Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 

Are you offended by these words from the Bible?

God is harsh.         I am a Christ follower already.           I agree with this.       Who is this for? 

Hands    Sinner    Heart     Double-Minded      Humble         Change of Authority

I agree with this.             How do I do this?             What does it mean? 

                   I know that I am a sinner. I know that my heart is defiled. I know that my mind is fixed on many opposing things.                   I do not understand it all.             God’s Words sound strong and severe. 

This instruction is for the person who – 

Has reviewed their life and decided they have Not been living for God by God's Word and Holy Spirit. In their heart they have been doing many works for themselves and for others.  See - God's Laws Believer's Holy Spirit    Sinful Life  Double Minded 

Knows they are far from God     Sinful Life    Hell

Knows they are under the wrath of God     Big Picture, World Violence

Knows they do not do what God wants and they haven't cared         Sinful Life   

Doesn’t know if they are God’s child for certain      Sinner's Prayer, Atonement 

                                                    God's Laws ,  My Religion ,  Your Religion  

Knows they have lived a life of lies and disobedience to God     Sinful Life   

Knows they are tired of being worn out, fighting up stream, and failing at many parts of their life.    Come to Me, My Room, Salvation, Broken Hearted, Cast your Cares  

Realizes they just cannot control what they want to control in their life and won’t be able to as they are. Grace, Mercy, Love, Hope, Everlasting Love   

Realizes something big is missing in their life – eternal significance, value, worth, hope, joy, and peace.  Worth,  Friendship

Knows they are deceived and deceiving.   God's Laws ,  My Religion ,  Your Religion  

Knows they have a false faith or a dead faith.  My Religion ,  Your Religion  

People who are friends of the world, thereby are enemies with God. The culture or people’s viewpoint might not see it, but from the Holy God's viewpoint the person is God's enemy. People who have worldly wisdom, and worldly affection are then the enemies of God. 1 John 2:15-17

People who are hearers of the Word of God and not doers of it. They do not respect God, fear Him, or love Him enough to take God's Word seriously, to heart, and live it. James 1:21-25 

People who have reflected on their life, taken an honest look and inventory of it, and realize they have not lived been in submission and under the authority of the sovereign Lord God Almighty are people who

           May no one be deceived about the reality of their salvation! Jesus warns you and me “ "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Matt 7:21-23   James 3:13-18,   God's Laws 

Who or What is a Sinner? 

            A sinner is an un-regenerated soul. A person who has NOT been adopted by God, therefore has not been changed since birth into a New Creature. (John 1:10-15; John 3:3-21; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17) Big Picture 

            The word "sinners" in the original language is the word “hamartolos”. It refers to the harden sinner, the one who openly disregards the law of God. The one who has a reputation for public immorality and is corrupt outwardly and corrupt inwardly. They are double minded, trying to hold on to God and on to the world at the same time. For example, they laugh and party when they ought to be weeping over their sin.

            God is speaking (through James) to many sinners in that church. Jesus referred to them as weeds among the wheat. Matthew 13:1-30     James tells them to persevere for God through their trials and to obey God by doing the Word of God and not just listen to it. God tells them not to be proud. (James 1) James tells them not to choose favorites among each other or judge one another. Not to be people who do act out of the faith they have been given. (James 2) To not be people who gossip and slander others. “14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth”  (James 3) In James 4 God says tells the people who are not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ to repent from their evil actions, heart content, and dual loyalties.  “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8”

            Sinners are people who have not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, people who have not taken a stand against the devil. These people are far from God and need to draw near to Him. The day of wrath is set for these people UNLESS they choose to submit to God for saving them from His wrath.  (Psalm 1:1; Psalm 25:8; Genesis 13:13; Proverbs 11:31; Isaiah 1:28; Isaiah 13:9; Amos 9:10; Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:19; 1 Timothy 1:9-11; Jude 1:15 (New International Version))

What does Double-Minded mean? 

Double-minded in the original language “dipsuchos” means “double souled". It means having a divided heart. A double minded person wants to love God and this world at the same time. A double minded person tries to love God but loves sin also is double-minded, or double hearted. They are standing in both worlds of good and evil, and God is not their Master.   

Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:30  Jesus said, "You cannot serve God and money. You cannot have two masters. For either you will love the one and hate the other or you will cling to the other and refuse the one." Matthew 6:24    Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."  Luke 9:62 

            Practically speaking, how do double minded sinners act? They are deceivers and they are deceived. Many times they are unaware that they have dual and opposing loyalties, that is to God and to the devil. They may be active in a church, but they are proud, being driven by their passions and their affections for the world. Their lifestyle reflects an earthly, demonic sensual approach in spite of what they profess. Their standards are based on tradition, ritual, fear of man, what others say and think, their background, and other worldly, cultural, and fleshly patterns. They do not yet have the Fear of the Lord, so they operate without the Holy Spirit. 

