If you are reading this article, then you are wondering why I am warning you. In the title, I specify that this warning is to the “World.” You see, I am not part of this world — I belong to Jesus Christ. I am in the world, but not of it.
FROM GOTQUESTIONS.ORG
Question: “How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?”
Answer: When we read of the “world” in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos. Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this “cosmos” (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ’s claims that believers are no longer of the world—we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less and less as we mature in Christ.
Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity and commitment.
We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen knows that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us.
Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.[1]
In 1983, I realized that I was a lost sinner. I realized that if I died at that moment, that I would go to hell. I wanted to go to heaven when I died. Some Christians I had met told me all about Jesus and how He died for me. That night was the most amazing night of my entire life. God loved me! He wanted me to be in His family. How glorious is that? He forgave me of all of my sins. I realized that Jesus’ death on the Cross was payment for all sin – for whosoever would believe on Him and place their trust in Him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).
Back to my warning to you if you are of the world; if you have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you can never say that again. You are reading it now. God does love you so much. He wants you to be in His family. Up till now, you have rejected Him. Only you know why you have not wanted to be part of God’s family. Perhaps you think that you will lose friends and even family.
I lost family. You see, I was brought up in a Jewish home. Most of my family has rejected me. My sisters have not spoken to me for almost 20 years. Here is what Jesus says about that:
“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law” (Luke 12:51-53).
Time is short. The Bible has hundreds of prophecies – many of which have already been fulfilled. But the prophecies in Revelation, Daniel and other places in the Word have yet to be fulfilled.
There is a time coming called the Tribulation. The Bible says that the horrific things that will happen in the world have never happened before, and will never happen again. The Church (of which I am a part) will be taken to heaven by Jesus Himself and then the Tribulation will begin.
God destroyed the earth with a flood, except for Noah and his family. The account of this is in the Old Testament. God said that the thoughts of men and women were only evil continually, and that He was sorry that he had created them. The human race had rejected their maker – the Lord. God is not responsible for all of the horrific things that happen on this earth. The Garden of Eden was perfection. There was no sin there. Adam and Eve walked with God and talked with Him. Everything was just as God wanted it to be.
But God created Adam and Eve in His image and He gave them free will to choose good or evil. Eve was deceived by Satan and Adam sinned willfully. Since that time this earth has been in chaos. Tribulation is when God’s wrath will be poured out on all flesh for their sin and disobedience.
A man the Bible calls “Antichrist” will fool the world and many will worship him. They will receive his “mark” which shows that their allegiance will be to the Beast (Antichrist). The church will be gone (in heaven) as will children. If you are left behind, you will suffer great affliction. The Bible says that people will want to die and will not be able to die.
After the tribulation begins, many will realize that they missed the truth – that Jesus Christ is really God, and that He is the Savior of the world. Those people will give their hearts to Jesus. They will be persecuted and slaughtered by the Antichrist for not worshiping him. After they are martyred, Jesus will receive them into His kingdom. This period of time will be the worst time ever seen on earth.
Do you want to be here during this time? You do not have to be here. You can stop right now – wherever you are and confess that you agree that you are a sinner to God, and repent of those sins. You can tell God that you want Him to be your Savior and that you trust Him for your Salvation.
How to be saved:
Do NOT believe that there are many ways to God. There is ONE way:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
There is no reincarnation. That is a lie from the devil. There is no Chrislam; also a lie from the evil one.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9: 27).
I hope and pray that many who are of this world will take to heart the things I have said in this piece. Where you spend eternity will depend on whether you accept Jesus into your heart or reject Him.
His love for you knows no bounds, and He is waiting for you with open arms. No matter what you have done in this life, He is waiting to make you into a new person. I pray that you will open your heart to Him.
Blessings in Jesus
MARANATHA!
Grandmageri422@gmail.com
[1] http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html