Lie # 36 “I must first wholeheartedly love God and keep all His commandments so that He will love me and reveal Himself to me.”
No, this is like putting the cart in front of the horse. This is what John 14:21 seems to say but that interpretation does not square with 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us” and John 3:16, of course. All mankind starts off in Adam, at enmity with God, incapable of loving God without Him first supplying His gift of love – in the Person of the Holy Spirit – into our new spirit-self at rebirth.
John 14:21 seems to mirror the impossible situation the Israelites put themselves in by rejecting the grace-based covenant under Abraham and embracing the Law Covenant at Sinai (see the end of Chapter Nineteen in the Elephant book). A later verse can be rendered: “If anyone loves me he will keep his eye upon my word and my Father will love him and we will make our abode with him” (John 14:23). That corresponds with “looking to” (keeping your eyes on) Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (see Hebrews 12:2). Remember, God loved us while we were still in Adam sinners, as clearly stated in Romans 5:8. All the more so when we become “one” in Christ Jesus through rebirth. Amazing Grace!
Lie # 37 “The whole Bible applies directly and equally to me so I must study it to receive God’s approval and reach heaven”
No, not every promise or command was given directly to you nor was the Law Covenant given to non-Jews. God did not make you the “father of many nations” because that promise was only given to Abraham. God loves everyone. He approves of and accepts into heaven all who are reborn in Christ, even if they never read the Bible. If you are reborn in Christ, you already are accepted, approved and beloved by Father-God, just like Jesus is – because you are in Christ!.
Law-minded people interpret 2 Timothy 2:15 to mean you must daily study the Bible to receive God’s approval. But saints who have a revelation of how much Abba-Father loves them, know that we are to study the Bible in general – and the New Covenant in particular – to discover just how much He loves us – just like He loves Jesus!
Coming Next Week: Lies # 38 and #39 that often confuse many Christians. REMEMBER: Wrong believing which leads to wrong living. Conversely, right believing leads to right and prosperous living in Christ. Contact me (below) with any comments or questions about the content of this Blog. Lenny
life, that is, Jesus himself.