The Father's Will

We often consider how God uses all kinds of circumstances to draw us
close to His side. The purpose of being drawn close is ultimately to
be transformed to the image of His Son and to have intimate
fellowship with Him for all eternity. But initially, the purpose of
being drawn near is so we can be introduced to His Son.

The Kingdom of Heaven is open only to those who truly believe in
Jesus. We may think this to be "intolerant," but if we profess to
believe the Bible is true there can be no other conclusion: "Enter
through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is
the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find
it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Our Father is drawing us near because the
narrow gate is only open to those who are known to His Son.

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of
Heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in
Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many
miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away
from Me, you evildoers!'"

Clearly, being "good" does not ensure we are known by Jesus. Neither
does going to church, reading our Bible, teaching Sunday School or
even writing devotional messages! Jesus knows, and takes away the
sin, of "only he who does the will of My Father."

Fortunately, Jesus also tells us exactly how to do His Father's will:
"For My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and
believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at
the last day" (John 6:40). The will of our Heavenly Father is to
truly know and be known by His Son.

All the wonderful things we do in the name of Jesus count absolutely
nothing toward granting us the gift of eternal life. True believers
in a risen and glorified Lord will certainly desire to turn from a
life of sin and obediently serve; "anyone who does not take his cross
and follow Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:38). But entrance
through the gate of eternal life is based ONLY on sincere belief, not
on the results of belief.

We must spread this message throughout the world and, most
importantly, we must receive this message into our own heart! All
our "good" will be burned up and cast aside if done without first
having placed the entirety of our life in His hands. He is drawing
us near because belief in Jesus is both necessary and sufficient for
our Salvation. He is drawing us near and inviting us to submit to
the Father's will.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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Lorena, TX 76655
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