Don't Let Anyone Deceive You.

     Many people have the mistaken idea that in spite of their behavior, they will still make it to heaven. They base this on many things. Some believe that God is so good and loving, He will overlook everything and let them in. Others believe that they will make it based on a prayer they said, or a past commitment they made. Many individuals believe that God's grace covers everything they do, so there is no real need to change. What does it matter, they think. Once saved always saved. Or they convince themselves that since it is of grace and not works  forsaking sin is of little or no importance.
     The truth is it does indeed matter. Consider the following passage of scripture.

     For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
     Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
                   Ephesians 5:5-6 NASB

     This passage should serve as a warning to us. We cannot decide to believe what we want to believe, and to live how we want to live. What we believe, and the choices we make in this life will have eternal consequences.
     Paul said "Let no one deceive you with empty words".  This should get our attention. Too many individuals think that passages of scripture like this are judgmental and unloving. The truth is that God loves us and desires to see us saved from sin, and serving Him. Our actions have consequences so He is warning us, much like we would warn our children to stay away from a hot stove, or to get back from the edge of a busy road.
     God's salvation is a salvation from sin. It is a life changing process by which we are empowered to overcome sin and temptation. Our sinful nature is changed into a nature that desires to please Christ in all we do.
     We must repent and turn from our sin if we desire to be saved! There is no such thing as being saved while we refuse to let go of what we need to be saved from! We must repent and be born again. Jesus said it is impossible to enter the kingdom of heaven without the new birth (John 3:3, 5-7).
     I warn you, do not be deceived on this! Do not listen to those who will tell you that you can remain in a sinful lifestyle and still be a saved individual, a Christian.
     You must repent, you must be born again!