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Speaking of Christ the Bible says, "There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:9-12, emph. MLW). There is no question but that Christ is "the light of the world," and the one who is willing to follow Him "shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Does "the light" overpower or encompass one whether he chooses to walk in the light or not? No, for the Scriptures teach one must follow Christ to avoid darkness. Many people are so determined that man can do nothing to save himself that they argue against works of obedience having anything to do with one's salvation. The Bible teaches no one will be justified by "the works of the law" (Romans 3:20.). It is the Law of Moses under discussion, so Paul says, "We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law" (Romans 3:28). The Law of Moses could not save because the "blood of bulls and goats" could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Under the New Covenant, the law of Christ, "we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). The blood of Christ is readily available to all who are willing to obey the gospel. One is blinded by bias and prejudice who refuses the truth stated by the inspired writer who speaking of Christ said, "and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9, emph. MLW). James, discussing neither works of the Old Law or works of merit, but rather works of obedience says, "Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith" (James 2:24). Even Abraham's faith under the Old Law was an obedient faith (Hebrews 11:8-9, 17), and this is the reason the Scriptures say, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3). One does not believe who will not obey! Many people today have a false conception of what it means to "receive Christ." To receive Christ as noted in John 1:12 is to receive His teaching or instruction. It is at this point (after receiving the teaching of Christ) that one has the "power" (KJV) or "right" (ASV) to become a child of God. One can never receive Christ without obeying the will of God. Such should be very clear from the words of the Master Himself, "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). An ever-growing number of people equate the love of God with salvation. It is true that because of God's great love people have the opportunity to be saved. It is also true that God "would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Why can people not see that God's love does not guarantee one's salvation? If a loving God is all that is necessary for one to be saved then all people will be saved! The Bible states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Not only did a loving God send His Son into this world, but a loving Savior died for us while we were lost in sin Ð "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Does this mean that everyone will be saved? No! Christ states that the majority of people will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). The Savior also says, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). Please notice the emphasis on "receiving" the Lord's sayings. Again, this means accepting and obeying the Lord's commandments (John 14:15). An obedient faith is the only faith that will save one's soul, and a faith that will not act upon the Lord's commands is a dead faith! Some want to argue that a relationship with the Lord is more important that obeying the Lord's will. They fail to see that there can be no relationship with Christ without being found in Christ. Those who reject baptism as having nothing to do with one's salvation need to give serious thought these words by Paul: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). How can one claim to have a relationship with the Lord when he refuses to be baptized into Him? The light of the world (the Messiah) came unto His own (the Jews) and they rejected and refused Him. Most people today reject and refuse Christ as they stubbornly balk at receiving His truths. Will you gladly obey the Lord's will? |