IF...

TODAY'S READING: Col. 1, 2, 3, 4

SCRIPTURE: Col. 1:22, 23 (emphasis added)
²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.

OBSERVATION: There are a lot of "if's" in the Bible. They are there for a reason and we need to pay attention to them. These verses contain an incredible and wonderful promise made to us by God. We are reconciled to God and are free from all unholiness. No accusation can be made against us --- then there's that word if. If we continue and establish ourselves firmly in our faith and are not moved from the hope we have in the Lord. Such a little word with such weighty meaning. I hear so many Christians glibly claim the promises of God, stating that God's love is "unconditional". There are very few promises of God that are unconditional. Most all of them (including salvation) have an if attached to them. If you repent; if you obey; if you hold on to; if you continue --- all these are examples of phrases attached to God's promises in the Word. We cannot weary the grace of God for his love is unfailing (not unconditional). He will not tire of us returning to him and restoration is always available if...

APPLICATION: I must be careful to read and apply the promises of God rightly in my life. I have responsibilities in order to receive all that God has for me. The "if's" tell me what those responsibilities are. I had better pay attention.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for all the great and precious promises you have made to me in your Word. I want them all! Help me to see and understand what my part is in obtaining them. May I be humble, repentant and dependent on you. I'm so grateful that I cannot "out-sin" your forgiveness and that your supply of patience with me is inexhaustible. You are wonderful! I love you and praise you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.