Unconditional Love .. And Eternal Life

[Richard A. Kent]

In speaking with a friend the other day, we spoke of God and his unconditional love. We also spoke of the reward of eternal life. Subjects such as law, holiness and sanctification came up and if any or all still applied to the body of Christ. In our conversation we brought up that some in the body don’t seem to understand that though God’s love is indeed unconditional, the rewards of Heaven and eternal life do have conditions. Not just anyone will enter the kingdom of Heaven.

God’s love is unconditional, yes. He loves us no matter what. But what we need to understand is just as any good father will do, he sets rules to live by in his house. What would happen if you let just anyone move into your home? Let’s say these people refused to follow any type of rule set by your home. That would of course become total chaos for those you love and care for. It would destroy all harmony and peace within your home, and bring sorrow to others. This is where God must set rules in place for those entering his Kingdom. He promises a place where there is no sorrow and pain, and to do this he must sadly refuse some that refuse to accept the rules to his kingdom. God would have everyone enter the kingdom if it were possible, but God’s love is so great he gave us a free will to decide on our own ,if he is what we want . We will decide to follow after him and his kingdom or we will choose not to. We can not live according to our rules, and yet want in his kingdom.

In this, we understand that though God’s love is unconditionally, we will have a standard to follow while here on earth. Our decision to place our free will on the alter, and to submit ourselves to the will of the father instead, is probably the number one factor in our salvation. God wants our love in return, and if we do truly love, and trust in him, we will want to follow his standard. Not because we feel pressured into it, but because we know it is the right way. Now God knows that his way is not natural to sinful man, and to mold an individual to a state of holiness is a process. God will move us from one point to another as we grow and we begin to understand why it is we must do things in such as way. Through grace we are able to learn from our mistakes, and through the power of his spirit avoid from doing the same mistakes twice.

Jesus Christ came to set us free. His coming freed us from ignorance (not knowing) and the system of current law. He is the door to our salvation. Through his intersession and forgiveness we may approach the Father. We are his disciples and thus have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. We know the will of the father because we know the words of our Savior, and the two are one. We need to look close at these words and want to live by them, if we want to enter the Kingdom. What things did he say were important? What things did he say to avoid? How you taken the time to read the “red” lettering in the New Testament? These are the words of Jesus Christ himself. Take some time, find a Bible with the red lettering and begin to study the words of Jesus today.

Richard A. Kent

[Dr. Henry, President of the AOCI]

Love this blog Rev. Kent. Thanks and keep up the wonderful work in the Kingdom of God!! God bless you.