Now that man has been freed from sin's terrible mastery over his life, is he home free? What keeps him from falling back into the former ways that once entangled him? Does Satan now just give up on us because we've become God's children? That's wishful thinking! Eternal security (once saved always saved) is a comforting doctrine, but there's one problem -- it's not taught in God's word. There is danger of falling back into sin. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to his own vomit, and, a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." {2 Peter 2:20-22} The danger is real.

In His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pointed to the fact that the way that leads to life is difficult, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13,14). Self-discipline is a must if one expects to stay focused and headed toward eternal life. "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." {1 Corinthians 9:27} We must live our Christian lives in a different way, according to a different standard. The lives of God's children are noticeably different from the lives of those who are in the world. God demands it. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." {Matthew 5:13-16}

The Christian life is filled with love and service. "Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." {Matthew 22:37-40} In God's kingdom, true worth is not based on personal wealth, intelligence, power, or other human measuring standards. It is based on humility and willingness to serve others. This requires self-denial, something that is difficult for men to practice. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." {Matthew 10:37-39} Christ must occupy first place in our lives. God will accept nothing less. It is not up for debate. He requires it.

We are in a spiritual battle with our adversary the devil. He seeks our souls every day (1 Peter 5:8). "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." {2 Corinthians 10:3-5} This fight cannot be compromised or taken lightly. Give the devil his due, or he will lead you back into the world (2 Corinthians 2:11). The Christian life is not for the faint-hearted. All that being said, it is still the best life to live. It brings peace in this life, and it will lead us to the portals of heaven. Eternal life will belong only to those who are willing to give all they have to receive it. Will you join me?