Do You Believe in Parachutes?

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness (adultery and lust), not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:12-14)

 

Many people believe in parachutes. That is to say they know what they do and believe (for the most part) that they’ll perform as advertised, but they would NEVER put one on. Myself included.

 

And for many people, it’s the same way with Jesus. They believe Jesus is who God says He is, but they’re not going to ‘put Him on’ because to do so would mean to alter their lifestyle.

 

Some believe that they can put Jesus on just before they die. That’s like saying they’ll jump out of the plane just before it crashes, but having no idea when that will occur or that it’s happening now.

 

When the Bible talks about belief (or faith), it’s with the understanding that the ‘believer’ trusts to the point of obedience. In other words, if you truly believe (if your faith is real), you will do as Jesus (God) has commanded.

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People Know When You’re Wearing Your Parachute

A smart person believes in parachutes.

A stupid person is one who believes, but refuses to put one on when he knows the plane is going down.

Similarly, many believe in Jesus Christ, but have refused to put Him on.

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14 (emphasis mine)

If you have not put on Christ Jesus, you are crashing, you have no protection and you will not be saved. You can complain that it’s not fair that ‘Jesus is the only way,’ but I bet if a flight attendant handed you the last parachute on a doomed plane you would not point out how narrow-minded she was, but would put on the only thing that could save your life.

If you believe in Jesus, it means that’ll you’re willing to do whatever He says in order that your life will be saved. Jesus on the other hand does not require perfection, only submission.  All He says is, “Put Me on.” 

If you’re not sure what it means to put on Jesus, just ask!

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