By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Live for the remission of sin
pastor corner

God does not save people against their will. Each person must make their own choice to follow God or not.

Notice this example: The great warrior Joshua took command of the children of Israel at the passing of Moses. He led them through the taking of the land of Canaan. At the end of his life he made a great statement about the free moral agency of man. He said, "Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24: 14-15).

He made it clear that the people had a choice to make, serve God or serve idols. A continued study of the history of the Israelites shows that they did make this choice. Sadly they did not always choice to serve God.

Besides those who believe that they have no choice in their acceptance or rejection of salvation, there are those who simply choose not to serve God. They allow themselves to be overcome with worldliness. They have become so good a friend to the god of this world that they fail to see the danger.

Paul wrote, "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:1-4).

These individuals are living for the time being and not thinking of eternity, or if they do they seem to think that God will save them as they are. This is false hope, for God will not make anyone serve him, it has to be because the individual desires to serve.

Christians are to work to try and bring the world to Christ.

Jude wrote, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 21-23).

God has provided the way back for man, believe in Jesus as the Son of God, repent of sins, confess Christ as the Son of God before man, be baptized for the remission of sin and then live faithfully for the Lord.

Editor’s note: This is the second of two parts.

Sign up for our e-newsletters