In some so-called man-made religions, their deities demand compliance, and in some cases, people are martyred for going against the strict bylaws. For Christians, our Savior gave us two commandments that sum up what our God is all about. First, love God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. The second is to love each other as we love ourselves. (ESV – all emphasis mine)
Our Savior knew that His followers would have trouble in this world, and He left us this encouragement in John 16:33; “I have said these things to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
The time is rapidly approaching when anyone who is a follower of Christ will be no more than a target to be destroyed. In Matthew 10:28, Our Savior tells us, “And do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
In the Revelation 20:11-15 White Throne Judgment, all who were out of the will of God before Jesus died at Calvary, and all who will have refused to receive and accept our Savior from Calvary to the end of His Millennial Reign, will be condemned forever in the lake of fire, or hell. God is the One to “fear.”
For those who have received and accepted Jesus as their one and only Savior, our “fear” of God is a term of respect. Our fear is a sense of awe and total submission to His will. Rather than be terrified of Him, we take refuge in Him and draw close to Him, desiring to do His will.
This in no way means we will never sin again after we have Jesus in our hearts as our eternal Savior. 1 John 1:5-10 tells us the pathway to forgiveness when, not if, we sin:
“This is the message we have heard from Him, and proclaim to you that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say 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. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
Very important question here: for anyone who truly believes in the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, would you really want to be in a position of calling the Father a liar?
There have been numerous times when I have believed I had hit a wall and could go no further. Several places in the Bible tell us that if we ask, we will receive. This in no way means that God will give us anything that is meant to hurt someone else or is asked in pure greed. It has to do with our real needs.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:7-8, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
Then Romans 8:26-28, “Likewise the Spirit helps us with our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Those who believe in and accept and receive God’s Son are special to Him. God loves every soul in His creation, but He knows there are those who will reject Him to their last breath. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the Word f the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
When I mentioned the times I called out, my prayer was to let the Father know I was distressed, which He already knew; and I asked for whatever His will would be for me at that moment. Sometimes the response I received was amazing. The outcome could have only come from Him. Many times, what I received from Him was absolutely “Better Than I Asked.” That’s why I am including the song with that title from a wonderful hymn by Dale and Cheryl Golden. Please consider the words written by Dale Golden.
1.) In a world full of friends, I was alone. No earthly needs were freely met; I had no Hope. Then in a moment of deep despair, I called God’s name; though found unworthy of His sweet touch, yet still He came.
Ref.) God gave a blessing so much better than I asked; His gentle touch was love enough to change my past. Now I’m remembered, filled with new Hope and joy to last. God gave a blessing so much better than I asked.
2.) When no one knew my darkest fear, I wept inside. My deepest wounds made long ago, I tried to hide. His loving Grace reached way down low to where I cried, and placed me on forgiveness high and Mercy wide. (ref)
I know that as long as I am in this mortal human body, I will slip and sin. I also know that I will confess when I do, as God already knows every detail of my actions. Just being honest with Him keeps our relationship as it should be. As stated, I have no desire to lie to the Father or to call Him a liar. He said He will forgive me, and I believe His word with all my heart.
Please remember Galatians 6:7-9; “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh, will from the flesh reap corruption; but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
Our Heavenly Father is not sitting on His throne just waiting for us to mess up so He can condemn us. In 2 Peter 3:9, we’re told He wishes that no one would fail and be cast into hell forever. However, He does have limits to His patience, and eventually, He will decide it’s time to bring all the Savior’s flock Home to keep us from the coming Tribulation/Wrath.
Please read Romans 10:9-13 for the simple steps to receive and accept Jesus as our one and only pathway to the Father. To verify this, see John 14:6 and Acts 4:12.
We don’t know the day or hour, but when we are removed from this earth to be with our Savior forever, We will definitely get more than we deserve; it will be a “Blessing So Much Greater Than I Asked.”
Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!