Our Merciful God

Since I have shared in the past about how God judges those who out-and-out disobey His Word, I feel compelled to share about the other side of God's nature. We need to understand that God does judge sin because He is a holy God and our sin must be dealt with, but at the same time He is a loving God who longs to show us His mercy. However, since He is the Creator, we must abide by His rules.

Far too many people believe that if they have not committed a huge sin, such as murder, that they will automatically enter the kingdom of God when they die. But, that is not true. If that were the case, why would Jesus have had to die on the cross since we would be going to Heaven anyway? His Word says in John 3:3, "In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'"

Some individuals may recognize their need to have a personal relationship with God, but they feel unworthy of His acceptance and think that when they get their act together, then maybe they will seek God. What they fail to realize is that our loving God does not expect us to be all "righteous and holy" before we come to Him. He is our Creator, so He knows better than anyone how impossible that task would be on our own. You may be heavily involved in drugs, pornography, homosexuality, you name it, and He will still accept you just as you are, if you repent and ask Jesus into your life.

I encourage anyone who is reading this to come before God's throne in prayer and sincerely ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and ask Jesus to be your personal Savior. Let's face it, we have ALL sinned. Something as small as envy, jealousy, or anger is sinful in His eyes. That small gesture of repentance on your part will wash all your sins under the blood of Jesus because of His death on the cross. And the added bonus is that He forgives you of ALL your sins from the past, present, and even the FUTURE. How could you turn down such a good offer?

You may think you could never live up to His standards, but don't worry about that. He takes you just as you are, and over time He patiently and gently deals with all the garbage in your life.

I have found the Singaporean preacher Joseph Prince and his daily devotional to be a wonderful encouragement in my walk with God. Prince's main focus is on the unmerited grace of God, something which is awesome to behold. I encourage you to make this most important decision. I promise you that you will never regret it. How could you when you receive a friend who never leaves you nor forsakes you and a clean conscience as an added benefit?