Musick-al Note # 302
The words of the prophets have been searching the hearts of men down through the centuries. An especially penetrating prophesy is quoted by Jesus from Isaiah, “This people honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Isaiah 29:13). Lip service has never pleased nor is acceptable to God. It matters not how much we say we love God – proof of the matter lies in our service to Him. Jesus also said, “If you love me, you will keep my words.” John said, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
An outward appearance of righteousness can never hide our true nature which may be hidden to mankind by our seeming obedience to God. God looks upon the inner man whether we are in obedience to Him or just pretending to serve Him. Look carefully at Matthew 7:21-23. Just saying that Jesus is Lord and declaring that one’s works are in His name is not sufficient for one to enter heaven. Jesus said, “I never knew you”. Why? Look at a few preceding verses where Jesus urged everyone to ‘enter the strait gate and walk the narrow way’ that leads to life. If one does not enter Christ, they will miss the narrow way. The doctrines of men saying, “Just believe” will not suffice. The apostle Paul related his experience of meeting Christ on the road to Damascus of how he met the Lord, believing Him, went into Damascus, praying and fasting for three days, learned what he was to do and was baptized to take away his sins (Acts 22:6-16). In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he stated that this obedience is the way into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
We need to examine ourselves in the light of the perfect law of liberty and place correct obedience upon ourselves that we might meet the standard of God’s Word to be saved.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 