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Going to Church While Refusing to Repent

Bible Doctrine
2 Corinthians 12:21 KJV warning about sin and refusing to repent, shown inside a church.

You can sit in church every Sunday and still refuse to turn from sin.

Paul wrote of those who “have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed” (2 Corinthians 12:21 KJV). His grief was over people who continued in sin without repentance.

That should cause us to examine our own lives. Have we made ourselves comfortable with something God has called us to leave behind? Are we living together outside marriage while telling ourselves it does not matter? Have we treated marriage vows, divorce, or remarriage as matters of personal preference without honestly facing what Jesus taught?

Going to church does not make disobedience acceptable to God. And knowing the right words is no substitute for turning from the sin we have defended.

If the Lord is bringing something to mind, do not push it away. Open His Word. Confess the truth to Him. Seek His help to obey, even where obedience will cost you something.

The door to repentance is open. Will you walk through it?

Examine Yourselves: A Call to Honest Faith

Bible Doctrine
2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV graphic inviting readers to examine their faith and the direction of their lives.

You can attend church, know the right words, and still make peace with sin.

Paul’s instruction is personal: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV)

What have you begun to excuse that once convicted you? Have you persuaded yourself that God approves of something His Word calls sin? Look honestly at the choices you are making now and where they are leading.

This examination is for each of us. Bring what you find before the Lord. Confess the sin you have defended, turn from it, and ask Him to lead you in obedience.

How Can I Know If I’m Really Saved? Five Biblical Tests

Bible Doctrine

How Can I Know If I’m Really Saved?

Few questions are more important than this one.

Am I truly saved?

Many people base their assurance on a prayer they once prayed, a church membership, or an emotional experience years ago.

The Bible points us somewhere better.

It points us to Christ and to the evidence of genuine faith.

1. Do You Trust Christ Alone?

Saving faith rests completely upon Jesus Christ.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
— Acts 16:31 (KJV)

Our confidence is never found in our own goodness.

2. Do You Love God’s Word?

One mark of spiritual life is a growing desire for Scripture.

No Christian is perfect, but genuine believers hunger for God’s truth.

3. Has Your Life Begun to Change?

Salvation does not produce sinless perfection.

It does produce a new direction.

God begins changing the desires of those He saves.

4. Do You Desire to Obey Christ?

Obedience never earns salvation.

Instead, it becomes the fruit of genuine salvation.

Jesus said:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15 (KJV)

5. Is Your Confidence in Christ or Yourself?

The strongest assurance comes from looking to Christ rather than continually looking inward.

True believers continue trusting the finished work of Jesus.

Assurance Comes From God’s Word

Feelings change.

God’s promises do not.

The more we know Scripture, the stronger our assurance becomes.

Continue Studying

Recommended Bible Study

The Case Against False Conversion

If you’ve wrestled with questions about assurance, genuine conversion, or whether someone can appear to be saved while never truly knowing Christ, this book carefully examines what Scripture teaches about true saving faith.

Using the Bible as its authority, it explores repentance, false professions, assurance, and the evidence of genuine conversion—pointing readers back to Christ rather than religious tradition or emotional experiences.


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“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)

Is Baptism Required for Salvation? What the Bible Really Says

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Is Baptism Required for Salvation?

Few Bible questions have generated more discussion than this one.

Must a person be baptized in water before they can be saved?

Many sincere Christians answer yes.

Others answer no.

Instead of relying on church tradition or denominational teaching, let’s examine what the Scriptures actually say.

Salvation Has Always Been by Grace Through Faith

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is God’s gift.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

If salvation is a gift received through faith, then we should carefully ask whether baptism is presented as a condition for receiving that gift or as an act of obedience that follows genuine faith.

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

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What About the Thief on the Cross?

One of the most well-known examples in Scripture is the thief who believed beside Jesus.

“Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
— Luke 23:43 (KJV)

The thief trusted Christ, yet there was no opportunity for him to be baptized before he died.

Jesus nevertheless assured him of eternal life.

Why Then Does the Bible Command Baptism?

Baptism is not unimportant.

Far from it.

