes them less likely to pursue God, thinking they have tried Christianity, and it failed them… When what they tried was church without any relationship, or commitment to Jesus. Sure, they believed there is a God (so do demons). They were willing to receive gifts from The Lord, but never intended to follow Him.
Scripture says that in the end there will be people like this listing the “works” they did for God - and Jesus will say I didn’t know you… He won’t say you didn’t come to church enough, or put enough in the offering … He will say He never knew you…. What a heartbreaking verse.
If your life is full of the wrong “fruit”, get to know Jesus. That is what changes you. The cross makes fellowship possible, so spend time with Him. Salvation comes through faith, but make sure your faith has gone from your head to your heart. There is a deceptive enemy lying to you.
By grace through faith alone is the only path – and that path produces fruit.
“Make sure you “catch” true Christianity… When you get the disease, you won’t have to fake the symptoms.” - Anonymous
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