I believe that we humans have a hard time distinguishing where our choices come from. Do we make them or does God make them for us? We are the only species on the face of the earth that can make choices but as a result, they may not always be the correct ones. If we do insist on making a wrong decision, we must own up to it and face the consequences. But, as free will thinkers, it’s so common to start pointing fingers at others or even God, for our wrong decisions. Where did our free will thinking go? Did we or didn’t we make the choice on our own? Certainly, if we choose to do the right thing, then of course we will take the credit. But we have to own up to the right as well as the wrong. No one, not even God forces our hand on decision making. His part is to instill the proper way of making these choices. God created a conscience in all of us. His Law was set into our inner most parts. This conscience sends off an alarm when we naturally disobey His laws. But man’s sin conscience can override what we know is truth. We just can’t blame God or anyone for our mistakes. Just like we can’t take all the credit for the right choices either.
The Bible tells us that God knows the end from the beginning and He is concerned in a good ending for all of us. He intends that each one of us will heed His loving call to recognize what He gave us as a free unmerited gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus. He draws us to Himself by allowing us to see our sin. His Word gives us a mental picture of Christ Who stands and knocks. (Rev.3:20) It’s our choice whether or not to open it up and invite Him to come in. He will not force Himself inside. This gentle ‘knock’ is our conscence that makes us aware of His presence. Have you asked Him in yet?
This weekend my niece called me. I don’t hear from her very often. I have been praying for her salvation and planting seeds when I do get to talk to her. Our conversation began much like any normal conversation. I decided I would let her do the leading if that was the true reason for her call. Sure enough, it soon turned into needing a Savior. Jokingly I said she needed to come away from the “dark side.” If you have ever seen Star Wars, you will understand what I meant. She readily defended herself and said she wasn’t on the dark side. I matter of factly told her that even though she wasn’t doing bad things, she was walking in darkness. Then I came right out and asked her a question. It is either “yes” or “no”. It’s not up for debate. I could tell she didn’t like what I was implying by being on the dark side. “Can you tell me you are saved?” There was a pause. “I belive in God”, was her reply. “I am not asking if you believe in God, have you accepted Christ as your Savior?” I asked. She said no. My next question was, “Do you want to?” To which she quickly replied, “Yes!” I was so excited! I explained that when she confesses with her mouth and believes in her heart, the prayer we said together meant she would now belong to God as His child. That’s it! She made a choice she will never regret.
After I got off the phone with her I imagined the celestial celebration that was going on in heaven. God does not take our salvation lightly and neither should we. I felt so honored to be a part of bringing one of His lost sheep home. This after all is my main purpose for taking up space on this earth. When you realize that your life is not about you, but the One Who created it, just breathing takes on a whole new meaning.
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:4
This implies that God is the One that takes the initiatve to look for the sinner. We are the one who is lost. Many false doctrine is taught today that God will receive us if we earnestly seek His forgiveness. The main message is left out. We are making this out to be about us and it isn’t. There is no apology acceptable to God aside from repenting of sins against Him and confessing our need for Christ to wash us clean in His blood. On our own we simply aren’t worthy.
Back then the duty of the shepherd was a serious one. Christ is our Shepherd. A shepherd was obligated to his master that not one of his sheep was lost, killed or hurt. It is Christ’s duty to His Father that not one sheep that is given to Him will ever be lost or killed or hurt. (Jn. 17:12)
“When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Luke 15:5
This is a tender scene. Christ gently lays us upon His shoulders and there is rejoicing in heaven!
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:6,7
God in heaven rejoices over one lost soul that repents more than over those who are already saved. It’s a party in heaven with the angels singing at the Lord’s side when someone says the sinner’s prayer. I couldn’t help but imagine the heavenly harmony that was being sung on behalf of my niece who up until that time was lost. Being a part of this celestial celebration is truly what being a Christian is all about.
If you’re like my niece and not sure how to go about receiving forgiveness, it’s very simple. It’s not waiting for the right time, or being in the right place or saying an eloquent prayer in front of an alter. If that were the case, not many would get saved. No, God doesn’t make any demands on us that are impossible to do. He does require that we confess our sins to Him (no one else) and believe in our heart that His Son died for us and rose to life. He sits in heaven to represent us to His Father. Because of what He has done, God can now listen to our prayers. We are now the righteousness of God. It’s our duty to walk deeper in this relationship. It’s reading the Word daily, meditating on it, praying on a regular basis and getting involved in a Spirit filled church. It’s studying His truth and knowing His Word.
If you are a lost sheep in need of salvation, repeat this life changing prayer; “Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I have sinned against You. Please forgive me dear Lord. I believe that Christ is the Son of God Who died on the Cross for me and rose again and now sits at Your right hand. I am now justified, sanctified and redeemed through the blood of Jesus. I am Your child. Thank You Father for loving me. Amen”
Become a witness for Christ with your life as well as your lips.
Vivian Gordon writes articles pertaining to God’s instructions and the examples He has given us in order to grow on this Christian walk with Him. She hopes that they can inspire the Christian to grow spiritualy and maturely in their lives.