By Pastor Lazarus Muoka
1Timothy 2:19 (KJV): “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Christian life is not merely belonging to a religious group or professing faith outwardly; it is about a real and total transformation that comes through Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul reminds us in the opening text that God’s foundation is firm and unshakable. Those who truly belong to Him are known by Him, and there is a clear mark upon their lives: they depart from iniquity.

Salvation is not simply a confession of words, but a divine work of transformation that changes the heart, the mind, and the life. Many people claim the name of Christ, yet their lives remain unchanged. But the gospel of Jesus Christ brings a power that completely transforms a sinner into a new creature.

The Call to Depart from Iniquity
The second part of our opening text carries a serious command: “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” This statement reveals an important truth: true salvation produces a change of life. Many people want the blessings of God, but are unwilling to abandon the sins that separate them from Him. Yet the word of God clearly teaches that sin is the great barrier between man and God.

Isaiah 59:2 says: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Sin is not something to be taken lightly. It destroys fellowship with God and leads to eternal separation if not forgiven. Romans 3:23 declares: For all “have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” No one is exempted. Whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, religious or irreligious, the truth remains that all have sinned. The natural human condition is one of spiritual corruption. Jeremiah 17:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Because of this sinful nature, humanity cannot transform itself. Good works, moral efforts and religious activities cannot cleanse the heart. Proverbs 20:9 asks: “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” The honest answer is no one! That is why salvation is necessary. It is the divine intervention of God to rescue mankind from the bondage and penalty of sin.

The Transforming Power of Christ
The good news of the gospel is that what man cannot do for himself, Jesus Christ has done for him. Romans 5:8 says: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus did not come for the righteous; He came for sinners. His mission was to bring salvation and transformation. Matthew 1:21 declares: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Notice that the scripture says from their sins, not merely in their sins. Christ does not simply overlook sin; He delivers people from its power. When a person truly comes to Christ in repentance and faith, a supernatural change occurs. The Bible describes it as becoming a new creature.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This transformation affects the whole life. The desires change, the priorities change, and the direction of life changes. The things that once controlled the person begin to lose their power.

A thief begins to hate stealing. A liar begins to love truth. A person bound by sinful habits begins to experience freedom. This is not merely human discipline; it is the transforming power of Christ at work within the soul.

Ezekiel 36:26 speaks prophetically about this inner transformation: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh.”

This is what God does in salvation. He replaces the hardened heart with a heart that desires Him.

Evidence Of True Salvation
Returning again to our opening text, the Bible says: “The Lord knoweth them that are his.” Many people may claim to know God, but the real question is whether God knows them as His. Jesus warned about this reality in Matthew 7:21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Profession without transformation is dangerous. Christianity is not merely about words; it is about a life that reflects the work of God. Titus 1:16 describes some people this way: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.”

True Salvation Produces Visible Fruit
When Christ changes a life, it becomes evident in conduct and character. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” These qualities begin to appear in the life of a person who has experienced genuine transformation through Christ.

This does not mean the believer becomes perfect overnight, but there is a clear change in direction. Instead of pursuing sin, the believer now seeks to please God.

1 John 3:9 says: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him.” This means that the person no longer lives comfortably in sin because the nature of God now works within him.

The Urgency Of Salvation
The message of salvation is not something to postpone. Life is uncertain, and eternity is real. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Every person will one day stand before God. On that day, religious titles, social status and earthly achievements will not matter. What will matter is whether a person has truly experienced salvation through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Himself spoke about the narrow way of salvation. In Matthew 7:13-14 He said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction.” Many people are traveling the broad road because they refuse the transforming work of Christ. They want religion without repentance, blessings without obedience and heaven without holiness.

But The Gospel Calls For Repentance
Acts 3:19 says: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a change of heart that results in a change of life. Romans 10:9 says: “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.” Salvation is not earned; it is received by faith. Yet the faith that truly saves produces a transformed life.

Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing

With 17 Years Of Obsession, Drug Addict Finds Salvation

Prov.14:12 says,:
“There is a way that seems right to a man but the end of that way leads to destruction.”

The above quotation aptly depicted my horrible condition, before l came to The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries. I was into multiple atrocities, but today, God has given me clean bill of health and crowned it with Salvation.

I am Precious Nwobodo. I worship at Ikoyi branch of The Lord’s Chosen. I became a member in February 2023 and I am grateful to God for the salvation of my soul, which He granted me on February, 19, 2023.

It all started when l followed my uncle to a branch of the Lord’s Chosen, that fateful Sunday; the branch church played a video message of our G.O. Prior to that time, l was a big time drug addict for about 17 years. So, after that message, our G.O. made an altar call and l raised my hands and he prayed for me. During his prayers, to my greatest surprise, l saw myself shedding tears. After service that day, we went home, the next day being Monday, we went to market for our normal business and l decided to go to the joint where we normally take those stuffs.

My addiction was so strong that there was no type of drug I did not take, at this stage, even Indian hemp does not hold me again, so, l paid less regards to it. But that Monday, l decided to take only Indian hemp, as l finished it and was returning to my shop, my head appeared bloated; it was as if it was about to blow up or someone going mad.

In the shop that day, I was so uncomfortable. I became quiet, unlike me, and had to remain in the shop, against prying eyes. While inside the shop, I asked God to show me mercy and deliver me. I promised that, if He delivered me, I would never take drugs again. I earnestly asked God to deliver me, which He did.

Before God’s intervention, I was really in bondage of hard drugs, but to God be the glory, He has set me free from it. There are some people l led into taking drugs, including my younger brother; l pray that as God has visited me, He will also visit and deliver them from it in Jesus’ name … Amen! P-r-a-i-s-e, the Lord!

Moreover, God also delivered me from chasing prostitutes, stealing, cultism, among others. In fact, God has been so good to me; I praise His name in Jesus’ name…amen! Most of the drug addicts, their loved ones usually take them to rehabilitation centres where they pay huge sums of money to get them back on their feet, yet after that, they will still go from bad to worse. But for me, God did it free of charge and may His name be glorified in Jesus’ name… Amen.

At this juncture, l advise the youths, please understand that, there is no gain in drugs and free lifestyle, rather they lead to destruction, so desist from them and God will bless you and prepare you for eternal life in heaven.

I pray for our G.O., all Lord’s Chosen members worldwide, and my family that God will grant all of us eternal life in Heaven, at the end of this life in Jesus’ name…Amen.