How people with the Holy Spirit fall back into sin

[Livelystone]

Condemned Already and the Parable of the Unclean Spirit

Part One

John 3:18
 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God

In the above verse we see where the difference between those who believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God “Jesus Christ,” versus those who do not believe in the name of Jesus Christ, is what determines whether or not they are “condemned already”. While on one hand it is clearly said those who do not believe are condemned already, what is not clearly said is what they are condemned to?

The vast majority of church doctrines, theologians, clergy, etc., will tell you that to be condemned in the above verse means those persons have already been condemned to hell for all eternity. However, how well does this doctrine hold up when examined through the laws God gave us to determine the truth? First, let’s look at the words of Paul.

Hebrews 9:27
 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

In this verse the author of Hebrews makes it very clear that a person does not face judgment until after their death. However, in keeping with the laws of God for determining the truth, we need to find a second witness before we can allow this to become church doctrine acceptable to God for the edification of His children. In addition, and in accordance to these same laws for determining truth we must also be able to confirm there are not any verses being overlooked contrary to people not being eternally condemned to hell before they die.

Luke 12:20
 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?


When we look in the Strong’s Lexicon for the definition behind the word “required” used in the above verse we see that it means to “take back,” in order to demand a payment. In other words God told this man who was overly confident concerning the value of his earthly goods that “this night,” he would not only die but his soul would immediately appear before God to be judged for better or for worse for all of the things he had done while living on earth. Consequently, we now have the necessary two witnesses within the Scriptures both stating that a person is not condemned to anything eternally while they still remain alive on earth let alone being sentenced to a never-ending existence living in excruciating torture.

Unfortunately, ever since the fall in the garden the spirit of man (Adam), and the soul of man (Eve), along with the serpent’s seed crawling in the dust of the earth that makes up our flesh, all appear together within the physical body causing the spirit and soul of all mankind to be born under the dominion of Satan. It is the spirit and soul of the natural man that makes up the kingdoms of the world Satan offered to Jesus if He would bow down and worship him. Without the Holy Spirit available only through the Cross of Jesus Christ living within them, unregenerate persons have only the unclean spirit of man under the dominion of Satan influencing their decision-making process through the individual’s concept of good and evil. Therefore, because they do not have the power and knowledge of the Holy Spirit needed to overcome sin, eventually they will yield to the temptations Satan puts before them. Consequently, and to answer the original question, until one is baptized with the Holy Spirit they are forever condemned to living under the dominion of Satan.

In the natural state everyone is automatically born into, they (the spirit of man) remain condemned to living a life ruled through the knowledge of good and evil that is under the dominion of Satan. This is the way it has been since the fall back in the Garden of Eden, and is the condition everyone will remain in until through the life found in the blood of Jesus Christ is sprinkled upon their heart, they may be baptized with the same spirit that brought Jesus into the world, a.k.a. the Holy Spirit. At this point Christians have been given the power to become sons of God, thus empowering them to overcome sin providing their faith continues to grow in knowledge of the truth found in the Word of God. The difference between having access to the power seen in the spirit given to Jesus at His birth, versus having access to the power seen coming from the life and persona of Jesus Christ being resurrected in them, is the mind of Christ! For this reason, and because the apostles already had the mind of Christ, Paul exhorts us to forgo the mind of man and obtain the mind of Christ (1Cor.2: 16, 15: 33-37, Phil.2: 5).

Now that we understand what an unbeliever is condemned to, as well as what they are not condemned to, we need to ask ourselves what was the reason and purpose behind Jesus saying what he did? The answer to the first part is without someone being baptized in the Holy Spirit they are unable to break free from the dominion of Satan’s kingdom ruling over them. The answer to the second part is those who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit are not only given the power to break free from Satan’s dominion, they are expected to do so, and those who fail to do so will be judged accordingly! While most of the blame will fall on the clergy for not teaching the truth causing the people to err and stray from the path of their sanctification; all have the same access to Bibles, and through His Holy Spirit we all have access to the same truth. Therefore, all are required and expected to learn the truth that will allow them to overcome sin. (1Cor.15:34)

John 1:12 
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1 John 3:9 
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Christians still committing sins are doing so because they have fallen back under the dominion of Satan who rules over the spirit of man still remaining in Christians even after they have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Because Christ cannot sin it is obvious that when a Christian commits a sin is because the Holy Spirit given to them is not the spirit who is ruling their heart. This is the problem in all too many churches where the truth is no longer taught thus allowing the spirit of man to regain control of both the heart of the individual members and the corporate body at large. In turn this has caused the disappearance of the blessings and miracles being done by God from being witnessed by the congregation because the same presence of sin that causes death causes God to depart the church. Therefore, the signs and wonders that have always separated the true worshippers of God from the other religions of the world are no longer associated with the chosen people of God who are the seed counted as a generation.

