The practices of the born again believer differ greatly from the practices of those who say they are Christians but defy God's principles while justifying their sin.
The idea that these pretenders can fool human beings into accepting their sin suggests that they do not realize God sees it all and they cannot fool God.
If they believe they can fool humans then how could they possibly believe in God and think they can fool Him.
One cannot believe in God at the same time thinking that He does not see their deception and lies to other human beings. Lying to people suggests strongly that one thinks they can lie to God.
Oh, Oh..... Perhaps they have not read the story of Ananias and Sapphira? Just saying!
Acts 5:1-11
Fate of Ananias and Sapphira
5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”
10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things."
Ananias and Sapphira were not killed by God for holding back money. God had given them a choice as to how much they would give or hold back. This husband and wife team were killed by God for LYING to the Holy Spirit.
Ananias and Sapphira were disciplined by God BECAUSE they were born again believers. They lied to the Holy Spirit Who was within them. They were an example to all those watching, it cause a fear of offending God to race through the crowd as the pondered the power of God and His hatred of the sin of lying.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
The lying was an attempt on their part to impress others. Lying to impress is a sin and hated by God. God hates lying!!!!
By the way, I believe we will see Ananias and Sapphira in heaven. They had the Holy Spirit, God disciplines those He loves and the church was deeply impacted at that time to understand the power of the Holy Spirit and the seriousness of lying. And, keep in mind that lying is sin against the Holy Spirit.
Think about it!
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