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1 Corinthians 12:1-3
In 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 the Apostle Paul wants to make sure that the congregation of the church at Corinth is aware that they are not the people that they once were, but that they become fully aware of the gifts they have received in their new lives through their salvation in Christ Jesus. He instructs them in 1 Corinthians 12:2 (NKJV), “You know that you were Gentiles,” with the intention and understanding that they must now be something other than Gentiles. When they were saved through their belief in Christ Jesus they became new people – a new life was given to them. They were once not considered God’s children, but now they are – in Christ. Paul is referring to faith that is the requirement for salvation; as the faith of Abraham was accredited to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4). The righteousness was not of Abraham but through his faith in God given to him from God for believing in Him. Paul is saying that this is the same for the congregation of the church at Corinth, who, before putting their faith in God through Christ Jesus, were part of a community that worshiped “dumb idols” as Paul refers to them in 1 Corinthians 12:2.
Paul grasps their attention as he reminds them of the change that has occurred in their lives through their salvation in Christ Jesus. He then gives them examples of the proof and distinction between someone who has truly been saved and someone who is not. He states in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” This is a common spiritual gift in which all Christians can relate. If one is not truly saved, they would not understand what a new spiritual life in Christ Jesus is about because God’s Holy Spirit would not dwell within them. Jesus declares in John 14:17, “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
This is a promise that the distinction between a Christian and a non-Christian is the new life lived through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit within them.
Some people believe that by attending a church service makes you a Christian. Some people believe that God is real, and that makes them a Christian. There are many other excuses that the devil fills our minds with that trick us into believing that everything will be good with God when we die and we will go to heaven; and the truth is, we will, but if Jesus does not live in your heart through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, you will not remain there as you will hear the words spoken to you from God Himself saying, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41). And for those who simply believe that God is real, the Bible teaches us in James 2:19, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble!” The demons tremble because they know their eternal fate…do you know yours? Open your heart to Jesus today and do more than simply believe that He is real; receive His Holy Spirit and begin living a new changed life through faith in Christ Jesus, that He died to pay the price for your sins so that you may live life to God and spend eternity in heaven.
Dear LORD,
We don’t want to be superficial in our Christianity as a superficial Christian is only a lie put on by the influence given by Satan himself to trick many people to not truly give their lives to You through faith that you will save us if we will lay down our sinful lives and grasp hold of life in Christ Jesus – the Savior of the world! Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.