Many of these same churches witnessed miracles in their beginning, but since the truth of the resurrection and eternal judgment along with the knowledge of spiritual things has for the most part disappeared from the church, nowdays there is as much sin within the church as there is within the secular world. However, the secular world committing sin is not a problem, but for us sin in the church is a major problem, and is the reason why we do not see the same presence and blessings from God today as experienced by the first century church. In the next verse John identifies for us what it is that is causing sin to appear in churches today, and the reason why Christians still sin.

1 John 3:8
 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.

Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Throughout the New Testament there is a multitude of verses that speak of people coming to Christ and being baptized in the Holy Spirit, but unfortunately return to a life of sin because they were not taught the truth that would have kept them away from sin. Quite often we hear in the church the reason why Christians still sin is either because they “were not truly saved,” or because it is impossible for anyone to ever overcome sin. The truth behind why most Christians fall back into sin is not because they were “never saved,” or because they want to, but because they were not taught the truth that could have kept them separated from sin! This is the message within David’s walk through the valley of death (the affairs of the world) where he feared no evil, as well as one of the lessons in Job where we learn the only thing that can limit how far Satan can go to snare us is the limitations God puts on him! Therefore, the only thing that can keep us from sin is the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus who is the free gift of salvation given unto us, and our only hope for overcoming sin.

Conclusion in Part Two

Blessings

Doug

[Livelystone]

Part Two


The flip side of not being taught the truth, but still being told they must not sin is Christians being told to accomplish what no natural born person has ever been able to do and overcome sin by fulfilling the Law. Unfortunately, what has happened to both camps is because they were not taught the truth, Satan has moved right back into the heart of both the individual and the corporate church without either of them realizing it has become Satan instead of Christ who is directing their steps. For this reason Jesus gave us the parable of the unclean spirit so we may learn what happens when our hearts are not filled with the foundational truths of Jesus Christ and our salvation (Heb. 6: 1-2).

Mat.13: 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

It is the heart of man that matters because who is living in the heart determines if the person is going to be able to overcome sin and serve God, or continue to serve the desires of Satan. The only reason the unclean spirit departed the heart of the man in the first place was because the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ who has been given a name more powerful than any other name in this world and in the world to come, came into the person’s heart consequently forcing the unclean spirit of man to depart. This is because sin represented by darkness, (lies) will through the commandment of God be displaced by the appearance of light (truth) coming from within the Holy Spirit.

It is important to remember that darkness cannot be changed into light, but instead darkness is displaced when light makes its appearance. Darkness can no more be changed into light than fat can be turned into muscle, because what they represent is totally different from each other. (In the same manner light when separated by a prism reveals the seven colors of a rainbow within the light, on the other hand darkness has neither light nor color) The “dry places” where the unclean spirit goes to consist of the dust of the earth that makes up our physical bodies that are mere “earthen vessels” for a spirit and soul to abide in. This “flesh” is where the unclean spirit of man unites with the seven deadly sins a.k.a. “wicked friends” found in Proverbs 6:16-19 (For those who have ears that hear, the seven deadly sins of Proverbs are seen within the allegory represented by the seven original nations of Canaan that is a metaphor for our soul) before together as “one flesh,” they regain rule over the heart of the unsuspecting Christian.

Although we can see that the heart in this parable is “empty and swept,” indicating it has been cleansed we also see the word “garnished” being used here that is a verb indicating an action taken “to put in the proper order,” lets us know this person has made a step in the right direction and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, because this particular heart is also said to be ‘empty,” the truth that should be in this person’s heart that would keep Satan from retaking it is missing all because this person was never taught the truth. Therefore, and without the truth that makes up the presence of light, there is nothing to stop the darkness of the unclean spirit from returning to its former position of ruling the heart without the person ever becoming aware that Satan has regained control of their heart.

On the other hand, because the spirit of man has both good and evil knowledge within it, through the universal law of polarity and Satan’s dominion over the spirit of man working together will always continue to tempt the Christian to yield to sin (Ro.7: 23). Unfortunately, the unsuspecting Christian who has yet to be taught the truth of the foundational doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1–2, but instead believes in the false doctrines being taught in the vast majority of today’s church, Satan masquerading as the Holy Spirit is able to return to the person’s heart making them worse off than they were before coming to Christ (2Cor.11:14, He.6: 4-8). The reason why they are worse off is now they will be held accountable for their sin, because through the baptism of the Holy Spirit they were given the power to become sons of God (Jn.1:12) who overcome sin, but because they failed to do so they will be judged accordingly.

This is why the Bible teaches us that Christians perish because of their lack of knowledge. Knowing the truth does not mean one will always automatically defeat all temptation to sin, however, because the only way that lies and false doctrines can be consistently overcome is through the mind of Christ who is the knowledge of all truth. Therefore, without the mind of Christ who is the author of the knowledge of the truth in us; Satan, who is our relentless enemy can never be overcome.

Blessings to all

Doug

[renee819]

Doug, That is a really great teaching.

I am writing a book, (almost finished—I think) tentatively called “ The Strait And Narrow For The Open Minded.” Basically, the book is on the same subject.