            What can make someone NOT double-minded. Choosing to be Single Minded FOR God. This requires being single hearted for the Lord Jesus Christ in gratitude for taking the punishment of eternal hell for you instead of you taking it. Willfully rejecting the enemy of your soul's desires and instead yearning for and doing God's Will. Holding every thought captive to the Word of God. Living your life for God and His agenda. You and I need the power of God to make the internal change within our heart. A double minded person needs Blood of Jesus. 

Practically, how can we do this? But humbling our self under the Lord Jesus Christ, His Word and Holy Spirit. The response of our heart and mind is required for our soul's salvation. We must desire God and respond “Yes!” to God’s invitation. If we come to God, He will come to us and make us holy, which means to be set apart for Him. 

            Humble? What does that mean? Humble means trusting God knows more than anyone and He knows the best for you and your life. Knowing that God knows most and you do not. Knowing that God is completely Good and Loves you more and better than anyone can. Even though we may not understand everything about God, we trust Him because He is Good. 

                Being humble means taking God at His Word, literally, and doing what He says. Having a humble, simple, saving faith enables us to trust God and take Him at His Word.  God says we must be born again and become His Child. Jesus said, "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:13-16  That requires trust like a child, faith that God can and will take care of your every need and bring you to Paradise when your life is done. 

            How does this practically play out?  Humbling oneself begins with a willing conscious submission to the Sovereign Authority of the Lord God Almighty, the God of the Bible. You and I need to put our faith in Christ Jesus' Atonement, knowing and trusting that HE alone took the punishment that we deserved for all of our rejecting of God and His Ways. You and I must submit our self to God fully, coming under His total authority. 

        For example, when God speaks to you through His Word, will you obey Him even though some people will ridicule you and reject you? Will you allow God to design your life and determine your choices? Humble submission does not mean passive acquiescence. Humility means active and stalwart determination to know God's will and do it for His purpose and glory alone. When you change sides from being a child of the devil to a child of God you enlist in a new military army, the winning side! 

        Being a humble child of God means you have mighty strength under God's Power. You live in allegiance to God, obeying His commands and following His leadership. You are eager and ready to do whatever God asks you to do because you are eager to see His Glory manifested despite circumstances. 

            You do the will of God from your heart no matter what the cost. Jesus says it is that serious a commitment. Love for the Lord Jesus Christ must be greater than all other loves. Matthew 10:17-42   Luke 14:25-27 The message is that just as Jesus obeyed His Father to His death, so must we, His disciples. We each must take our proper place under God as Sovereign Lord and Ruler. 

Change of Authority - 

            When you come under God’s authority, you are now out of satan’s realm of authority. There is a total change or transformation of your soul. People are naturally born under satan’s rule, under the prince of the power of the air, the ruler of darkness. When you and I humble ourselves to the Authority of the Lord God Almighty by the Atonement of His Son Jesus Christ, a total and irreversible change occurs. You used to be the enemy of God. Now you are His loyal subject. You have a willingness to yield to the extent that your will is fixed to yield to God's. You develop a great heart of obedience. You have changed spiritual kingdoms. From losing eternally to winning eternally. But now the world, the flesh, and the devil will give you a fight. 

Jesus answered, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

God has giving you His invitation to Come Near to Him.  Therefore, Practically speaking, You are to come this way: “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8   

The power to do this comes from God. You must ask God to enable and empower you to do this by speaking to God directly. God has Promises for those who are His Friends. 

            God is speaking to Sinners, non-believers, non-followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. All followers of Christ Jesus should also be sure they have clean hands, hearts, and minds. Sinners who approach God must recognize and confess their sin to Him.   

            God says to wash your hands. This means to make your activities clean, to clean up your external behavior. Your actions, you words, your movements, your body language, and all of your involvements are to be holy and good as if serving the Lord Jesus Christ. How are you to do this? By reading God's Word and doing what He says. By inviting God into your heart to rule it, and to allow Him to change your patterns of living. 

