THIEVES SHALL NOT ENTER HEAVEN

 The anointing of God's favour upon you shall restore that which was stolen 

Good-Life Devotional: THIEVES SHALL NOT ENTER HEAVEN

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Text: Zechariah 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Titus 2:11–12

   The grace of God is never a license to live in sin. Yet many false teachers have twisted the message of grace into permission for dishonesty, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, cybercrime, and every form of stealing. Scripture strongly rejects this deception.

    In Zechariah 5:3–4, the prophet saw a flying scroll representing God's judgment. The Lord declared, "Everyone who steals shall be cut off." The Hebrew expression translated "cut off" is נָקָה (naqah), meaning to be cleared out, purged, emptied, or removed from among the people under divine judgment. In this context, it speaks of God's righteous removal of unrepentant sinners from His covenant blessings. The curse would enter the thief's house and consume it completely.

   The New Testament confirms this truth. 1 Corinthians 6:10 plainly declares that thieves, covetous persons, extortioners, and swindlers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. God makes no exceptions for those who continue in these sins without repentance.

   Grace does not excuse sin; it empowers believers to reject it. Titus 2:11–12 teaches that the grace bringing salvation "teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly." Any preacher who encourages believers to continue stealing while claiming eternal security is contradicting Christ Himself.

   Jesus commanded, "Let him that stole steal no more" (Ephesians 4:28). Instead, believers are to work honestly and generously. Proverbs 10:2 says, "Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death." Genuine salvation produces a transformed life marked by integrity, repentance, and obedience.

Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive Him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy spirit and power to overcome temptation. Lord, deliver me from every form of dishonesty. Let Your grace teach me to walk in righteousness and truth, in Jesus' name. Amen.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.