How will They Escape?

Jesus came to save the lost. He came to save the sick, the wounded, the broken and the sinners who knew they could not save themselves, but needed a Saviour. There are plenty of folks like this all around us. In truth, we are all like this the Bible says. For there is none righteous, no not one. In spite of this glaring truth, there are some amongst us who would have us believe otherwise. They were around in Jesus’ day, and they are alive and well today. These are the law keepers, the pharisees, the ones who would “sell heaven” for a price. A price that they believe in their deceived hearts that they have paid, to their own great self glorification. The Bible calls them “blind guides” and warns us to see the error of their ways.

In the book of John a very intriguing conversation takes place. Jesus is talking to these very people and He calls them out for their false way. He states in verse 37 ” And the Father Himself which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye hath never heard his voice at any time nor seen his shape. And ye hath not his word abiding in you for whom he sent ye believe not. Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me that ye might have life, I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye shall receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings how will ye believe my words?” How will they escape who honor one another but fail to honor God?

People such as these fill churches today. One does not have to look far, to see the misguided hope that drives these lost souls. Somehow they have believed the lie that eternal life and salvation are something you earn, something you live out, something you achieve by your own wit, strength, talent, and good works. They love Jesus, these people do, They love Him so much they want to be just like Him. They love His law, His commandments are the scriptures by which they have ordered their lives. They are striving to enter into heaven, striving valiantly. Yet they fail to enter, they never meet the Saviour in this life. They don’t know God, and He does not know them. Why? These would be saints are some of the finest moral upright people to be found. The “do gooders” in churches, neighborhoods, and society, they receive honor of men and most all would agree that surely if anyone deserves eternal life, they do. Look at their works! Yet they do not enter, and miss the straight gate. The reason is given by Jesus and it is one of the saddest truths the Bible ever reveals to us. They didn’t want Jesus. It’s that simple. They did not and would not come to Him for eternal life because they did not want to be saved by His precious blood sacrifice on the cross. They wanted to be their own saviour. They loved His laws, but they reject the law giver. They do not honor Him by accepting His free gift of salvation. No! They utterly disdain the concept that such an extravagant gift is freely bestowed and proceed to put themselves, and anyone else who will listen to them under the yolk of bondage of earning this gift. Why did they want to take on the impossible task of earning their own salvation? Why not rather receive it freely? The answer is plain as Jesus tells us in the above passage, they wanted the honor for themselves, rather than to give honor to God in receiving His awesome love gift to us. Thus the truth is revealed that they do not know God. For they never understood His heart, and they never believed His words. They miss the straight gate, in their pursuit of their own honor and the honor of others of whom they approve, and in so doing they miss heaven.

The love of God has gone out into the whole world. Everyone is invited, everyone is welcome to come to the living water of life and drink freely the gift of life. It is FREE! That is the God of the Bible! He alone is worthy of praise, adoration and ALL HONOR. Every knee shall bow someday when the only one worthy of honor reveals Himself to us all.

” Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” John 6: 47-48