TWO CHOICES-BELIEF OR REJECTION by Steve Finnell

 

TWO CHOICES-BELIEF OR REJECTION by Steve Finnell over at Christian-With-A-View

 

Why do some reject Jesus as Lord and Savior and others accept Him? Why is it, some accept the teachings found in Scripture concerning the terms for pardon and others believe in man-made tradition found in creed books and statements of faith?

 

THE TWO CRIMINALS

 

Luke 23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"

 

Jesus did not force the criminal to insult and reject Him. The first criminal made a PERSONAL CHOICE.

 

Luke 23:40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in your kingdom". 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Criminal number two made the PERSONAL CHOICE to believe and repent.

 

NOTE: The second criminal ask the first "Do you not fear God"? (Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is is beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.)

Without the fear of God there is no way men can understand the truth. Without wisdom and understanding men are left hanging on the cross with the first criminal. FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE FIRST STEP TO ACCEPTING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

 

John 12:42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but were because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;

 

The rulers did not confess Jesus because the feared the Pharisees more than they feared the Lord.

 

Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

Why do men not believe and teach the truth? Is it because they do not fear God or is it that they fear men more?

 

Why do men fear saying, Jesus is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)

 

Why do men fear teaching the terms of pardon: FAITH (John3:16) REPENTANCE (Acts 2:38) CONFESSION (Romans 10:9-10 WATER BAPTISM (1 Peter 3:20-21)

 

Do men not preach and teach the truth because they fear God?

OR, do men not teach and preach the truth because of fear that they might be ostracized by their family, friends, lodge brothers, church members, and society in general. Do men refrain from preaching the complete truth because of the fear of losing their position in their church? Unemployment is not what, one, intentionally seeks.

 

ACCEPTING JESUS AND TEACHING THE TRUTH STARTS WITH FEAR OF THE LORD.

REVELATION 19:5 AND A VOICE CAME FROM THE THRONE SAYING, "GIVE PRAISE TO OUR GOD, ALL YOU HIS BOND- SERVANTS, YOU WHO FEAR HIM, THE SMALL AND GREAT."