“Now these be the last words of David.” 2 Samuel 23:1

David the son of Jesse said:

"…and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel." (2 Sa 23:1)

When we consider the Saints in the Old Testament, David, King of Israel would be one of the most renown of the parade that marches through the sermons and studies. David was elevated by God’s Spirit from the least of the brothers in the House of Jesse to lead a life that only God could orchestrate. From a keeper of sheep to the King of Israel.

The scripture is filled with the adventures of David from the victory in the battle where he destroyed Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, with one of the five stones he plucked from the brook and to his greatest failure with Bathsheba and Uriah.

Everyone who follows after God will have a record of victories against giants and failures when challenged by sin and a life filled with experiences both good and bad. No matter how great the victories we win or how great the failures in sin we experience; we will be remembered by how we ran the race.

God’s word reminds us of this truth:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Heb 12:1)

David ran his race and you must run yours. Just as David was called from the least and promoted to king, you too have this same pedigree given to you by Jesus. The scripture reminds you that you came from the “least.” The Apostle Peter reminds the followers of Jesus that we too were called by God out of the cesspool of lost sinners:

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries.” (1 Pe 4:3)

God not only called you out of the “least” but just as David was made to be a king, we too have been made kings. We find this teaching in these words, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.” (Rev 1:6) David in his last words said:

“…he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.”(2 Sa 23:5)

David was not depending on the greater preponderance of his life journey to determine his value to God and his place in God’s Kingdom. David was depending on God’s everlasting covenant for his salvation. David believed God when He said:

“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (2 Sa 7:16)

What will your last words be? Will you call out to God for His mercy given to you through the Saviour? Will you plead your hope based on your victories and failures? David understood the power of grace, knowing that God had called him he trusted in God’s grace and mercy not his victories. David in his failure said:

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” (Psa 51:1)

He did not remind God of all the victories he had or how much he had produced for God’s purpose. David just wanted mercy and grace. God has directed His grace towards you:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom 5:8-9)

David was just as you are. Trusting in the Saviour, he was looking forward to the “throne” that would be “established for ever,” and you are looking back to the “throne” that was “established forever” when Jesus came into this world as God in the flesh and gave Himself for your deliverance from the pool of sinful men.

When your last words are spoken, let them be not of the works you have performed for God but the work of the cross that Jesus performed for you.

“Have mercy upon me, O God.” Psalm 51:1

The cry of the sinner is simple, “Have mercy upon me, O God.” David King of Israel had been confronted by God about his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. The word of God, from the mouth of the prophet Nathan, forced David to admit to God his sin. When Nathan said, “Thou art the man,” David had to admit or deny his sin.

Now, with his sin exposed, David had to choose how he would address his forever damaged life that was the outcome of his sin. Nathan told David:

“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” (2 Sa 12:10-12) 

God was not necessarily placing punishment on the King for his sin but informing David that sinful behavior produces it’s own tragedy, torment and troubles. Nathan simply was revealing the future effects of David’s sin. David’s indiscretion with Bathsheba and the net of evil that was woven trying to hide his sin would produce a “sword” of evil that would forever be a shadow over his life.

God did not stop with revealing to David the “sword” of destruction that sin brings into the life of a sinner but he also revealed His grace that He directs to all sinners. The word of God from Nathan that extended to the king was full of grace when he said:

“The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” (2 Sa 12:13)

How should a sinner respond when he is confronted with his sin? Some justify their sin because of the situation they were placed in. Others justify their sin by claiming they are no worse than anyone else. Some even justify their sin by blaming God.

David received grace from God for one reason and one reason only. When confronted with his sin David said:

“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Sa 12:13)

David simply came into agreement with God that he was a sinner in need of forgiveness. 

David, after admitting his sin before the prophet, went to his “prayer closet” and poured out his broken life and heart before God. We find this prayer recorded in the 51^st Psalm. In his prayer, David admitted his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah was not just a physical sin that had temporal effects but was a spiritual sin that held eternal effects.

