How many times must God have spoken to Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, to abandon sin, but they did not want to! Well, these men could enter the divine presence, but their two other brothers could not: Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar (Exodus 24.1). Nothing from the devil can influence you to leave the Lord, so watch and pray to avoid falling into temptations.

Now, there was great indignation among the Israelites because Samuel's two sons acted wrongly. They only judged a case if they received a bribe (1 Samuel 8:1-3). How ugly! Why did they commit such wickedness when they knew their father's character, who would never approve of such behavior? Why did they do this, if they had a good upbringing from their parents to serve God above all things? They became known as bad!

At the beginning of our ministry, a pastor from another church, who was my friend, started working with us. I asked him if there was anything bad he had done in his past. He said yes, explaining that he had an affair with a woman, and added that he truly regretted it and had recovered. However, I warned him that if he fell again, he should not seek me out anymore.

One day, a worker came to give me the key to the temple, saying that that man had informed that he could no longer be the pastor of our church. In our conversation, he, in tears, opened his heart, telling that, in his old church, on Sunday mornings, with the temple full, when he preached the message on sanctification, the woman in the pew would shake her head, as if to say, "You of all people!" He would then hand the pulpit over to the assistant and leave in tears.

Without a doubt, the elders of Israel loved Samuel, so they joined him and protested against the actions of the prophet's sons. It is painful when this is true! Now, certainly the prophet rebuked them, but in exchange for the Word that was taught to them, they lied. Whoever has the Holy Spirit is never deceived by false answers. The servants of the Most High always discern truth from lies. Those weak in faith need the help of the Lord.

When the guilty party claims they did not commit the sin they are accused of, it is as if they are repeating the mistake. He does not fear God, and his future is uncertain. No one deceives the person who relies on the Lord's assistance. If they insist on knowing the truth, it is to save such a citizen. Many cannot understand that being sincere is the best attitude. God will forgive if there is true repentance.

If someone does not repent of their transgression, they will never be forgiven, neither here nor in eternity. Only sincerity, without omitting any detail, will bring the forgiveness capable of restoring this individual to the Kingdom of God. The spirit of lies will only leave the transgressor when he confesses his iniquities.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares