In this clear message from the Easter Conference, Kåre J. Smith gives a crystal clear answer to this question.
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18) Kåre J. Smith reads this from Paul’s letter to the Philippians before he says, “They were not enemies of the cross on which Jesus died for their sins.” Then he asks the assembly, “But of what are they enemies, then?” Of what are they enemies? They are enemies of taking up their own cross and following Jesus. Jesus is not Lord in their lives. No, they want to be that themselves. When it suits them, then Jesus is Lord, but when it doesn’t suit them, they take over control themselves.
With the help of Peter’s words, Smith makes a clear division between the clear gospel Jesus came with, and the incorrect interpretation that permeates the majority of Christian assemblies and churches today.
“We can see that Peter strongly resists that spirit, that frivolous spirit. That you have freedom, etc. ‘You can live for yourself just a little.’ And then they are free from the law, and they live in sin.”
“Look, here are the footsteps”
Then Smith reads what Peter writes about Jesus’ footsteps and their intended effect on our lives: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin…’” “Look, here are the footsteps,” Smith interjects before continuing: “‘Nor was deceit found in His mouth;’ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
“Then Peter begins speaking about the cross,” he continues. “He is not talking about the wooden cross on Calvary. “...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:21 – 24)
Smith then gives an urgent exhortation to hold fast to this. Hold fast to that which was from the beginning, “So that you don't drift away into all sorts of ungodliness and all sorts of interpretations. You cannot interpret the Word of the Lord without the help of the Holy Spirit. Then, you must be obedient to the Holy Spirit, otherwise you lose the Spirit,” Smith says before concluding,
“And it will succeed fully and completely for us! He gave an oath; the God who cannot lie made a promise, in order that the children of promise, the heirs of the promise truly would come to faith. And it will succeed for all of them.”