February 1, 2016 - Satan has done a wonderful job at deceiving millions upon millions of people that they can sin and live like the devil and still reap the rewards of heaven. This basic concept and principle is the teaching of the Nicolations, which believed that there was nothing anyone could do that would cause them to lose their soul. And Jesus hated their doctrine because it is not true (Rev. 2:6,15).
Concerning this teaching Jesus said, “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Rev. 2:15-16).
The idea of the once saved always saved concept in its various forms is a teaching that Jesus hates. He hates it because it is not true and it goes against what He Himself taught. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. ...5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3,5).
Men say sin and go to heaven, Jesus says repent or perish. Jesus when He started His ministry preached repentance (Mk. 1:15). Paul said of the man in Corinth that he needed to repent of his fornication (1 Cor. 5:5) and later did (2 Cor. 2:6-7). Some Christians needed to repent in Thyatira or suffer the consequences (Rev. 2:20-23). And Peter said that repentance plays a key role in eternal salvation (2 Pet. 3:9).
Paul said, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Cor. 7:10). So you see, we can not live like the devil and be rewarded, nor can we hold the doctrine that teaches so. Both the conviction and the lifestyles are equally in need of repentance, or perish.
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