The Will of God

                As I read the scriptures in 1 Peter 2:13-17 quoted below, verse 15 caught my attention.  In order to see the context we must also read:

1 Peter 2:12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

              As a Christian, our works for God are the fruit that defines what kind of Christian we are.  If we work to enlist souls into the Army of God, and do other good works, (not prideful, glory seeking works) but works from a sincere broken heart for the souls of man, (when we are called home to our reward,) we will “glorify God in the day of visitation.”

              We as saved born again Christians, and as servants of God are what constitutes the root of this Church (with Jesus the Christ as our Head.)  The strength of this Church is derived from the strength of its works. 

              We cannot be more concerned in feeding families physical food than we are about where their soul may reside on that “…day of visitation.”  If we present the Gospel as we give physical nourishment to families, we are also giving the nourishment of “God[‘s]…living water.”

John 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

              So the question is, what kind of works are you doing for God?  God clearly defines that His Works are to be done by Christians.  Without Jesus the Christ as your personal Saviour, you are not a Christian.  Consequently, that “day of visitation” will be clearly different for you.  As a Christian, you will stand before Jesus and He will judge your works, but those who have not accepted Jesus will stand before God, and He will judge you for your sins. 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There is an old saying, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”  In terms of our scripture, you cannot accept God and refuse Jesus.  You cannot do “good works” for entry into Heaven without the Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

              Are you a repented born again Christian, or a “I hope I will make it to Heaven” type person?  “Hope” will not get you to Heaven.  Only Jesus our Lord can get you there.  Accept Jesus and be freed from the chains of sin that bind you and keep you out of Church.  Accept Jesus with a true, sincere heart, ask Him to forgive you, and from deep within your heart, ask God to help you repent of all your sins.

Bro John R. E Chastain

1 Peter 2:13-17  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;  (14)  Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  (15)  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  (16)  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  (17)  Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.