Do I Have to Follow Every Command of Jesus?
We’re going to change up how we do our weekly blog posts. Instead of having a single, long-form post, we will link to a blog post that’s from our archives, and then share the full content of two of our most popular recent social media posts.
I hope you enjoy the new format!
Archive Post:
If I Don't Follow Every Command of Jesus, Will I Go to Hell?
Well now, that’s a fun question. Any time someone ends a sentence with, “will I go to hell?”, it’s certainly going to draw some interest. Nobody wants to be the person who makes the eternally fatal error that sends them into the lake of fire.
Jesus gave us a number of commands. Do we have to follow every one of them to avoid Hell and get into Heaven? Click here to find out about the commands of Jesus and what it takes to ensure an eternity in paradise!
Social Media Post 1:
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
Luke 5:21-24 ESV
There is truth in the Bible that is not explicitly given. It’s not hidden, it’s just not spelled out. But these implicit truths show up frequently. Look at this passage. In the preceding verse, Jesus forgave a man for his sins. And now the Pharisees, quite correctly from the Jewish scriptures, point out that only God can forgive sins. So, they accuse Jesus of blasphemy. Then Jesus says, “but that you may know that the Son of Man has authority of earth to forgive sins” and He heals the paralyzed man. Now we connect the two explicit events to see the implicit truth. 1) Only God can forgive sins. True. 2) Only God can perform miraculous healing. True. (True at this point. Later the disciples will be given authority to forgive and heal.) Jesus is brilliant here! What is the implicit truth? In response to “only God can forgive sins” He does something else only God can do. The implicit truth…which should have been obvious to them is that Jesus IS God! He didn’t come out and say, “I am God,” He simply proved it in an undeniable way. He does have authority to forgive sins because He is God. And He made it clear by the miraculous healing of the paralyzed man.
Social Media Post 2:
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
-Luke 8:17 ESV
You and I can take this verse as a warning. If we are harboring any hidden sin, it will eventually be revealed. The question is, will it be brought into the light by us on purpose, or will it be exposed in a way that will cause more pain and heartache? James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that we may be healed. Healing comes through confession…and if we take the initiative to confess to a trusted brother or sister we can enjoy the healing power of the Holy Spirit. But if we wait, hoping that whatever we have hidden will always stay hidden, we are going to be very upset one day when it is made known against our will. Maybe this isn’t you. Maybe your heart is clear before God. Then be praying for those who are struggling to come to the point of true confession and complete repentance. But if you have something that is hidden, take the warning of Jesus seriously, and heed the command the Lord has brought us through James. Even though confession and repentance are difficult, there is no freedom without them. Be set free and enjoy living your life in His glorious light!
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Love you Jesus follower!