God promises eternal life to all who will obey His commands. Some think that they can do what they want in the name of religion, and it will be acceptable to God.

God has never allowed man to dictate what to do to obey God. In the Old Testament when the kingdom of Israel divided, Jeroboam set up ways of worship that he wanted.

This was contrary to what God had commanded. He changed the place of worship, the day of worship and the object of worship (1 Kings 11:43 – 12:24).

Even when Christ walked among men this false belief was held by many and Jesus plainly said, “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 (Matt.7:2123). Later while speaking with “religious people” of His day he said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matt. 15:9). By the words of Christ man will be judged, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (Jno. 12:48). One must follow His word and obey it. For as sure as His eternal life is true, so is His promise of eternal damnation to those who fail to follow Him. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (Jno. 5:28, 29). Man can say that the words of Jesus will not judge us but that is as false as the proclamations of the false prophets in Jeremiah.

God made a promise to Abraham. (Gen. 12:1 – 3). The spiritual promise of all families being blessed through Abraham came in the form of Jesus Christ being born in this world, living among men, dying on the cross and being raised up on the third day (Gal. 3:6-29).

Yes, Jesus died for the sins of mankind, giving all the opportunity to obey the gospel and be saved. That is a promise from God and God cannot lie. Paul wrote, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (Titus 1:2, 3).

God wants all men to be saved, but man must obey God on God’s terms. Do not misunderstand the plain teachings of God’s word. His way is the only way.