THE DECISIVE ROLE OF THE “3-SECOND RULE” THE MOMENT OF DECISION
This fundamental distinction between the eradication and the mastery of sinful desires and impulses is important. From a biblical and spiritual perspective, the regeneration of the soul, although it profoundly transforms the heart and mind of man, does not eliminate the inclinations of the flesh that continue to reside in him. These carnal desires, these impulses towards what displeases God, remain and constitute a permanent struggle for the regenerated soul. The complete eradication of these desires does not occur in the present life. This is why it is said that the spiritual life is not an existence without temptations, but a life without sin, a victorious life over them.
The mastery and control of desires, then, is the heart of the Christian walk. The Spirit of God dwells in man to provide him with the wisdom, strength, and constancy to tame those impulses that might otherwise overwhelm and take over. It is an active process, where the soul, through the power of divine grace, learns to discern, resist, and reject impulses that are not in accordance with God’s law. This control is not automatic but involves constant vigilance, fidelity to the Spirit, and a conscious effort to keep one’s heart and thoughts directed toward the will of God.
1 John 5:3–4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.
When a temptation, an unrighteous thought, or a sudden imagination appears in the conscience, a decision must be made immediately. This decision takes place in a very short window of time — seconds, not minutes.
THE THREE-SECOND RULE (THE MOMENT THAT DETERMINES VICTORY OR DEFEAT)
1. Appearance of temptation in the conscience
2. Perception of temptation in consciousness
3. Rejection of temptation in conscience
For the Christian, it must stop here.
Those first seconds are decisive.
The response must be instant, firm, intransigent, like lightning striking.
As long as temptation is rejected immediately and not allowed to take root, it does not become sin.
But any hesitation, any lingering, any negotiation even for a few seconds is dangerous.
Beyond three or four seconds five, six, seven temptation can begin to seduce the will, and seduction opens the door to spiritual death. This is why hesitation in the conscience is a warning sign. It reveals instability. The Christian must be resolute, uncompromising, firm.
The Christian must never fear temptation. He must dominate it. He must always be in a position of strength.
Being in a position of strength is the key to permanent victory, because rejection becomes automatic the fruit of a holy lifestyle without sin.
Romans 8:13–14
If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Conscience is the place of appearance, decision, and boundary. Temptation in conscience is not sin. Sin begins when the will consents. In the true Christian, the will never consents, because the Spirit reigns permanently in the heart.
Romans 6:6–7
Our old man was crucified with Him… that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who is dead is freed from sin.
A corpse is dead.
A corpse does not revive.
In the same way, one who is dead to sin cannot return to it not even once, not even occasionally.
2 Corinthians 5:14–15
If One died for all, then all died… that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again.
This death is permanent.
The crucifixion of the flesh is once for all.
The agony of the flesh continues but victoriously. The flesh does not come down from the cross.
1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
Destroyed works do not reappear not once, not occasionally.
Romans 6:22
But now having been freed from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Freedom from sin is once for all.
Slavery to God is permanent.
Holiness is the fruit never sinning again.
The Christian, born of God, sees temptation coming and says NO immediately.
The world yields.
The Christian rejects.
1 John 3:9
He who is born of God sins NO MORE.
What part of NO MORE is not understandable?
The house is built on the Rock.
The conscience is guarded.
The will is firm.
The response is immediate.
Never negotiate.
Never hesitate.
Never transgress.
Never sin.
This is the normal state of the true Christian.
This is the will of the Father on earth as it is in heaven.