By LEE ROY DUTTON / Staff Writer

Because we believe in eternal security, we are often accused of believing that we can live ungodly lives and get away with it.

If we have been made partakers of the divine nature, why would we want to?

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Pet. 1:3-4)

Why would a sheep want to wallow in the mire? Godly living is one of the virtues by which we make our calling and election sure.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

The same God that saved us by grace through faith and without any works of our own, displayed some marvelous workmanship when he created us in Christ Jesus unto good works which he had before ordained that we should walk in them. 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

We are taught to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:12)

Our fellowship depends on it.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. (1John1:6)

Our prayer should be for God to search our hearts and see if there be any wicked way in us.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:23-24)

We desire to live Godly, not in order to be saved but because we are saved.

Godly living can spare us from chastisement.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with sons, for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrew

12:6-8)