As David prayed he said:

“For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psa 51:3-4)

Is there a lesson we can learn from David’s failure and confession? Yes. indeed we all sin. David shaped this truth with these words:

“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psa 51:5)

We are instructed in the word of God that:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23)

You are a sinner regardless of the fact you agree with God or not. To receive God’s grace as David received it you must respond to your sin as he responded to his, “I acknowledge my transgressions.”

If you respond to God in your sin by acknowledging your sin; there is good news:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

Why is this important to you? Even in your sins God still loves you.

God’s love for you is so great that Jesus said:

“God so loved the world (you), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

God loves you and calls you to come to Him.

How should you respond to God’s call? In repentance of your sin and by faith, call on the name of His son Jesus. This is how the word of God describes how God’s love delivers you from sin and death:

“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.” (Rom 10:9-10)

Will you come into agreement with God today? Will you acknowledge not only your sin but your need for the Saviour, Jesus? Today you can be moved from the rank of the sinners condemned to the sinner who is saved if you will call on the name of Jesus!

"“All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.” Numbers 6:4

The vow of the Nazarite was a vow of separation. Separated from the world for the purpose of God. Not many would take this vow. Sad enough, many who did lived a life of duplicity. Samson, in his life, was not separated from the world. In fact, he desired the life and experiences a sinful world embraced.

In his dallying with Jezebel, a daughter of a Philistine, Samson reveals the truth of who he was in his confession to Jezebel of his perceived source of his strength:

“…he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” (Jdg 16:17) 

God used Samson even though he did not keep his vow of the separation of the Nazarite. Samson was raised up by God to be one of the twelve Judges who would deliver Israel from her enemies. It is sad that Samson, who was born and raised to be a powerful man of God, wasted his life in the sinful lifestyles of the world.

God is faithful and just and will keep His word even if we fail Him. God’s word indeed:

“…shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa 55:11)

God had sent His word that a man and woman would be the vessels that God would use to “accomplish” His purpose for the nation of Israel:

“For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." (Jdg 13:5)

“The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.” Psalm 138:8

A consensus among bible students found that they consider this psalm to have been written by David upon his advancement to the throne of Israel. In this psalm, David praises the Lord for His ability to keep his promises and to bring to pass the completed work that was announced by the prophet Samuel.

God had started a work in the life of David fifteen years before. Saul had rejected God’s authority and sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint a new King for the nation of Israel. Jesse had eight sons and brought seven of them, one by one, for Samuel to select as the new king. God rejected each one as they were presented.

Samuel, not to be dissuaded in his search, asked Jesse if there were more sons in his household. Jesse said:

“There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.” (1 Sa 16:11)  

When the youngest of the sons enter the room; Samuel saw a boy that was “ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.” To the youngest of the sons of Jesse; God speaks to the prophet and said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.”

This event changed the course of the life of this young shepherd boy. After Samuel anointed him, the scripture declares, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” (1 Sa 16:12-13) When the Spirit of God invades a life, things change. There is now a power indwelling you that will empower you to bring to pass the promises of God in your life.

The Bible makes clear that God not only has a purpose and plan for your life but will bring it to pass like it was so with David, King of Israel. The Apostle Paul makes this bold statement about the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit's power in your life, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Php 1:6)

You have not only been called but you have been empowered by God’s Spirit as well! God promises you that He will perform His work in your life in this world until the very day you behold Jesus “face to face.” As we live our lives, we often find ourselves in doubt of this fact as we experience doubts, difficulties and defeats in our lives.

God has given you a promise that you will be “conformed to the image of his Son.” (Rom 8: 29) God's work in your life is to establish the righteousness of Christ as your righteousness. This imputed righteousness will “conform” you into the image or likeness of Jesus.

The work of the Holy Spirit is woven into the fabric of our lives. The work to make you into the “image” of Jesus is fashioned in every event of our lives; in the victories, defeats and in the good times and the bad of our lives. God makes this promise to you, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

David loved God and was doing His will and “purpose” in his life and fifteen years later the word of God was born out as true as David was King of Israel. Just as God kept His promise to David; God will keep His promises to you.