"with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:22-24 

            God says to purify your hearts. This means to cleanse your inner thoughts, motives, attitudes, and the desires of your heart. Live with your heart and mind involved in God and His Word. Watch and be sensitive to what God is doing in you, for you, with you, and around you. Speak these changes aloud to encourage your heart and to share Christ with others.    Pure Heart   Practical Methods for a New Life   Repent    ~My Room 

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

            God says to stop being double minded. Read God's Word, the Bible and agree with Him. Listen to the Word of God for your Faith to Grow. Listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. Reject the attitudes and ways of the world with your mind, and let your body follow your righteous thinking. Keep your mind fixed on the Author and Finisher of your faith, and do not betray Him with your thoughts, attitudes, or words. Hebrews 12:2 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

            God wants you to come to Him. God wants you to unload all of your filth on Him so that He can clean you up and make you His beloved Son or Daughter. It doesn't matter where you've come from, where you are, or who you are. God wants YOU NOW. Come to Him. Lean on His Son Jesus - For that is what Jesus is for!! - Don't think you have to clean yourself up first. God knows it is impossible. Don't wait another minute. 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Trust God's Word of Truth for you - Live as if your life depends on it, because it DOES.   

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9            as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

"I, even I, am He Who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 

No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19        I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

Practical Methods for a New Life.

Hold To Truth so you will be Free 

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Matthew 3:8    Read about Zacchaeus the Tax Collector- a great example of a repentant sinner who knew the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10

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God is harsh.  

            The heart of God is tender. God's words seem harsh and severe. God uses strong, descriptive language because God knows that IF YOU do NOT heed, pay attention, and act upon His Words, then your consequences for ignoring Him will cause you to have an eternal future that is far more harsh, severe, irreversible, and irrevocable- Hell. If God doesn’t have your attention and allegiance in this life on earth, you will never have His attention or love after you leave this earth. (After your body dies, you go to hell or heaven. – How you deal with God while you are here on earth determines where your spirit goes after it leaves your body.) 

             As we discussed earlier, the Bible says “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8  Out of His compassion for our predicament, God continually makes invitations to every person on the planet, even those who don’t hear the Word of God (Romans 1:19-20). Throughout the Old Testament and New, God invites many people to come to Him.  (Deut 28, Deut 30:19-20, Joshua 24:14-16, Isaiah 55:6-7, Jonah 3, Ezekiel 18:32, Matt 7:13-14, Matt 11:28-30, Matthew 16:24, John 14:1-6, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9-10, Revelation 22:17)

        You may be thinking - Who is God to tell me what to do? That I am a sinner? That I need my heart cleaned? What does He mean by saying I am "double-minded"? What nonsense! - God seems harsh. 

Yes, it would seem so to many people. After all, don't we have our own lives to live? Isn't our life our own? We come into this world, we are treated by people any way they see fit. What makes one person more right than another? There are no standards, are there?

        What about other cultures and religions? Aren't there are many gods, so why does the God of the Bible have to be any different? To the human mind there seems to be so many contradictions, excuses, rationalizations, and no absolute Truth. 

So you might say, God is harsh. With that background of facts, you might be right. BUT  those are NOT ALL the facts. It would require research on your part. You need a sincere heart's desire to know, look, seek, and find the Lord God Almighty. Actively and verbally ask God to reveal and prove Himself to you. Do not shirk from finding out for yourself. Pursue. You need an open mind and heart, asking God for His gift of Faith. Once this process is done, you will see that God is NOT harsh, but incredibly merciful. Just as God tells you, "Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 

Places to Search -         The Bible          Bible Passages             Atonement        Big Picture         World Violence     Who is God?             Does God Create?             

Facts Search - The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict Fully Updated To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians Today (Hardcover) by Josh McDowell        And  More Than a Carpenter by Josh D. McDowell and Sean McDowell 

The FACT is that there is ONE God Who is all powerful, all-knowing, and all present. There is no one but Him. He has no beginning and no end. God is holy and absolutely perfect. God is separate and distinct from everything that exists. All that He does and says is perfect. God is not like a man for God cannot lie and God cannot change. God is Love, so He has compassion on those who are separate from His perfect goodness. God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to take the punishment that every human being deserves for being imperfect, being unlike God. God made a way for each person to come to Him and to be changed into being holy and righteous. God never had to do that. God choose to do that because God is Love. God displays His powerful Love, Grace, and Mercy and He gives Hope daily. God has set eternity in the hearts of each person. God reveals Himself and displays His Character throughout nature so each person is without excuse when they reject God. Each person must give an account to God for their life. It is best to know the rules of life to know if you pass to eternity in heaven or pass to eternity in hell. 

Do a word search on Bible Gateway of all these words to find out for yourself. Do not quit. 

Happy Hunting! - Don't give up until you find the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! The time is short - Your life could be over in a few days. Success is guaranteed if you Come near to God. 

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"Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved." "Todo aquel que invoque el nombre del Señor sera salvo." - Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13, Romanos 10:13

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