“For the Word of God is living and sharper than any double edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible was called forth from the fall of man; it is the voice of God calling men home from entanglement with sin, a road map for returning prodigals to find their way home again; it is instruction in righteousness and light shining in the darkness. It is not there to be admired for its literary beauty or to be enjoyed for its own sake. The Bible demands a response from man, a response of immediate action; surrender, commitment and faithful obedience. Unless it secures this response it has done nothing positive for the reader, but has increased his responsibility and deepened the judgement that must follow. The eternal destiny of every person depends upon his response to that Word.
If we make a profession of being followers of Jesus, yet live as carelessly in the world so as to be indistinguishable from others, we are as Judas, who betrayed the Son of Man with a kiss (Luke 22:48). Religious hypocrisy is the armour bearer to heresy and infidelity, because the “much fair speech” (Proverbs 7:21) of the world is directed towards drawing us into the “deceivableness of unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). We may offer the kisses of baptism, fellowship, communion, Bible study, prayer and worship, all declaring our love for Jesus; and yet still betray Him in disobedience.
There is one sacrifice that God desires above all, obedience. If that is not offered all other sacrifices are without meaning or consequence. It was written of the Son, “I come to do Thy will”; that is the sacrifice that God requires of each one called to be a son.
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