But sanctify the Lord GOD in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of GOD be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1Pe 3:15-18)
Our liberty in Christ is not a license to sin all we want to, or for us to do our will or to do as we please, but a call to holiness because He is Holy and Righteous. We are to walk by faith and in obedience to Him and His Word, which is a reflection of Himself as well as a revelation of GOD and His interaction with and redemption of His creation, this broken and dying world, that others might see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. We are to live His life and do His will, and not our own, while we sojourn in this one, glorifying Him in all things, and pointing everyone to the only one who can save us from our sin, deliver us from our rebellion, and alter the final destination for those who are not secure in Christ, through a covenant relationship with Him in repentance and faith.
He calls His children to obedience, that we might be His ambassadors for the Kingdom and witnesses of who He is, and with the Word of reconciliation minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, fully equipped and prepared to represent our Lord and Master. He commands His church to love on another as He loved us, and to disciple one another in His Word that the saints might be made perfect to do the work of the ministry and edify the body of Christ. He has commissioned His people to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power and authority we have in Him and through His Spirit and make disciples, teaching them all things, and proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father that they might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOD 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