Some misunderstand God’s promise of eternal life. They know — and are right — that God cares for every soul. However, they lose sight of the fact that God’s promise is conditional.

They have fallen into the trap of thinking that they can do what they want in the name of religion, and it will be acceptable to God. My friend God has never allowed man to dictate what to do to obey God. Even when Christ walked among men, this false belief was held by many. Notice the words of Jesus: “Not everyone 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” (Matthew7:21-23). Time and again in the Old Testament, it can be seen how God put conditions on his promises.

So just how much does God care for man? Jesus spoke of this subject in a way that may seem strange to some: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:28—31). Imagine using those small insignificant birds to teach such a great lesson of God’s concern for and love of mankind. Just how insignificant were these birds? Well, in the time that Jesus said these words, sparrows were used in commerce. These small birds were eaten as a small morsel of food. Several of them would be plucked and place on a skewer then roasted over a fire and eaten like kabobs. Notice the passage from Matthew again: Two sparrows were sold for a penny. Luke records that five sparrows were sold for two pennies (Luke 12:6). This meant that the buyer received the fifth sparrow free because one sparrow had no value.

In the eyes of some, it takes power, money or prestige to be important. However, we need to remember God cares for every person on the face of the Earth. No matter how rich or poor, great or small, all are important to God.

God has made it possible for all men to be saved. He sent his son to give himself as the ransom for man’s sins. Think of how great this sacrifice was and how important it is to man today. He has given us his word so that we can know what is expected of us. Some fail to read and study for themselves and only listen to what others tell them. Jesus implored those of his day to “search the Scriptures … and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Knowing that the Bible comes from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) should make us curious enough to read it for ourselves. God wants us to believe on Jesus as his son (John 8:24), to repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), be willing to confess the name of Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33), and then be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).

God cares for everyone, but we must care enough about ourselves to take the time and find out what God expects. Don’t make the mistake of waiting too late. Do it now.