“If…”

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8,9).

The tiny little word, “if” is mentioned in the bible 1595 times in 1420 verses. For most parents, if we say something more than once, it must be important. If we’re in training–for anything–and we’re told something more than once, it must be important. So, when God uses those who were inspired to write what He said and He says something 1595 times, shouldn’t we pay attention?

Throughout the Word, we see these “if, then” premises–“if one thing happens, then it will lead to something else. Most of the “ifs” involve us doing something, then we see what God does or will do.

There are too many references for me to list them all, so I’ll just address these two. If anyone says they have no sin or have not sinned, God says they have deceived themselves. That’s right! All of those holier than Jesus folks need to really get a handle on this one. Paul reminds us in another passage of scripture that, “all have sinned and fallen short” at one time or another. None of us are perfect, which is why we need Jesus in our lives so we can continually per-fect what we do. For every person who dares to think they have never committed sin–no matter what the sin was or is–they lie–to themselves and others because, “the truth is not in them.”

But there is a remedy! If we confess what we have done that goes against God’s commandments, then God is faithful and just and He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. But we have to confess the sin, first–not to men or women, but to God. When we confess what we have done to God, it is so much easier to be compassionate towards those who are just like us–imperfect, fallible human beings, in need of a Savior.

When He cleanses us-thoroughly purges all that stuff that keeps us feeling and looking guilty–we should not want to go back into the filth in which we once were. Picture this! How much sense does it make to get out of a muddy, filthy, slimy pool of misery–get showered, and perfumed and glamorous–only to jump back into the filth?

Let’s confess and get it right–realizing we need the direction and guidance of Holy Spirit, every hour of our lives! Thank You, Lord for loving us so much, that we never without guidance!

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When We’ll Know!

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32 NIV).

What Jesus said to those who believed Him, those who followed Him, when He was here in the form of physical man, still holds true today. “If” we hold to His teaching (what the Father said to Him), we are really His disciples and “then” we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

This “if, then” proposition is simply one of many we find in The Word. If we do, then God does. There is no mystery, no magic, just understanding of obedience and how God’s principles work in our lives. We must do, then He will do–everything He promised–no matter whether the consequences are good or bad.

God’s promise to us through Joshua–“If you keep my commandments, then whatever you put your hands to will prosper.”

God’s promises to us through Deuteronomy 28–If we keep His commandments and obey, then blessings will overtake us. If we do not obey, then all of the curses will come upon us, even to those not yet named.

Moving forward–“If you love, keep my commandments. If my Word abides in you and you abide in my Word, then, ask what you will and it will be done for you.”

We’ll know we have a right relationship with God, when we keep His commandments and see His promises fulfilled in our lives. Then we’ll know the power we have over the enemy and know we have been set free from submitting to his temptation. When we have a relationship with God, then He can speak to our hearts and guide us in all things, knowing we are His children and He only wants only what is best for His children. When we know we have obeyed and know we have that relationship, then we can be assured of receiving His guidance and cementing the promise of eternal life.

 

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to understand what we must do in order to be in Your perfect Will, receiving all You have for us to do and enjoy. Help us to receive Truth and be set free from the snares of the enemy and know without a doubt that we will spend eternity with You.