It is the public testimony of a believer identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It is an act of obedience that follows genuine conversion.

Every believer should desire to obey Christ in baptism.

The Gospel Must Remain the Gospel

If we add any work as a requirement for salvation, we risk confusing the simplicity of the Gospel.

Salvation is found in Christ alone.

Baptism follows as an act of obedience because we have been saved, not in order to earn salvation.

Continue Studying God’s Word

Questions like these deserve careful study because eternity is at stake.

If you enjoy examining difficult biblical questions directly from Scripture, you may appreciate this book.

He Died for All
A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation.

Paperback |
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“Search the scriptures…” — John 5:39 (KJV)

Can Someone Lose Their Salvation? What Does the Bible Really Say?

Bible Doctrine

Can Someone Lose Their Salvation?

Few questions trouble Christians more than this one:

Can someone who has truly been saved lose that salvation?

The answer to that question affects assurance, daily Christian living, and even how we understand the Gospel itself.

Opinions are everywhere.

Churches disagree.

Teachers disagree.

But what matters is not tradition.

What matters is what God has actually said.

Salvation Is God’s Work

The Bible teaches that salvation begins with God.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

If salvation is God’s work, then understanding how He preserves His people becomes incredibly important.

Jesus Gives Eternal Life

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish…”
— John 10:28 (KJV)

Notice Jesus doesn’t say temporary life.

He says eternal life.

Yet Scripture also contains serious warnings against false professions of faith and empty religion.

That is why this subject deserves careful study rather than emotional reactions.

Real Faith Produces Real Fruit

The Bible never teaches that genuine faith produces no change.

Neither does it teach that Christians never struggle.

The issue is whether a person’s profession was genuine from the beginning.

Jesus warned repeatedly that many would claim to know Him while never truly belonging to Him.

The Importance of Examining Scripture

This is one of the most misunderstood doctrines in modern Christianity.

Instead of relying on denominational traditions, believers should search the Scriptures carefully.

God’s Word is always the final authority.

Learn More

If you’re interested in a careful, Scripture-centered examination of difficult biblical questions, you may also enjoy:

He Died for All
A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation.

Paperback |
Kindle

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

Browse Books

Visit JoeSoaresMusic.com

“Search the scriptures…” — John 5:39 (KJV)

What Makes a Christian Marriage Different?

Featured, Marriage

Marriage Matters
Biblical Help for Homes, Hearts, and Marriages

By Joe Soares

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 KJV

A Christian marriage is not merely a legal agreement, a romantic partnership, or two people trying to stay happy together.

At its heart, a Christian marriage is a covenant lived before God.

That one truth changes everything.

It changes how a husband leads. It changes how a wife responds. It changes how conflict is handled, how forgiveness is practiced, how love is understood, and how two sinners learn to walk together under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

A Christian Marriage Belongs to God

Modern culture often treats marriage as something people define for themselves. If it feels good, stay. If it becomes painful, leave. If emotions fade, assume love is gone.

But Scripture begins in a different place.

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Mark 10:9 KJV

Marriage is not man’s invention. It is God’s design.

That means a Christian husband and wife do not get to define marriage by culture, feelings, convenience, or personal happiness. They must come back to the Word of God.

A Christian Marriage Is Built on Sacrifice

The world often says love is about being fulfilled. Scripture teaches that love gives, serves, forgives, bears, and sacrifices.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:25 KJV

That is not shallow love. That is not emotional love. That is cross-shaped love.

A Christian husband is not called to dominate his wife. He is called to love her with humility, faithfulness, patience, and sacrifice.

A Christian wife is not called to compete with her husband. She is called to walk in reverence, wisdom, strength, and obedience to God.

A Christian Marriage Requires Forgiveness

There is no such thing as a marriage between two sinless people.

Every marriage will face selfishness, pride, harsh words, disappointment, misunderstanding, and pain. The difference in a Christian marriage is not that sinners never wound each other. The difference is that Christ teaches them how to repent and forgive.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV

Forgiveness is not optional for the Christian. It is part of walking with Christ.

A Christian Marriage Is Not Ruled by Feelings

Feelings matter, but they must not rule.

