As a nation we have left the time where the word of God was widely understood and acknowledged. Now things are done openly that at one time where known to be evil and popular trends are violating the Bible's strictest warnings. Jesus warned of following the wide easy road that leads to eternal destruction that most people take, following the worlds popular trends that starts with willing biblical ignorance and indifference to Gods commands.
It seems we hear about Gods love and the benefits of salvation through faith in Jesus but not much of the cost. In reality we are called to put off our old disobedient life and live a new obedient life following Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us. (Ephesians 4:22) Obedience to God's commands has been a non-negotiable from the start in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16-17). Mankind has certainly struggled with living in obedience to God. In Isaiah 29:13 God says of his people "They honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me" and Jesus repeats it in Matt 15:8-9. The same is true if we attend church, go through the motions of a worship service, and yet fail to take to heart our call to faithful obedience to our Lord. I wonder if we even study the Bible to know how to obey. Hosea 4:6 declares "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge".
Jesus said "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) This is but one of many verses that says true believers are those who obey. The Bible teaches that not all who believe in Jesus have a true relationship with him. James 2:19-20 tells us "even the demons believe". They believe but continue in their sin. In Luke 6:46 Jesus asks " why do you call me Lord but don't obey me". A believers obedience proves he has submitted to Jesus as Lord and his command to faithful living. Obedience is never spoken of as the means of salvation but the proof of it.
Jesus said " small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it". Matt 7:14 Herein lies the answer to our question.
If you have sincerely trusted that Jesus's death has paid for your sins you have entered the gate.
The narrow road Jesus talks about is obedience. Narrow indicates it is the more difficult path however the Holy Spirit that brings you to trust and obey will hold you to the end to heaven and eternal life there. Matt 24:13.
Colby Reeves. - Evangel Church PCA member
At Evangel we offer various bible studies by our Pastors and Elders to learn how to obey. All are welcome!
Evangel Church PCA
423 Thompson Rd.
Alabaster, AL. 35007
205-664-0889
evangelchurchpca.org
