Why are so many turning away from God, and from the Christian faith? I guess each has their own reason; or, excuses?
And for those who may be thinking about becoming a Christian, they may say, “I don’t have time right now to read the Bible; I would like to; but I can’t.” Or, “I don’t know if I believe there is a God.” Others will say, “I have read the Bible but don’t understand it.”
Let’s be honest; how many people do you know that have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation? Yes I agree, there are some, but for the most part, I would have to say; “few!” Why?
When you ask them to quote a verse, what they may know is, John 3:16, and that can be read from any sign held by a fan at a football, or baseball game. Others will say, “Follow the golden rule;” or, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Sorry, these sayings are not in the Bible. Others may say, “Well, God made everything,” or, “Jesus died for us.” These things are true, but do they understand their own words?
Enough said about that. This sort of makes me glad that there are mysteries hidden within the Bible. Mysteries whose heights, depths, lengths, and breadth can-not be comprehended unless the Scriptures become the single, most important reason for a persons life. Its all about prayer, and study.
Many refuse to put any time into the study of Scripture: that precious little time each of us has on this earth? We are given only a moment in all eternity to search out God’s word; make a decision; then we fall asleep until the time of glory for some, and judgement for others comes.
In a way I guess, for those who do not have a heart for God, and can find little or no time to study His word; this may be good. It will keep the weeds out of the garden. But for those who love God, they will add daily to their understanding. These will search out the treasures, and the deeper things of God; secrets hidden within the pages of Scripture. And for those who care little about their soul, they will suffer great loss; for theirs is the way of the world.
Many find it easy to criticize the Bible. But I am curious; have they ever given any thought about how evil, and how corrupt this world would be without it?
Scriptures are the will of the Father, the work of Jesus Christ, and the sending of the Holy Spirit who is to teach salvation to a fallen world. The apostles were first given this witness, and testimony and sent to the Jews. Then Paul, the apostle was sent by Jesus to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit of God gave them all a clearer understanding of the things that had once been hidden, and now revealed.
And throughout the centuries, there has been a setting apart, an anointing of Christian men, and women, who have dedicated themselves to the truth; those who read, and study the Scriptures daily; then honor Jesus Christ in all things. To these is given the greater understanding. Its what keeps the prince of this world at arms length.
So the next question is, “Does God pick and choose who He wants saved, and all others He rejects?” Do individuals really have anything to do with their salvation, or lack of it? So would it be correct to say that men have no more to do with election then lets say, my pet dog?
I have found one word that puts down this false idea of God selecting who is, or who is not saved. That word is, “Whosoever.”
Acts 10:43, “Whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus) shall receive remission of sins.”
Matthew 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
1 John 2:23, “Whosoever denies the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but whosoever) “Acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”
Let’s take a few examples from Revelation. The Father gave us a revelation about His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It was then given to an angel, who told it to John, who then bare record to it. The following includes all men, those of every race, color, nation, and creed.
Revelation 1:3, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesy.”
My understanding of this verse is; people will have to pick up their Bible, and read what is written in it, believe it by faith; this in order to receive the blessing. This invitation has been extended by God to all people.
John is also told to write about an invitation extended to every man, woman, and child. Everyone is invited to the wedding feast of God.
Revelation 22:17, “And the (Holy) Spirit and the bride (saved Christian’s) say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com