If a marriage is led only by emotion, it will rise and fall with every mood, wound, fear, and disappointment. But when a marriage is submitted to Christ, truth becomes stronger than temporary feelings.

Love is not proven only when feelings are strong. Often, love is proven when feelings are weak and obedience remains.

Scripture for Meditation

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV

Take time today to read 1 Corinthians 13 slowly. Do not read it as a wedding poem. Read it as a mirror.

Ask the Lord: Am I loving my spouse according to Your Word?

Continue Studying

The One True Language of Love book cover

The One True Language of Love

A Biblical Response to Popular Marriage Counsel

A Christ-centered book calling couples away from emotional love systems and back to repentance, obedience, forgiveness, and biblical love.

Kindle
Paperback

Listen While You Study

The Grace to Stay cover

The Grace To Stay

Private Collection Duet

A marriage worship song about covenant, mercy, repentance, and the grace of God to remain faithful.

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  • Why Feelings Make Terrible Marriage Counselors
  • Biblical Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting
  • Love Is More Than a Feeling

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

Browse Books

Visit JoeSoaresMusic.com

About the Author

Joe Soares is a Bible teacher, worship songwriter, and author whose ministry is devoted to pointing people to the authority of God’s Word. Through books, music, and Bible teaching, he seeks to encourage believers to examine every doctrine carefully in the light of Scripture and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully.

Can God Love Someone Who Rejects Him? A Biblical Answer

Bible Doctrine
The Gospel Examined
Biblical Answers to Today’s Most Important Questions

By Joe Soares

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 KJV

One of the hardest questions many people ask is this:

Can God truly love someone who rejects Him?

At first, the question may seem simple. Many Christians quickly answer, “Yes, God loves everyone.” But when the question is pressed deeper, some begin to struggle.

If God knows a person will reject Him, does He still love that person?

If someone refuses the Gospel, was the invitation ever truly offered to them?

If Christ died only for certain people, can we honestly say to every sinner, “God loves you, Christ died for you, and you may come to Him today”?

These are not small questions. They affect how we understand the Gospel, evangelism, prayer, and the heart of God toward sinners.

God Loved Us While We Were Still Sinners

The Bible does not say God waited for us to become lovable before He loved us.

Romans 5:8 says:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 KJV

That phrase matters: while we were yet sinners.

God’s love was not shown after man cleaned himself up. It was not shown after man became worthy. It was demonstrated while man was still guilty, lost, rebellious, and helpless.

This does not mean every person will be saved. Scripture is clear that salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. But it does mean God’s love toward sinners is real, not imaginary.

Jesus Wept Over Those Who Rejected Him

One of the clearest pictures of Christ’s heart is found as He looked over Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together… and ye would not!

Matthew 23:37 KJV

Jesus was not speaking to people who welcomed Him. He was speaking of a city marked by rejection, rebellion, and unbelief.

Yet His words are full of grief.

“How often would I have gathered thy children together… and ye would not.”

That is not the language of indifference. That is not the language of a Savior with no concern for the lost. That is the language of genuine compassion toward those who refused Him.

God’s Invitation Is Sincere

The Gospel invitation is not a trick. It is not an empty announcement given to people for whom no provision has been made.

Jesus said:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 KJV

The last chapter of the Bible says:

And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17 KJV

The word whosoever has comforted countless sinners because it opens the door wide. No sinner who comes to Christ will ever be turned away.

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:37 KJV

Love Does Not Remove Responsibility

Some people assume that if God loves someone, that person must automatically be saved. But Scripture does not teach universal salvation.

God’s love does not erase man’s responsibility.

God may genuinely love. Christ may sincerely invite. The Gospel may be truly offered. Yet a sinner may still refuse.

Jesus said:

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 5:40 KJV

The problem was not that Christ was unwilling to receive them. The problem was that they were unwilling to come.

Why This Matters

If God can love only those who will finally be saved, then the Gospel invitation becomes difficult to understand.

But if God’s love toward sinners is real, then we can preach the Gospel freely, honestly, and urgently.

We can look any person in the eye and say:

God loves sinners. Christ died for sinners. You may come to Him today.

