... Im saying that I havent done so. I have not worked out my salvation with fear and trembling, and this is not out of pride, but maybe stubbornness. I do not fear because I don't believe there is anything I do to earn my way into God's good graces.
If there is any lack, if there is any desire or need, the smallest effort is not too much to expect. Consider the words of Jesus Christ our LORD. He warned us to FEAR.
Matthew 10
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Luke 12
5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
If we close with Christ, and abandon whatever stubbornness keeps us from doing so, we may seek Him with all our heart. Consider that all the world lies in sin, and THEY don't fear God. They are not trembling, because they do not believe He will condemn them.
Don't let it be out of ignorance, and out of a misconceived idea of what is required of ANYONE who seeks God.
Jeremiah 29
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Read this sermon. It will take a slow reader like me an hour. Read it as often as time allows.
What can a Sinner Do to be Saved?
http://www.achristianspirit.com/6-THINGS.html
What would keep any of us from doing simple things that are intended to help to us get what we seek from God? These do not EARN anything, and no result is guaranteed, but without them, anyone would only be fooling themselves to think they are really serious.
If we have a problem with sin, and are not freed from what we admit is bad for us, we need to SEEK THE LORD for His help.
Romans 7
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
If we know something we do is wrong, we then admit that God to RIGHT in condemning us, because we are saying God's law is right and good. The penalty of the least infraction of the law is death.
We are under the law of God (not one small part will pass away till ALL is fulfilled,) until God works in us to bring us to Christ. When we are freed from sin by God, we are free indeed. (John 8:36) It is not that we can get just so far with God, and shrug-off all responsibility because we have a doctrine. The scriptures do not support anything of that sort, though I hear many differing versions of it from people.
If any legal authority was to require us to appear before them, we would be SERIOUS about our preparation. Our shirttail would be tucked in, the tie would be straight, and any info we might need would be organized, and readily available! We would not take that lightly, knowing that a failure here could cause us to be incarcerated, or fined. Take God seriously.
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