You’ve been shot? Wow, I’m real sorry dude. Didn’t you tell me you believed in bullet-proof vests? I’m thinking maybe you should have put one on.
Of course this isn’t a real conversation, but an illustration of how knowledge alone doesn’t do anything unless it is practiced religiously. In other words knowledge does not become wisdom until it is applied. Just as every intelligent person knows a bullet-proof vest must be worn to work properly, every Christian knows Jesus must be put on in order to be both effective and protective. Knowing what Christ accomplished does not save a person; He must be worn as one would put on a bullet-proof vest or a parachute and kept on until you safely arrive at your destination.
Putting on Jesus also speaks to obedience. Faith without obedience is akin to believing in your bullet-proof vest, but keeping it in the closet. If you truly believe in Christ Jesus, in earnest gratitude you will do what He says to do. If you aren’t seeking to obey Him, then you are not a believer.
He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:4-6)
At the end of the day, faith (like love) is an action. We can say we belief in Jesus all we want, but if we purposely disobey His instructions we aren’t believers, we’re deceivers.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh… (Romans 13:14)
But my bullet-proof vest is so uncomfortable. I can’t move around as freely as I did before.
Isn’t that what so many people say about Jesus too? Well here’s the reality: Jesus said that His yoke (teaching) is easy and the burden He asks us to carry is light. Since we know that Jesus cannot lie, we must take what He says at face value, hence putting Him on will NOT restrict our freedom. The fact is the opposite is true: fully grasping that we’re saved eternally is the most freeing and comfortable and peaceable thing a human being can experience this side of Heaven.
Do you believe in Jesus or do you believe in Jesus?
If you were arrested for being a Christian today, is there any evidence that could be presented to bring about your conviction?
Is a dusty Bible enough evidence?
- What do these passages say about God?
- What do hey say about you?
- Are there any changes you need to make?
Related articles
- Parachutes vs. Jesus (compassiondave.wordpress.com)
- Becoming Better Than You Were (davidcalves.com)
- A Growing Relationship with Jesus (walkonwater727.wordpress.com)
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God bless you bro.
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Very good!
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