Immutable… unchanged
While sitting with a few people Saturday afternoon, an interesting query was posed as to whether God’s love is conditional or unconditional. Admittedly, the question sort of caught the group of us off guard. It seemed simple enough at first but, when considering the far-reaching circumstances, this proved to be a truly baffling inquiry.
Following a considerable length of time during which the six of us shared various opinions and searched scripture for the correct answer, I concluded that God’s love is unconditional but the offer of salvation is riddled with requirements; thereby, establishing specific parameters for anyone who elects to engage in the quest for eternal life. What is arguably the most quoted verse in the bible: John 3:16 (KJV), establishes “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” This very concept confirms there was never a divinely mandated requirement stipulated for man to receive the love of God.
He is fully aware of those who choose to not believe in Him, obey the commandments, or honor covenants instituted with mankind. Even still, He was willing to sacrifice His one and only Son for the sake of making salvation available to every living soul. Consider for a moment, the fact that you would be required to give up your life for an individual, knowing they hate you, but it’s the only option for them to live. For most, that wouldn’t be an option or receive even a moment’s thought.
Yet, God’s love for His prize creation supersedes most anything we can do, say, or imagine as all that‘s required to be restored to right fellowship is for one to repent and ask His forgiveness. With this action, as specified in I John 1:9; “He is just and faithful to forgive us.” It’s not like dealing with people when you often hear, “I might forgive you but I’m not going to forget.” When the Lord declares that, “Your sins will be tossed into the sea of forgetfulness,” it will never become an issue for Him again, as long as you’re sincere in the asking. That is just one of many ways God demonstrates His love; a part of His character that can never change… He’s immutable.
Though there is nothing people can do to “earn” or “qualify” for God’s love because He freely offers that to all, the circumstances related to Salvation is quite different. There are standards etched in stone, literally, outlining the “do’s and don’ts” of the Christian walk in the presence of the Commandments. But God presented the law simply as a means of identifying that no man was capable of keeping them. Err go the need for His Son’s blood sacrifice which is designed to provide man the avenue for reconciliation to God. In short, it is as simple as believing Jesus is the Son of God and that he died for the sins of all mankind; past, present, and future, in order that one might receive the gift of salvation.
Unfortunately, many are turned away from seeking a relationship with God due to the misunderstood “rules and regulations.” A greater number of individuals who choose not to walk the path of one who follows Christ make that decision out of sheer ignorance. They view the commitment as on that infringes upon their freedoms and limits the idea of having fun; enjoying life. In actuality, nothing could be farther from the truth. The rules, regulations, and requirements are concerning matters that, when committed to doing what’s right in the eyes of God, a person has no desire to do anyway.
It’s important one understands the concept of walking closely with the Lord is most comparable to a parent/child relationship. He is our Father and, like any good parent, only wants what is best for His children. Of course, that represents a situation wherein there are rules, regulations, and restrictions with which not all children will agree, even when they know it’s ultimately for their benefit. Again, that is where believing in Jesus’ sacrifice comes into play as the proverbial “trump” card.
You can reach Howard at bg@authorbghoward.com.
