On One Condition
On One Condition
“And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.”
1 Samuel 11:2
That’s a heckuva condition to place on someone. Not to mention thousands of people as Saul was preparing to go to battle against the Ammonites.
The story of taking the right eye of a warrior was a horrific one that actually existed. Most warriors were right-handed so they held their shield in their left hand. This left the right eye exposed to see around the shield. If the right eye was taken - well I think you’re getting it.
Conditions are tough. Usually when someone wants to feel like they’ve gained an edge in a deal - certain, or many conditions must be met. “I’ll do this, as long as you’re willing to do this, this and this.”
We tell our children if they want something, or if they want to avoid punishment, they will do something for us. When we buy a vehicle, we agree to certain terms and conditions. There are conditions placed on just about everything we can think of. Conditions are thought of as a - you can have it, as long as you agree to this.
There were conditions placed on Adam and Eve, Moses, Noah, Job and Jonah. The Bible is full of stories that included conditions.
Some of the most significant conditions however, come from God. Remember the great flood? The flood was a result of a condition.
After that, God made a covenant with Noah and said there would be no more floods - the rainbow was a sign of this covenant or promise. The second covenant was sending His Son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins. And we would receive eternal salvation - on one condition, we place our faith and trust in Him alone.
That’s the condition. We don’t pretend. We don’t falsely apply it. We don’t say a prayer and fall in line. If we want eternal salvation in Heaven, we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We let His will be done in our lives, and in return we live to glorify Him.
There’s not much more to it. Most of everything else that God wants for us through His love will be met by this obedience. The way we love represents the Kingdom of God because we are saved. The fruit that we bear in our lives will become more and more evident - the more we live for Christ, because He died for us. This constant turning away from ourselves and turning toward the things of God, will naturally glorify Him.
Our lives here will end someday. As I look around and interact with people, I see what they are living for. Some are in it for the money. Others will do anything for their family. Some have a career that they will never retire from. And others just think this world is where it’s at. It’s sad to me to think so many people, who are willing to live up to every other condition, won’t meet this one that guarantees eternal life.
I have had friends that scoff at God, use His name liberally in vain and continue to live in a life of sin. I know others that believe they are good people and that will be enough to satisfy them at the end of this life. Others, I’ve watched who profess to be Christian’s, who bring no glory or honor to God.
We have one shot at this. And we are given one condition. It won’t be extended over and over. Christ died once, for all of our sins, He will not die again. He has taken victory over Satan. And whether you believe it or not - all of this is real. You have one chance at eternal salvation - to truly understand it and believe it. Salvation means to be saved. Eternal means forever, no end.
To squander this condition, and to slap the hand that is trying to pull you up, is a death sentence. A spiritual death sentence.
The battle against evil has been fought and it’s been won. There is victory. There is a winning side.
Sure we will face temptations, struggles, trials and tribulations. Some will utterly fail and others will be shining lights. And no matter where you are today - you can accept the condition that has been given freely to everyone. That’s right it has been given to everyone. No matter what you’ve done, who you are or where you live - you have the offer of eternal salvation. The catch - it’s up to you. Nobody can do it for you.
All you have to do is believe that Jesus Christ lived. That He is God, sent to the world in the flesh of man. That He is perfect and sinless. That you are a sinner that will continue to sin. That you are in need of a savior because of your sin. That Jesus is that savior because He chose to die for your sins and the sins of the world. To believe that He was risen from death three days later, ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of God. His ministry, while He was here, was to teach about God’s love, mercy and grace. He taught about the important of faith.
At any moment in your life, whether you are doing great, or at your lowest moment, you can call out or pray to God that you need Jesus Christ in your life. There is nothing else you have to do. Believe on Him and you are saved.
It’s tough for people. Some don’t want to believe. Some just like their lives. Some think they have to clean themselves up before coming to God. Some think they won’t ever measure up.
There is nothing you have to do, or can do - to place your own trust in Jesus. You just believe He is Who He is and that He will save you from yourself.
And if you struggle with any of this - we have the perfect word of God, the Bible, to help us understand. There are other Christian’s who will guide you, disciple you and help you grow in your faith.
If you have any doubt whatsoever, or if you don’t understand any of this - don’t wait.
We will all live forever. Christian’s and non-believers. The difference is huge, and it’s amazing. Non-believers will live in a conscious torment forever. While believers will live in Heaven, with God.
Three years ago I took the one condition that would save my life. Because, let’s face it, I wasn’t doing a good job on my own. And I took it seriously. My wife, my family and I are constantly growing, each and every day, closer to Christ. We still struggle. And there are even more struggles ahead, big ones!
We’ve accepted the condition to place our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Won’t you?
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13
“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
1 John 3:23-24
John 1:1-14 (ALL)
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:8-13