Many people today get their clues on the life of Jesus Christ from the culture and religious orators, and not from the Holy Scriptures as taught by His Holy Spirit. The Father’s Word describes His Son as Someone quite contrary to the ideas and pundits of this day.
So, we go again to His Word that never withers or fades, but stands forever (Isaiah 40.8). And in there and in Him we find hundreds of conditional statements as commands, i.e. promises. For instance, He says in John 15 that if you abide in Christ, and if His words abide in you, then you may ask whatever you wish.
The same as a Biblical covenant is a contract that usually can be broken only by the human creature who enters into it with God, these commands can be disobeyed and the statement (promise) is broken and dissolved. Certainly, God can make an unbreakable covenant that has no dependence on mankind…and He has in the past.
Of course, almost exclusively what we hear today is the false mantra of an unconditional God with unconditional promises no matter what we do in return. When was the last (or first) time you ever heard of a God that requires anything of us long term?
It doesn’t sell in the hyper-sentimental, hyper-feminized Religion of Niceness we find ourselves immersed in the west, and often dispersed throughout the world.
But sacrificial service requires, well…sacrifice. It’s not easy and automatic.
Everything Jesus Christ said is important…but His last words are vital. And here He speaks to all generations of the requirements for His abiding friendship.
You’re probably not going to like this, and it will fly in the face of the gospel you’ve been taught your whole Christian life.
Ready?
John 15:14 You are My friends if you do what I command you.
Or: (Then) you are My (abiding) friends if you (continue to) do what I command you (to obey all My loving and gracious rules.)
Was Jesus a legalist? Yes, as many of those today in His body define legalism. But no, He wasn’t if indeed legalism is wrongly declaring that you must keep the law to be initially saved.
Please read the entire chapter of John 15 every day for the next two weeks and ask the Father why He has Jesus declare so may conditional statements-commands-promises just in that chapter alone. Write us and let us know how many you find!
Jesus – King of Kings – and Judge of all time and all creation by the Father’s decree. Let us really, really, really, get to know Him in His real identity…and then please the Father in all respects as we walk in a manner worthy increasing in the true knowledge of God, bearing fruit in every good work (Col. 1).
“Our Lord, we never ever want to be turned or deceived in any way from who You are or what You require for a right standing and holy relationship as Your true friend. This is our Father’s world and in order to be fruitful we need Your gracious help in understanding and living all Your loving commands. We do really want to be Your friend for eternity, and not fooled by the devil’s schemes to pollute and adulterate Your Word.”
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,
Marc
+++
Saints, we’re one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly!
Marc and Walk Worthy are supported in part by the body of Jesus Christ. Please consider donating on a regular basis:
You may view our Archives here: FRIDAY FIRE – ARCHIVES; Complete Archives. May our Father richly bless you with His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in order to walk worthy of His name.
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Marc White, Director, Walk Worthy Ministries, www.WalkWorthy.org
Don Waltmire says
Amen. Jesus said that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. The devil works at causing us to fear man, and not to fear God who has the power to save or destroy. And then the devil gives us entertainment as a cheap substitute for the real joy and pleasure that can only be derived when serving Him. Lord lead and strengthen me to do good works.
jesusislord says
Amen brother Don, amen. The amount of passages on fruit, works, and deeds is overwhelming…God has a plan for His eternal purpose, His kingdom and King!
Brother Marc