Have you lost sight of the work of God in your life? Did you begin in faith but now live in doubt? Let me encourage you to look back to the day you were “anointed” with the Spirit of God and trust “that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

One more word of encouragement for you who are struggling:

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Pe 5:10)

You are not alone. You are indwelled by the Spirit of God; guided by the “God of all grace” and are the friend of Jesus. Call on the name of Jesus and seek His face and He will guide you back to faith from the darkness of doubt.

There is None Righteous

The question of why bad things happen to good people is based on a false precept. The bible is clear:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Rom 3:10-11)

Jesus declares, “there is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mar 10:18)  As humbling as it may be – you, I or anyone but God is good. Perhaps a better way to view the conundrum of why bad things happen to good people is why good things happen to bad people.

Sin, not God, is the filter we must use when we see the “bad” of our world. Our “diseases” need to be healed because we are sinners. The creation was free of trouble, sickness and death until sin entered the garden.

The outcome of sin in the garden is the source of all “bad” things in the lives of the people we consider good or bad. The disparity in the lives of God’s people is not at the hands of God; it is the result of living in a fallen world.

Followers of Jesus are not always insulated from the “bad” that befalls the dwellers in this fallen creation. We are not promised protection from the effect sin brings in the lives of people. It does not take a bible scholar to see God’s people do not live in a bubble of protection in this fallen creation. The bible is filled with “bad” things happening to God’s people. We find this recorded in the New Testament:

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Heb 11:36-40)

God’s people do not live a protected life but a blessed life. God can, and does, interrupt the effects of living in this sinful world- but not always. Everyone who lives this side of the second coming of Jesus will die. Some will die soon and others will die later but:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment.” (Heb 9:27)

The Apostle Paul said:

 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Co 4:17-18)

Paul understood living in the blessing of God. He suffered greatly; stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, pursued by his former friends and would forfeit his life. Nothing, not even a coat to protect him from the cold stone of his dungeon that held him until his death.

The “bad” that was heaped upon this Apostle brings out the words of Joseph to his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” (Gen 50:20) Paul continued his words to the church in Corinth with this statement:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Co 4:17-18)

The Apostle Paul was living out the words spoken by his Lord and Saviour Jesus. Jesus said the life of His followers should be focused on God and His Kingdom; not the offerings, good or bad of this world:

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat 6:20-21)

Are you focused on God’s protection over health, wealth or relationships as you live out your life in this sin-broken world? Take Jesus’ advice and look beyond today and not see tomorrow but see God’s Kingdom as the reason for living today’s “bad” or “good.”

Living a life of humility is not self-deprecation. Self-deprecation is a behavior gimmick employed to present one’s self as excessively modest; seeking to draw greater attention to yourself or an attempt to belittle or undervalue oneself.

Seeking to live a life in humility is not a character quality many people seek to possess. Humility is contrary to our basic human behavior and is not a natural desire. We tend to have a proudful spirit and this is evident in even the youngest child who seeks approval from others for their accomplishments. 

Satan’s pride was the reason why he was removed from his place in God’s Kingdom and will be cast into the lake of fire. We have the same pride issue and it too will separate us from God. A proudful spirit will build walls between you and others and you and God.

The word of God draws this conclusion about our pride:

“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” (Psa 10:4)

Pride has been the downfall of most people and will allow Satan to gain control in their life. The Apostle Paul, speaking to the selection of servants in the Lord’s Church, said:

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Ti 3:6)

The scripture states of Jesus:

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Php 2:6-8)

“He humbled Himself,” Jesus was not and could not be humiliated by anyone but He made the choice to be “humble.” Jesus was, according to the scripture, God and creator of the world:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col 1:16)

Jesus was not humbled by the leaders of the Jews, Roman authorities or even His own family. The only way the Creator King and Saviour would be humbled was if He Himself made that choice. To be able to deny one’s self is the key to humility.

