God’s love for us is unconditional. However, His promises are based on an IF—THEN relationship.
In the past few weeks I've heard Deuteronomy 28:13 (part a) quoted several times, “And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath…”
In all cases, the readers failed to quote the second part of that verse… “if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.”
That got me to thinking. So many times, we often proclaim the wonderful blessings of the Lord, but fail to mention God's requirement for fulfilling the promise. We forget to include our responsibility to hold up part b of the bargain.
Our relationship with God is two-fold. (1) God is Creator and the ultimate Giver and (2) our relationship with Him requires faith that challenges us to obey His words and follow His commands.
The Bible is filled with if/then conditions that require us to draw a line in the proverbial sand and choose sides.
Here are a few reminders:
2 Chronicles 7
- if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,
- then, I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Exodus 19:5
- if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant,
- then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine
Romans 10:9
- if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
- (then) you will be saved
We are either in or out. We either follow God or we don't. We either sit on the premises or stand on His promises.
No doubt....God is good! His mercy endures forever! His love is unconditional!
Though man was created by God, our sins have severed the relationship with God and position us a part from God. Our obedience changes everything.
If we love God like we say we do... then, let's act like it by obeying His Word.
We are conditionally His. Our YES must be followed by acts of obedience.