The first recorded sin in the Church was the sin of “keeping back”, and God dealt with it severely because this sin was a sin against Him, His Church and that it influenced another to sin.
Keeping back anything once you become a Christian is a partial commitment to Jesus, and a refusal to let go of some of the world that is keeping you in sin. It is not easy for any of us to let go of everything and trust Jesus. Jesus promises us that if we will turn our lives completely over to Him, we will be blessed beyond our wildest expectations, just read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). I have experienced these blessings and can tell you personally if you will let go of the world and let God control your life, He will shower you with blessings upon blessings. Why, because you are His child and He loves you.
Keeping back anything is allowing Satan or his demons to control you with their lies. The thing to remember is that Jesus tells us that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). The Devil will say anything, do anything or use anybody to get us to disobey God, which means we love Satan and hate God. We are either for God or against Him. Stop listening to lies that are all around us, and get into His Word.
For example, let’s look at this recent story on the web about Islam, http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\\Culture\\archive\\200111\\CUL20011122b.html
The Devil will use whatever it takes to accomplish his agenda. Is Islam a very evil and wicked religion? The Bible says yes. Who do we listen to? Do we know what we are talking about? We better, for we are in the last days and Jesus will hold us all accountable. These comments made by Franklin Graham in October while dedicating a chapel in North Carolina are still causing a stir, even in the White House today; “ We’re not attacking Islam but Islam has attacked us. The God of Islam is not the same God. He is not the Son of God of the Christian or Judeo-Christian faith. It’s a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion.”
Keeping back has consequences from God. We know that only God really knows the heart. As we read this passage, some may ask why weren’t Ananias and Sapphira given a chance to repent, why did they have to die? It was God’s choice then and it is still His choice today. The Bible says that God will not be mocked. Keeping back is against God, therefore God and God alone has the right to judge, and His judgment is righteous.
Keeping back influences others to sin. Ananias as the spiritual leader of his home was responsible for his wife. He talked her into sinning against God and the Church. That sin not only cost him his life, but her life also. The Bible is firm concerning us becoming a stumbling block to others. How terrible it will be for any of us who lead others into sin.
The judgment of keeping back from God causes fear. When God chooses to take life, this judgment always causes great fear in the church and those outside of the church that hear and believe. All Christians must know that there is a penalty for lying to God, but there are also great blessings and joy. Thank you Jesus!
