Sunday, January 5, 2020

Not Grace But Judgment

Bobservations Column
By Pastor Bob Lawrenz

When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, His commands were clear, and though consequences for breaking them were not given, there were no doubts left in the hearts of the people that there were some. New rules and laws are implemented because of the specific ways in which the lives of people are displeasing to the One in charge. Everyone could relate to each new commandment because they either encouraged or forbade behaviors that were familiar everyone. At the time, there was not an Israelite alive that didn’t relate to the behaviors that the Commandments scrutinized. 


When we plead our case before God, will He respond with grace, or incredulity at our insolence and sense of entitlement? Who will ever be able to stand and debate with God about the righteousness of His Commandments? 

If a Federal Law is deemed by some to be too strict, the Supreme Court can give an opinion, and a new law can be legislated to replace the strict one with one that’s more lenient. Suddenly a law violator becomes a law-abiding citizen. 

But how does one go about changing God’s mind about the things He has clearly stated in His Word? While God’s mercies are new every morning, God also tells us to seek He while He may be found.” Is there a point when the lost will not be able to be seek and find the Lord. 

Additionally, Hebrews 6 tells us that if a true believer falls away, it is impossible to re-enter the fold of the believers. This is not double-speak, nor is it a mixed message. There are consequences to sin, and consequences for not seeking God when He has given out an invitation to come. If we feel or hear Him tug on our heart, it’s a foolish thing to deny Him access. 

This is the case with the Jews of Jeremiah’s day. All with family bloodlines that indicate the witness they had been given, yet all turned away. As we read God’s words about judgement today, remember to balance the harshness with His other words. God does give us an escape from judgment:



“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9

Do not delay asking Jesus to forgive. He will be faithful to do so. 






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