Solomon wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The one who seeks to please God will heed these words. God has provided “… all things that pertain to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). God provided Christ to die for the sins of mankind (John 3:16). Man must see that it is in Christ that he must be found. It is through baptism that one “gets into Christ.”
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Paul wrote to those at Rome, “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
When one is baptized into Christ, he is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), has forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1:14) and, in Christ, salvation and eternal life
(2 Timothy 2:10, 1 John 5:11). Satan would have people fail to see this lesson, but God wants all men to obey him.
Paul wrote these words to Timothy: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”
(2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul knew his reward awaited him, and he longed for it. His mission for the Lord had taken him many places and he suffered many things, but he knew it was worth it all.
If people look to the life of Christ, they would easily see that his life was not an easy one, either. He suffered many things, yet he pressed forward. He was tempted as all men are tempted, yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Matthew 4 tells how Satan tempted him with things of this life, yet he refused to sin. In each temptation, the Lord quoted Scripture to overcome Satan’s advances. While going about his work, he was continually challenged by the religious leaders of his day yet remained steadfast.
Jesus knew that death awaited him at the cross yet continued his walk to Jerusalem. When he was taken prisoner in the garden, Peter tried to defend him with a sword, but the Lord told him to put it away. After this, his disciples fled (Matthew 26:52-56). At his trial, he was mocked and beaten, and all the while he stood with resolve not to give up his task. He stood steadfast in following the Father’s word.
Surely, it can be seen that man today also must steadfastly follow God’s word. He gained the victory. It is in Christ that man can have victory over sin and death.
To gain this victory, people must believe that Christ is the Son of God, turn to God and away from sin, be willing to confess Christ before men and then be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Then they must remain faithful to God all the days of their lives.
God wants all to be victorious, but he leaves the choice of doing it or not to man.