I believe that we all were children of the Devil, until we are 'born again' of the water and the Spirit. And then we have God's divine nature inside of us.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust

I don't believe that Jesus was just calling the Jews names when He said, . . .

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

That is why Jesus came, to redeem us from the clutches of the Devil. That is why we must be born again.

The problem is, after Adam sinned, he turned this world over to the Devil, and the Devil set the course of this world, which is the “spirit of this world.”

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved

And that 'grace' is the Holy Ghost.
The 'course of this world' is 'the spirit of this world' as seen in 1st John. This is the whole world's problem.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world

God is not talking about His beautiful created earth, but the 'spirit of this world.”

Lust of the flesh---abnormal desire to do---overeat, immoral sex, drugs, drunkenness, etc.,
Lust of the eyes---abnormal desire to have, to possess, material things, money, houses, lands, people
Pride of life,------to have people look up at you, Pride, Prestige and Power

And thanks Doug for mentioning the seven deadly sins, which goes right along with this.

Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Part 2---Why would a born again person fall prey to these things?

[Livelystone]

Hi Renée,

Thank you for the kind words.

I have looked over what you have shared and I agree with you 100%. I always like to see when people are led to write on the things of God. In my mind it is one of the best ways to learn as we hear from God because he honors our desire to know him better.

I like your title, “Straight and Narrow” and when we compare them with the wide and narrow gates understanding that both lead to Jerusalem, but only one was open for the Sabbath, takes us into the the pastures God has separated for His chosen to learn directly from Him.

Look forward to getting to know you, and thank you again for the kind words. If I can ever be of any help please do not hesitate to ask, or if you just like to chat sometime let me know.

Blessings to you and to yours

Doug

[renee819]

Part 2
There are probably as many reasons as to why people backslide as there are people, but there are a few underlying causes and these I want us to take a look.

I believe the root cause of why people won't come to God, or even after they have made a start, they fall away, is, they have not been taught nor did they learn on their own to have “the fear of the Lord”. And this is something that people have to learn.

The 'fear of the Lord' is not, being afraid that God will bop you on the head every time you sin. Neither is it to stand in awe of God, as some people teach, although it includes that. So what is, “the fear of the Lord?”

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

The “fear of the Lord” is to learn to hate EVIL, PRIDE, ARROGANCY, EVIL WAYS AND THE FROWARD MOUTH.

What are the advantages of learning to hate evil?

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding

It matters not how low or how high a persons IQ is, or how much learning they have accomplished, they have not begun to have wisdom nor understanding until they have learned, “the fear of the Lord.”

Like I have said for years, if learning to hate evil is wisdom, then sin is ignorance. But what makes me so sure that we can learn to hate evil? The Word of God. And experience.

If you think it's not important, then look up all of the scriptures in the OT as well as the New and see the importance. It is all thru your Bible.

Now back to our subject, “Why do born again people backslide?”
I believe, after they were born again, they were taught don't do this don't do that. Some are told, dress this way for holiness. And they followed the rules and standards, but wasn't taught or did not learn what the fear of the Lord was. They did not learn to hate evil. They went to church. Joined the choir. Participated in all of the church functions, so what did they not do?

According to surveys, and from what we can see, most Christians do not study their Bibles. And I mean study as if your life depended on it. Meditate on a subject and ask God to give you understanding. Once God starts revealing things to you, it creates a hunger for more.
I'm not talking about, setting aside a time to read so many chapters a day. This is better than nothing. But you have to study to really get revelation knowledge.

You mean, Renee, That you have to work at it?
Absolutely!
I've posted with people that are more afraid of “works” than they are the lake of fire. Even one person saying that to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost was 'works.”

When you become 'born again' you must work at becoming righteous and holy until it becomes your lifestyle, with wisdom and understanding. When I say wisdom, I'm talking about 'spiritual wisdom. How hard is it?

Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

And where are you going to dig? Where will you find the 'fear of the Lord, which is to hate evil?
Only God's Word, is Truth.

What happens to those that will not dig? That are Christians on the surface? This applies to sinners as well. A sinner has to learn to hate the evil in his life before he will repent.

Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord

There is a time when God says---”enough is enough.” And He will no longer deal with them.

I really am trying to wind this up.

Because people have not been taught (no one can really teach you what the fear of the Lord is, if you have no desire to find out) or they didn't let the Word and the Holy Ghost teach them, they let their imaginations run wild and don't control their minds.

All sin begins in the mind, that is why Paul says, . . .

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Every thought---every imagination! How can we do that? The natural man can not. Because we are born with the “spirit of this world” in us, and sin has dominion over us. But when you are born again, you become a new creation. And sin no longer has the dominion, UNLESS, you cling to the 'spirit of this world” talking their talk, walking their walk, and don't want to make a difference. The choice is still left up to you.

Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Why are they free from sin? “but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” What doctrine? There is only ONE in the NT. Paul preached what he had received.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

You make the choice. However, if you have received the Holy Ghost, you now have a helper, the spirit of truth living inside of you. And because, “greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world,” And for this reason, you can overcome sin, flesh and the Devil----little by little.