“Those who ACCEPT my commandments and OBEY them are the ones who love me. And because THEY LOVE ME, my Father will love them. And I will love them and REVEAL MYSELF to each of them…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and WE WILL COME AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH THEM.” (John 14:21-23) In the book of Revelation Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone HEARS My voice and OPENS the door, I will COME IN TO HIM and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20)
WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO FOR THIS TO HAPPEN?
- ACCEPT: We accept that these are the actual commandments of God. Even the new one Jesus gives us. “A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
- OBEY: To prove our love for God, WE OBEY GOD.
- LOVE: We must not be duped to think just saying “I love You, Lord” or even giving half-hearted efforts to His commands will prove our love for Him. No. The condition from Jesus demands of us TO MAKE LOVING HIM THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN OUR LIFE which means OBEYING HIM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE.
- OPEN UP TO HIM: It basically means to believe that He is God the Son and only He can forgive your sins. You repent of your sins and become born again as described in John chapter. It is just like getting married, you give yourself completely to Him and do your best to obey His commandments. It is an act of your will, choosing Him as your Lord and Savior. It should not be put off once you know about it. “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, NOW IS THE TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” (2 Corin. 6:2)
-Bill Stockham