When God sent His Son as the final sacrifice for our sin, He gave one basic command: "Believe in the one He has sent" John 6:29. Those who do not obey this final command (those who do not believe) are condemned to an eternal separation from God. But those who believe in Jesus Christ are restored!
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:10
Relationship with God has always been based on belief - a belief that what God said is true. But for this belief to be real it was always expected to produce obedience. The wonder of our relationship today is that God gives us His law written on our heart and He gives us His Spirit to guide and strengthen us to obey; "And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws" Ezekiel 36:27.
Through belief in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sin, we become a "new creation" 2 Corinthians 5:17 with a new heart and new strength. What an awesome blessing!! By His grace we are completely restored into the relationship for which we were created - a relationship of love, a relationship of trust, and a relationship of obedience.
God's Word is true! If He is calling, do not turn away; "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" Hebrews 3:7. Today, if you hear His voice, believe and be restored.
- steve troxel
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