ALL THINGS MUST BECOME NEW

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Romans 10:12-13

         Paul is quoting the minor prophet Joel when he says that all who call on the name of God will be saved.  Does that mean what so many people seem to think it means, that anyone who utters the name of the Lord will go to heaven?  Not at all.  Too many people think that as long as they believe in the existence of God they are bound for heaven.  They are wrong. 

         First of all, this verse is referring to the Jews and the Gentiles.  The Jews were God’s chosen people, but they rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah therefore God allowed the Gentiles to become grafted into His family.  A gentile is any non-Jew. 

         Secondly, a person must not pull out of context that which suits them.  Scripture should be taken in context and in its entirety.  There are far too many verses in scripture that address the whole issue of leaving your old life behind and embarking on a new life to honestly belief that simply speaking the name of the Lord garners for you entrance into God’s heaven.  A changed life is expected. Those who think they can live as they choose are technically correct due to the free will God has allowed us, but adherence to God’s precepts is necessary for a person to truly win entrance into heaven.  Sin cannot abide with the Lord.  If that were true why would Christ have had to die a horrific death on a cross, shamed and separated from His Father?  It would not be so that man could continue on with a clean slate only to sin again.  Change must take place.  If it never does, it is fair to say the individual has not had a born-again experience.

       Scripture speaks of being born twice and only dying once.  What are we dying to?  Our old life; “Behold all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:13).  Do not fool yourself into thinking you can merely utter the name of Christ and be safe from the wrath of God.  Embrace the new life God has awaiting you by faith and trust God to guide you the rest of the way to your eternal home.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!