A Call to Self-Examination in a Culture of Compromise
"And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed."
—2 Corinthians 12:21 (KJV)
The Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth are as sobering today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago. This is not a letter to pagans or outsiders. He is writing to believers, those who profess to follow Christ. Yet among them were many who had fallen into sexual immorality, impurity, and shameless behavior—and worse, had not repented.
These were not one-time stumbles. Paul said they were practicing such things. This was not weakness that led to tears; this was open rebellion without remorse.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
—2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
Paul’s warning is sharp: if you’re living in ongoing, unrepented sin, especially sexual sin, it’s time to check whether Christ truly lives within you at all.
When Sin Is Practiced, Not Resisted
The tragedy Paul describes is still happening today in the modern Church. A growing number of professing Christians have made peace with sin, especially sexual immorality. Whether it's fornication, adultery, pornography, or same-sex relationships, many claim grace while walking in willful rebellion.
"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
—Romans 6:1–2 (KJV)
There is a difference between struggling with sin and practicing sin. The one who struggles is in the fight, grieved and repentant. The one who practices has made a home in it. That person, Paul warns, must examine whether they truly ever knew Christ.
The Deception of False Assurance
Imagine going through your entire life thinking you were saved—only to stand before Christ and hear:
"I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
—Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
This is not a loss of salvation. This is proof of false conversion—a life where the Holy Spirit was never truly present. Paul tells the Corinthians not to assume their salvation, but to test it.
Like a patient and a doctor, we must be honest with ourselves: Is the fruit of the Spirit in my life? Do I hunger for holiness? Is there conviction when I sin?
"If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
—Romans 8:9 (KJV)
Sexual Sin: The Red Flag of Rebellion
Sexual immorality is a red flag. It is one of the most powerful indicators of whether the Spirit of God is at work within someone. A true believer may fall—but they cannot dwell in such sin without intense conviction and eventual repentance.
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints."
—Ephesians 5:3 (KJV)
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind..."
—1 Corinthians 6:9 (KJV)
If these things define your life—not moments of weakness, but a lifestyle—you must take heed. Do not delay repentance. Do not assume you are safe simply because you claim the name of Christ.
A Culture of Compromise in the Last Days
We live in a time when the Church is surrounded by a culture that celebrates sin. From entertainment to education, from politics to pulpits, many have grown numb to the things that grieve the heart of God.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud...
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
—2 Timothy 3:1–5 (KJV)
Even within the Church, we now hear messages of self-love over self-denial, and affirmation over transformation. But Jesus calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). That road includes dying to sexual sin, crucifying the flesh, and walking in the Spirit.
The Urgent Call: Examine Yourselves
Friend, this is not a message of condemnation, but of invitation. If your heart is convicted, that is a sign of God’s mercy drawing you to repentance. Do not ignore it.
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of."
—2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
God is not calling you to perfection overnight. He is calling you to surrender. To repent. To turn from sin. And to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
A Clear Gospel Message
If you're reading this and unsure whether Jesus truly lives within you, here is how you can know:
-
Recognize your sin.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” —Romans 3:23 -
Acknowledge the penalty.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” —Romans 6:23 -
Believe in Jesus’ finished work.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.” —Romans 10:9 -
Repent and follow Him.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out...” —Acts 3:19
Conclusion: Will You Examine Yourself Today?
The worst tragedy is not hardship or even death. It is to live your whole life believing you're saved—only to discover you never truly knew Him.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord...
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you."
—Matthew 7:22–23 (KJV)
Do not delay. Examine yourself today. If you find yourself lacking, run to Christ. He is faithful to forgive, to cleanse, and to fill you with His Spirit.
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