Jesus is our example. We are instructed in the Bible to:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Php 2:5)

What was the “mind” of Jesus? He was God but Jesus, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” (Php 2:7) The Creator become a servant. There is no better example of this statement in the Bible than when Jesus robed Himself and washed the feet of the disciples.

The Prophet, Priest and King took such a lowly disposition that many did not notice that He was washing their feet. Humility came naturally to Jesus but not so much for us. The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings for us about the dangers and pitfalls of pride and we, like Jesus, must choose to humble ourselves.

The scriptures reminds us of the importance of humility with these words:

 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (Jas 4:10)

Self-promotion is a character quality that often is employed in the world to achieve success but to be truly successful with both man and God you must learn to humble yourself.

If you will seek humility as you live your life as a pilgrim in this world God will indeed lift you up.

Religion is a powerful motivator. Religion can motivate a child to become a monster who will strap on explosives and become a mass-murderer. Religion will devalue certain people groups based on ethnicity or for not holding the same religious views that are taught by their religious dogma.

The more people become exposed and educated about not just the religious teachings but the ones who are pushing religion as well, the greater the rejection of not the religion but the rejection of God takes place.

Lost and wondering in a desert of indifference is where many people find themselves as the result of religion. A life of defiance, fear, loneliness and self-loathing is the lifestyle of people who have rejected or who are living out their lives in the shadow of religious experience.

The positioning of God as an angry superpower that requires personal sacrifice or religious activities is the power that religious institutions use to control the masses of people.The “angry God” theology is a powerful tool that has been used to control entire people groups.

The “stick and carrot” philosophy of religion uses the threat of punishment or the promise of rewards for the one who will follow their religious teachings. The power of religion over people is not new but is as old as the failure in God’s garden.

Religion is a man-made power base used to empower a select group to hold the power to breach the separation that death creates. When anyone rejects their teachings they are condemned to a life that is exiled from God and is condemned to a promise of eternal suffering.

To question their religious teachings will cause you to be shunned or rejected by God and condemned to a life of wandering in darkness and judgment of personal sin. To accept the religious teachings is to live your life enslaved to a religious lifestyle that gives a false sense of security that your actions have brought the favor of God to you. Addressing the purveyors of religious bondage Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

The Bible teaches:

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Tit 3:3-5)

The words “Not by works of righteousness” effectively removes the power of any religious group to endow or exclude you from God’s love and grace. There is not one religious activity that any religious discipline or teaching has that will bring God’s approval on your life.

To escape the shadow of religion and be saved from your sinful life you must be “born-again” by the Spirit of God. In God’s mercy and grace, He will save you. You will be washed of the darkness of sin and will be a new creature. The Bible teaches:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Co 5:17)

Following the teachings and disciplines of a religious group are not enough to do this. The Holy Spirit is the power of God that sets you free from the darkness of sin and religion’s answers for the separation that exists between God and you.

If you have walked away from a religious approach to your life; be careful you do not find yourself out of the shadow of religion and in the darkness of living a life that is void of God’s love and protection. Reject not God but the religious systems that are designed to enslave you to a religious group. Believe in Jesus and you will experience “The kindness and love of God our Saviour.”

Set Free!

God is in the liberating business. We find in the scripture these words, “…ye have been called unto liberty.” (Gal 5:13)

We have not been set free only to be in bondage to sin or to a system of belief. When the nation of Israel was repatriated to Zion, the Psalmist declared:

“The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3) 

We are set free by the hand of God! Jesus said:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

If you have called on the name of Jesus, you know the truth and now you are free! God has “done great things” for you and will continue to do great things for you as you follow after Him.

God has Carved out a Path For Us.

What a powerful observation! The words, “The Lord hath done great things for us” is for the children of God. God has not left His people here to “work out” their destiny but has paved a path for us to follow. “The Lord has done great things for us” are not the words uttered by someone seeking relief from their woes and troubles but from the mouths of people who have been recipients of God’s personal intervention that has changed the course of their lives.

When they speak of the condition of their life, the testimony offered up by many of God’s divine deliverance is not “praise God” but “this is the cross I must bear”. How sad it is to see fellow followers of Jesus live in defeat and doubt of God’s personal involvement and intervention in their lives.

The Path to Victory

The only cross we must bear is the cross of Jesus. Not as some form of penance but to bear the cross of Jesus is the path to victory.  Jesus said to the ones who would be His disciples, “….If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mat 16:24)

We who have received the salvation of God through the gospel of Jesus should not only be willing but eager to seek the purpose of God for our lives. Notice, Jesus did not say to take up His cross. For no one could carry the cross of Jesus that brought redemption to all who would call on His name.

Self-Denial is the Key

Jesus said if you are to follow after Him you should “deny” yourself and “take up” your own “cross” and then you can “follow” Jesus. Self-denial, as we seek to find our place in God’s work, is how you see the “great things” that God is doing for us.

The last words of Psalm 126:3 states, “whereof we are glad.” When we live our lives serving the Saviour, the followers of Jesus are glad and filled with joy. Jesus said:

 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

Look for the Hand of God

As followers of Jesus we should be eager to lose ourselves more than finding ourselves; more set on the cross we are to carry than the troubles and problems in our life. We should look for the hand of God as He works in our lives and not just “bear our cross” as we live out God’s purpose for our lives.  

Brothers and sisters, are you a joyful follower or are you just “bearing your cross?” Look up for the help of the Saviour and you will be glad. Jesus will give you joy in your life if you will only seek to serve Him.

Are You a Liar?

Is it possible for a follower of Jesus to sin? God’s word declares this is not only possible but it is an absolute fact the gospel-born-again do indeed sin: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 Jn 1:8,10) These are strong words. For a follower of Jesus to say they have not sinned tells us that they are liars.

The question that I will ask you today is not if you are a sinner, you are, but what is your response to sin? The Apostle John, in this same discourse, explains what a follower of Jesus’ response to sin should be:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9)

In God’s sight, we are lost sinners who have not confronted our sin nature or we are born-again sinners who confess our excursions into the darkness of sin. We who are born-again are not in and out of God’s Kingdom. We live in the light of the Gospel acknowledging God’s righteousness by confessing our sin.

A follower of Christ is not afforded a theology of moderation. The human soul exists in the darkness of the Evil One or in the light of the Eternal One. One does not need to be a bible scholar to prove the previous statement as true. A simple look at God’s word will be sufficient to validate this bible position.

The Apostle John makes this biblical truth abundantly clear:

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” (1 John 1:5-6)

To fully understand the gospel experience, we must distinguish how God views sin and sin’s effects on the lost sinner from how people often view sin and God’s righteousness. Jesus, speaking to the religious people, said:

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

When a lost sinner sees the light of Jesus through the power of the Gospel, the darkness of sin and death falls from their soul and they walk in the light of Jesus where no darkness of sin is allowed. As previously stated by the Apostle: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” (1 John 1:5-6)

The call of the Gospel brings about a new beginning, a new life and a new understanding of God and His righteousness. Jesus, speaking to the sinner who came in the cloak of the darkness of night and sin, said:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

For the seeker of the Kingdom of God to find it, he had to pass from the darkness of sin and be “born again” into the light of God.

The call of the gospel comes to God’s creation who are “dead in the wages of sin” and calls the sinner from the darkness of sin into the glorious light of God. The Gospel call to the lost sinner is to repent and “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” (Eph 5:14)

No neutralities can exist in a life lived by faith in Jesus. God’s word is clear; we are either dead in our sins “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Eph 2:1) or we are alive unto God:

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:5-6)

Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote:

“We are either ranked under the banner of Prince Immanuel, to serve and fight his battles, or we are vassals of the black prince, Satan. To whom belongest thou?’” Therein lies the question; are you the friend of Jesus or are you His enemy?

Jesus, speaking about His relationship with you, said:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Jesus died on Calvary’s cross so you can be His friend. This relationship drew a line in the sand for Christians; you have chosen the life of righteousness over sin and death.