Jesus Demands A Response

Good morning,

I feel like the title to this article definitely catches the eye. I believe it's my use of the word "demands" that really does the trick. I'm sure some will read that title and ask, "Is that really true?" The answer is, yes, it is true. Jesus will not force anyone to call Him Lord, but an answer must be given, will be given. Your response to Jesus will either happen on this side of eternity or the other side of eternity, but it will happen. You have a choice today. You won't have a choice on that day.

9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Php 2:9–11.

If you choose to put off the call to submit to Jesus, and you die, you will be forced to bend the knee and call Him Lord. You will be forced as a defeated enemy of God. You will then be cast into the lake of fire (hell).

In reality, you don't have to put it off. You can submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ today. Responding to the gospel is the easiest thing a person can do in their life and with their life. There is no "work" you have to do to earn His salvation. The work that was required was accomplished by Jesus Christ. So, how do you respond to the gospel? There are really only 3 things a person must do:

• Admit you are sinner

23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ro 3:23.

The reality is that you are sinner, but you will never recognize your need for a Savior until you realize you are a sinner.

• Believe in Jesus

16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 3:16.

This "belief" that is necessary isn't an intellectual ascent. It is more that just knowing who Jesus is. It is having faith that He is Who He says He is, did what He said He would do, and will do what He says He will do.

• Confess Jesus as your Lord

9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ro 10:9–13.

Jesus will transform you. You won't be who you were.

20“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ga 2:20.

It is Jesus that saves you. It is Jesus that works in and through you. All you need to do is surrender!

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey