By Jerald and Sandra Tanner
Many people feel that if they have not committed any major sins they are in good standing with God and on their way to heaven. The Bible, however, makes it clear that we must believe on the Lord and receive Him into our hearts:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
(John 1:12-13)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3)
According to the Bible, there is no such thing as being neutral with regard to Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” If we try to remain neutral we find ourselves continually resisting God’s Spirit.
The Lord is speaking to us in thousands of different ways, urging us to commit our lives to Him. If we continue to say no, we become like the men in the parable who said, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). We may not openly say these words, but both our thoughts and actions will demonstrate that we are not really living for the Lord. Jesus shows that we can even do “many wonderful works” and yet not be in obedience to His Spirit:
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 which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matthew 7:21-23)
If we are going to do God’s will, we need to listen carefully to his voice. We read in John 10:27-28:
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
It is through diligent prayer and reading His word that we hear the voice of God. We urge all of those who have never received the Lord to accept the wonderful gift of salvation. Those of us who already know Him should seek to listen carefully for His voice so that we will not stumble but walk in the path of His perfect will.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Psalms 119:105)
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