That is not emotional exaggeration. That is the message of Scripture.

A Final Word

Yes, God can love someone who rejects Him.

That truth does not make rejection harmless. It makes rejection more serious.

To reject Christ is not to reject a distant God who never cared. It is to reject the Savior who calls sinners to come, who wept over the lost, and who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

The invitation is real.

The responsibility is real.

And the Savior is willing to receive every sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith.

Continue Studying

He Died for All book cover

He Died for All

A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation

Examine the biblical evidence for Christ’s atonement and the sincere invitation of the Gospel in this complete book by Joe Soares.

Kindle

Paperback

Listen While You Study

Forever You Are Master cover

Forever You Are Master

Private Collection

A worship song centered on the lordship, faithfulness, and unchanging authority of Jesus Christ.

Apple Music

Spotify

iHeartRadio

Read Next

  • Did Jesus Really Die for Everyone?
  • What Does “Whosoever” Really Mean?
  • Does God Desire Everyone to Be Saved?

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

Browse Books

Visit JoeSoaresMusic.com

About the Author

Joe Soares is a Bible teacher, worship songwriter, and author whose ministry is devoted to pointing people to the authority of God’s Word. Through books, music, and Bible teaching, he seeks to encourage believers to examine every doctrine carefully in the light of Scripture and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully.

Forever You Are Master

Music Ministry

Behind the Song
Worship, Scripture, and the Story Behind the Music

The Story Behind “Forever You Are Master”

By Joe Soares

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luke 6:46 KJV

Some songs are written because they sound good.

Others are written because they express an emotion.

But every now and then, a song is born from a biblical truth that refuses to let go of your heart.

Forever You Are Master is one of those songs.

Long before the first lyric was written, one truth kept returning to my mind:

Jesus Christ is not only my Savior. He is my Master.

More Than Savior

Many people gladly speak of Jesus as Savior. And He is. Without His blood, there is no forgiveness. Without His resurrection, there is no hope. Without His mercy, none of us could stand before God.

But Scripture never presents Jesus as Savior while separating Him from His rightful authority.

The One who saves is also the One who rules.

The One who forgives is also the One who commands.

The One who gave Himself for sinners is also the Lord before whom every knee will bow.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…

Philippians 2:9-10 KJV

That truth is the heart behind this song.

Why the Word “Master” Matters

The word Master is not casual. It carries weight.

To call Jesus Master is to acknowledge that He has authority over my life, my decisions, my desires, my future, my marriage, my ministry, my music, and my heart.

It means I do not belong to myself.

It means His Word is not advice. It is command.

It means worship is not simply singing about how I feel. It is surrendering to who He is.

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

John 13:13 KJV

Worship Begins With Surrender

True worship is not entertainment. It is not performance. It is not emotional release dressed in religious language.

True worship begins when the heart bows before Christ.

That is why Forever You Are Master is not meant to be merely a song to hear. It is meant to be a confession.

It says:

Lord, You are still Master when life is easy.

You are still Master when life is hard.

You are still Master when I understand.

You are still Master when I do not.

That kind of worship does not depend on circumstances. It rests on the unchanging authority and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV

Why I Wrote This Song

I wrote Forever You Are Master because I wanted a song that lifted Christ above every temporary thing.

There are seasons when life feels uncertain. There are times when prayers seem delayed. There are moments when the heart needs to be reminded that Jesus has not stepped down from His throne.

He is still Lord.

He is still faithful.

He is still worthy.

He is still Master.

That truth does not make every trial easy, but it gives the believer a place to stand.

A Song of Confession

My prayer is that this song helps listeners do more than hear a melody.

I pray it helps them confess the truth.

Jesus is Master over the home.

Jesus is Master over the church.

Jesus is Master over suffering.

Jesus is Master over the future.

Jesus is Master over me.

That is not bondage. That is freedom.

The world tells us freedom means doing whatever we want. Scripture teaches something very different. True freedom is found when the heart stops rebelling against God and bows gladly before Christ.

Scripture for Meditation

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

John 13:13 KJV

Take a few minutes today to consider that verse. Jesus did not correct His disciples for calling Him Master and Lord. He affirmed it.

