Hi Doves,   We are continually receiving the free gift of life eternal, because we acknowledge Jesus Christ   as our Lord and God.   This gift, however, must be lived out daily. We do this by living in holiness [abstinence or marriage] and practising righteousness [doing good to others].   Since we have this gift of life eternal flowing into bodies that delight in sin, we will struggle.   This is to be expected! We are actually suppose to battle with our flesh in order to bring forth the Lord's holiness and   righteousness. This is what denying self and taking up the cross is all about.   Overtime, living in holiness and practising righteousness becomes more spontaneous. Note these Holy Spirit inspired Words, "...Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied. saying: "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel [the Church], For he has visited and redeemed His people...to   grant us that we being delivered from the hand [control] of our enemies [evil spirits], "Might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life."(Luke 1:67,68,74,75)   It's important we understand that our holiness IS His holiness because it originate from His life in us.   Also our righteousness IS His righteousness because it originates from His life in us.   How else can we express love for our Heavenly Father?   Is it not by make sure we are profitable stewards of the life He has given us? If we fail to take responsibility and crucify our own flesh,THEN the Lord's chastisement kicks in. What's happened over the years, is that many have been told they don't need to subdue the flesh   and live in holiness and righteousness.   That's considered trying earn salvation! All they need to do is claim by faith the holiness and righteousness of Christ.   And that all sins, past, present and future are covered by the blood.   This is false doctrine!  This is why so many Christians are seduce into a life of complacency. Those who are single live in fornication. While those who are married end up divorced. Also hatred, greed, wickedness and selfishness abound in the lives of so many Christians, As they continue to claim they have the holiness and righteousness of Christ credited to them.   This type of Christianity gives of a stench before God He will not tolerate.   That's why so many Christians are being Chastised.   Unfortunately, many Christians, when they are being chastised, think they are being attacked   by the Devil!   This is the delusion that abounds in Christianity today. The Lord's chastisements we all experience, are quiet moderate compared to what many   Christians will experience during the 42 Months of Great Tribulation!   None of the Lord's children can lose the free gift of eternal life!  However, because for some Christians, the moderate chastisements of today are not bringing out   a life of holiness and righteousness, due to false doctrines believed and practised in the Church,   many Christians will be going into the 42 Months of Great Tribulation!   Eternal life is a free gift, the translation of the body on First-fruits [8th of April 2012] however, has   to be worked for!   We have the Holy Spirit in us to empower us to do this work.    This is the only way we can attain "translation status" on the Day of the rapture!   "...But those who are counted worthy to attain that age and the resurrection from the dead..." (Luke 20:35)   For even Paul had doubts on whether he had done enough to be included in the resurrection!   "...If by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already   attained, or am already perfect; but I press on..." (Phil.3:11,12)   We also must press on each day, crucifying our flesh by living in holiness and practising   righteousness, in order to be included in the First-fruits rapture.   Ola.