Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOD? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GOD. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to GOD, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (Jas 4:4-8)
He has called all people to repentance, and calls His own to Holiness and submission, not because He is a tyrant or unkind, but because He is our Creator. He is just, and has the right, consistent with His character, to hold His creation, and His people, accountable for themselves, their character, and their nature. Whatever is not in obedience to His Word, in submission to His will, and in keeping with His nature and perfection, has already been judged guilty and unworthy. Those that do not repent and submit to Him in repentance and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary are and will remain separated from GOD, His righteousness, and the eternal life He offers all who will receive it.
He offers grace because He loves us, His mercies are renewed every morning because He wants what is best for us, His love is perfect and He has commended His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He calls His own to holiness, obedience to His Word, and humble submission as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need. He commands His people to love one another, even as He loved us, and to disciple one another in His Word that we may all grow thereby into the knowledge of Him who gave Himself for us. He has commissioned His children as His witnesses, taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we go in humble submission and gratitude for what He has given us, telling all who will hear of the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith that they might believe in Him and in believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet