Bible Thoughts

February 22, 2004

The desire to practice righteousness must be strong enough in a person to enable one to cast aside whatever stands as a hindrance to acceptable service to God. The lack of conviction to provoke one to renounce unrighteousness and to "quit" their wickedness is evident in our society. Those who refuse to believe the necessary truths found in the New Testament cannot be disciples of Christ. Verbal profession of faith is not enough: one must apply the truth to one's life. When the diligent searcher for truth renounces the sins in his/her life and resolves to follow the Lord who died for them, Christ's will becomes their will.

Jesus said, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself"(John 7:17). Has the Lord's will become my will? Is my life molded by the terms of His gospel? Do I accept or rebel against what can be found in His word? The honest searcher for truth will be willing to reject whatever is contrary to the Lord's will in order to accept the truth of God's word. Above all else, one must desire to know and follow the scriptures.

The Pharisees did not recognize Jesus' will because they had no desire for any teachings except their own ideas. This attitude caused them to corrupt the word of God, while following the commands of men. It is no different in the denominational world of today. Jesus used the words of Isaiah to identify the false teachers of His day. "This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me"(Matthew 15:8). Any person who has the desire to know the word of God will search the scriptures and accept the truths that are found in the pages of inspiration. Is it not hypocrisy for one to claim to follow the Lord, and yet, cling to the ways and commandments of men? Religious hypocrisy is evident in such an attitude.

Self-willed men have ever sought salvation on their own terms. They seek to identify one as a narrow bigot when Christians insist adherence to the word of God as the only acceptable way. The principle that one is to "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent" is rejected by them in scoffing derision. It all boils down to: whether or not one is willing to conform to God's way. Man's way is not now, nor has it ever been, the standard for those who would please the Lord who revealed His will through inspired men.

As one obeys the gospel of Christ as revealed in the New Testament, a promise is made to fulfill the terms that are revealed in that gospel. "Here am I Lord, do with me as you will" is the proper attitude for those who want to go to Heaven. At the point of obeying the gospel commands, one must move forward in the way of Christ. There is a constant battle for one to keep his life in harmony with the will of the Almighty while adhering to that which is found in the New Testament.

How is my will in relation to Jesus Christ? Is it molded on the terms set forth in the gospel? Have I obeyed from the heart the doctrine set forth in Christ's will? Am I faithfully working in God's kingdom? It not, why not? Paul wrote it, "So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"(Philippians 2:12).

There is much said in our country concerning the economy, the energy crisis, the environment, and the homeless. We would not discount any of these items and their relationship to maintaining the "American way of life." There is a danger, however, far greater than those which have to do with the material side of our lives. Out of all the problems that can bring an end to our nation, immorality stands at the head of the list.

We must do more than give lip service to the principles of righteousness that have permeated our nation at the present. It is a sad commentary when men in high places are guilty of acts which raise a stench in the nostrils of God. It is even sadder when we give our approval to such

individuals by continuing them in high office. Is it not time that we raised our voices in opposition to dishonesty, immoral conduct, lying, misrepresentation, hypocrisy, and the other sins which seem to be making a field day within our leadership? Now is the time for those leaders to show enough moral integrity to guide our society to a fruitful and righteous future.

The Bible clearly points out that rulers are to lead in righteous ways. Note Romans 13:3-4, "For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil." Do you not see how important it is that every civil leader must be a person of integrity and honesty?

The best place each of us can start if with ourselves. "For, he that would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: and let him turn away from evil, and do good: Let him seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears unto their supplication"(I Peter 3:10-11). A better society begins with ME AND YOU. Will the good moral person go to heaven? The Bible answer: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven"(Matthew 7:21). In order to go to heaven, one MUST be a good moral individual. However, morality alone will not save a person. Obedience to the Lord, as pointed out in this passage, is the criteria for salvation. Obviously, the good moral person who desires to enter heaven will want to follow the commands of Jesus Christ. Cornelius was a good moral person, but he was not a Christian until he obeyed the gospel. All other examples in the New Testament point out this same fact. Even Paul was a good moral person, but he was not saved until he submitted to the will of Jesus Christ.