I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me

 1 John 5:18  “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.”

The one born of God-is that Jesus who keeps me safe?

Am I born of God before or after I stopped sinning?  I'm confused. I thought I had to protect myself from sin. I thought I had to exercise self-discipline to keep myself from sin. Is John saying that Jesus keeps me safe and keeps the evil one away from me?

The counterfeit message is I must prove that one of God. I must exercise the discipline and clean up my own life.

The counterfeit message says, if I do not sin that proves I am from God. And if I sin it proves I'm not from God.

So why do I need an intercessor if I am born of God and without sin. Surely the pride of life alone would keep me from following God and bring sin into my life.

Hebrews says, “I can come boldly to the throne of grace and receive mercy and grace.”

Yet this verse is one of guilt and shame to me. This must be meat and not milk. For it causes the young believers to choke and surrender their new life to the enemy.

Or is the milk that should be fed daily and hourly while the new believer begins a change of culture.

God is light. His culture is light. I am called to walk in the light and to be light.

The enemy lies, that there is no escape from his grip and the sin he has woven into my life. He says, “I will always have a foot in your heart. I will always master you.” He says there is no chance for change. There is no way to become a conqueror.

I am not at peace with this verse. I call upon Jesus’ protection. Keep me from harm and make me an overcomer.

I can find grace and mercy in time of need

 Heb 4:16  “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

God can see everything

nothing is hidden from him

therefore since Jesus is my high priest, interceding for me night and day, since he was tempted in every respect like me. Therefore I can approach the throne of grace and mercy and find grace

The counterfeit message:  God is of divine killjoy but God’s kingdom is one of righteousness, peace and joy.  Not dead joy.

The counterfeit message:  God is waiting to interrupt my growth, gifts or joy when I stumble. God promises to give me wisdom every day. It can come through scripture, inspiration or failure.” Samuel Smiles. 

The counterfeit message:  God is sitting on his judgment throne passing out condemnation, judgment which separates me from Him. God sent Jesus on a ministry of mending my relationship with God. Satan accuses me daily in the presence of God while Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for me daily.

The counterfeit message: God is harsh, unforgiving, rigid, unapproachable. Paul says, “Let us the approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  When I agree with God about my thoughts and actions, David says: “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”  Ps 103:12

The counterfeit message: God requires total transformation before I can talk him.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rm 5:8.  Before I had a chance to try and reshape my life God had already prepared the way of restoration. He paid the price. He assigned the comforter to guard me, to guide me, to help me pray and teach me wisdom.