God has made a promise to man of eternal life. This promise is not unconditional. Many people seem to 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 when it comes to following Him.
Jesus said, “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 (Matt.7:21-23). Just looking at this verse should cause everyone to see that God expects to be obeyed. There were those who were contemporary with Jesus who tried doing things their way.
Of this Jesus said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matt. 15:9). Later Jesus said, “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).
Knowing then that all must do the will of the Father, any worship not according to God’s will is vain, and that all will be judged by the words of Jesus, how can one doubt that obedience is not necessary?
The seriousness of understanding this is underscored even more when Jesus said, “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). With one’s soul depending on how they have lived their lives it is vital that religion is gotten right, and not hoped or guessed at by everyone.
One of the most well-known promises of God is found in Genesis. God made a promise to Abraham. (Gen. 12:1 – 3).
The promise of all families being blessed through Abraham was fulfilled in the form of Jesus coming to sacrifice Himself for mankind (Gal. 3:6-29). By obedience to the gospel of Christ all men can 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. Understand His love and care for all.