The question is not whether Jesus is Master.

The question is whether we are living as though He is.

Listen to the Song

Forever You Are Master cover

Forever You Are Master

Private Collection

A worship song centered on the lordship, faithfulness, and unchanging authority of Jesus Christ.

Apple Music

Spotify

iHeartRadio

Continue Studying

He Died for All book cover

He Died for All

A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation

A Scripture-focused book examining Christ’s atonement, the Gospel invitation, and the truth that Jesus Christ died for all.

Kindle

Paperback

Read Next

  • Can God Love Someone Who Rejects Him?
  • Did Jesus Really Die for Everyone?
  • Walking With Jesus Begins With One Step

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

Browse Books

Visit JoeSoaresMusic.com

About the Author

Joe Soares is a Bible teacher, worship songwriter, and author whose ministry is devoted to pointing people to the authority of God’s Word. Through books, music, and Bible teaching, he seeks to encourage believers to examine every doctrine carefully in the light of Scripture and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully.

Did Jesus Really Die for Everyone?

Bible Doctrine

A Biblical Look at Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation

By Joe Soares

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 KJV

Few questions strike at the heart of the Gospel more than this one:

Did Jesus Christ die for every person, or only for a select group chosen before the foundation of the world?

This is not merely a theological debate reserved for seminary classrooms. The answer shapes how we preach the Gospel, how we understand God’s love, and how a sinner hears the invitation to come to Christ.

The Gospel Begins with an Invitation

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 KJV

Notice who is invited. Not merely the righteous. Not merely those already changed. Jesus invites weary sinners to come to Him.

The final invitation in the Bible says:

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come… And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17 KJV

What Does the Bible Mean by World?

John 3:16 begins with these words:

For God so loved the world…

Some suggest that world does not really mean the world. Others argue that all does not really mean all. Yet the simplest approach is often the best one: allow Scripture to speak as it is written.

Christ’s Sacrifice Is Sufficient for Every Sinner

Who gave himself a ransom for all…

1 Timothy 2:6 KJV

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 KJV

The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 KJV

These passages deserve to be read honestly before they are explained away. They do not teach universal salvation. They testify that Christ’s atoning sacrifice is sufficient for every sinner and that God’s invitation is sincerely extended to all who hear the Gospel.

Why This Matters

If Christ did not die for everyone, can the Gospel honestly be offered to everyone?

When we tell a sinner, “Christ died for sinners, and you may come to Him today,” we are declaring the wonderful invitation of God’s Word.

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:37 KJV

Continue the Study

He Died for All book cover

He Died for All

A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation

Examine the biblical evidence in greater depth in this complete book by Joe Soares.

Kindle

Paperback

Continue Growing in God’s Word

If this article encouraged you, there are more Christ-centered books, songs, lyrics, and Bible resources available.

Browse Books

Visit JoeSoaresMusic.com

About the Author

Joe Soares is a Bible teacher, worship songwriter, and author whose ministry is devoted to pointing people to the authority of God’s Word. Through books, music, and Bible teaching, he seeks to encourage believers to examine every doctrine carefully in the light of Scripture and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully.

Mark 10:10–12 KJV | What Jesus Said About Divorce

Bible Doctrine

Mark 10:10–12 KJV — Jesus teaches that divorce followed by remarriage results in adultery.

Mark 10:10–12 (KJV)

10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.

11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Make no mistake about it.

You will not hear this in most churches today. Not because the words of Jesus are unclear, but because the truth is uncomfortable. Hard truth does not always fill seats, but it does save souls.

Jesus did not soften the truth to match the culture. In Mark 10:10–12 He plainly states that divorce followed by remarriage results in adultery.

Our modern culture has normalized what God has warned against. What used to be called sin is now called freedom. What used to be called adultery is now called starting over.

But changing the label does not change the truth.

Truth is love because it warns us before we walk toward destruction.

A culture built on feelings and pleasure will always reject God’s design. But that road leads to death, not life.

Jesus speaks the truth because He desires eternal life for our souls.

If your marriage is struggling and you need biblical help, visit:

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