Satan's first scheme was to tell Eve that God would not do as He had said ( Gen.3:1-6 ). He told her, "You shall surely not die". It was thus that he was able to lead Eve into sin. He tries the same method today also. God's Word says that believers who "live after the flesh shall surely die" ( Rom.8:13 ). But Satan says, "You shall surely not die". And most believers believe him and continue in sin.

How many really believe that it is better to lose one's eye, and be blind, than to lust after a woman; and that it is better to lose one's right hand than to commit sexual sin with it.

How many really believe that those who don't take anger and sexual sin seriously will finally go to Hell ( Matt.5:22-30 )?

How many believe that it is equivalent to shaking one's fist at God to disobey His Word and to marry an unbeliever ( 2 Cor.6:14 )?

How many believe that only the pure in heart will see God ( Matt.5:8 )?

How many believe that those who do not pursue peace with all men and sanctification will not see the Lord ( Heb.12:14 ).

How many believe that every careless word that they speak, they will have to give an account for, in the day of judgment ( Matt.12:37 ). There are very few believers in the world who believe these words of God. Such is the work of deception that Satan has done in Christendom. As a result, most believers have lost the fear of God and the fear of His warnings. They play the fool with sin until Satan has destroyed them thoroughly.

God looks at those who are broken in spirit and who tremble at His Word ( Isa.66:1 , 2 ). We must tremble at every warning in God's Word. This is the proof that we really fear God. It is only those who are perfecting holiness in the fear of God who will become a part of Christ's Body finally. Only those who overcome will be saved from the second death (the lake of fire) and will have the right to partake of the tree of life ( Rev.2:7 , 11 ). This is what the Spirit is saying to all the churches. But those who have ears to hear are very, very few.