09/21/28 PREPARE YOURSELF

09/21/28 PREPARE YOURSELF

We are expected to prepare ourselves for eternity (this is not saying we spend our time trying to earn heaven).

We prepare ourselves by saving ourselves from this perverse generation by trusting Jesus, turning from sin, walking in God's light (truth), keeping ourselves in the love of God, making our calling and election sure, purifying ourselves by trusting His blood and His Spirit and His word, continuing in the faith and in His grace and in Jesus, just to name a few of the distinctions that identify followers of Christ.

None of these Biblical directives endorse or permit works salvation or works righteousness. It is not a matter of earning salvation. However, God does require obedient faith. If our faith is not obedient or our faith does not do the works of God, then our faith is not saving faith.

It is not a life of ought, or carnal works. It is a life of love, faith, trust, surrender. In fact, a right relationship with God is life. When we love life.

1 Peter 3:8-17
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.