THE BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER AND SIN (1 John 3:4-10) PART 5 of 5

 (2). The children of YAHWEH Elohim (God) and the children of the devil are distinguished by the practice of righteousness and love (3:10).

 John’s last verse in this section explains and clinches his point:

 “By this the children of YAHWEH and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of Elohim (God), nor the one who does not love his brother.”

 This verse is parallel to John’s warning about deception in 3:7. Don’t be fooled. It’s easy to say, “I believe in Yahshua Messiah.” But John says, “Look at his life. If he doesn’t practice righteousness, if he doesn’t live in obedience to YAHWEH’S Word, especially with regard to love, his claim is false.” John’s final comment shows that true righteousness includes love for your brother, and it introduces the relational test (3:11-18).

 Conclusion

The modern American congregation (church) has fallen into serious deception on this crucial matter of sin. The popular view is that there are two options for the Believers life.

 “Plan A” is for the really committed: you trust Yahshua Messiah as Savior and Master/Lord. This is tough. You have to obey Yahshua Messiah totally, repenting of all your sins. It means giving up the right to spend your money as you choose, because you yield it to Yahshua and manage it as His steward. It means following Yahshua Messiah as His servant. He may call you to go to the mission field or even die as a martyr. But you will have rewards in heaven.

 If that’s too difficult, you may want to try “Plan B.” In this option, you accept Yahshua Messiah (Christ) as Savior, but you don’t need to follow Him as Master/Lord. With this plan, you will go to heaven when you die, but you just don’t get as many rewards. But you can enjoy the pleasures of sin now and at least get in the door of heaven later.

 But the truth of the Bible, the truth that John emphasizes here is, “There is no Plan B!”

 Plan A is the only plan for eternal life. Yahshua Messiah calls you to follow Him as Savior and Master. You cannot do this by your own strength or willpower, but only if He imparts new life to you, causing you to be born of YAHWEH Elohim (God). If you have been born of YAHWEH Elohim’s Spirit, it will be obvious. The new life in you will produce a life of righteousness. “Little children, make sure no one deceives you!” —