An “if-then” clause is a conditional statement that lays out a condition that when fulfilled provides a certain expressed result. Example: If we repent of our sins & believe in Jesus Christ, then we shall receive salvation. The fact of the matter lies with Jesus final words spoken while He hung on the cross. In John 19:30 Jesus says, “It is finished.” In other words, there is nothing else that needs to be done to cleanse one of their sins. Once He says His final words the “If-Then” clause is activated.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, “If my people … shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” God’s “if-then”clauses are very specific. There is no mistaking their meaning. Conforming to God’s way is imperative for it is the only plan of redemption provided by our creator. We MUST do something or abstain from doing something to make these clauses become valid and useful. Taking this whole Christianity thing seriously is the key to receiving total and complete forgiveness for everything we’ve done both knowingly and/or UNknowingly.
This isn’t a matter of doing something to MAKE God provide a positive result. The purpose of the conditional clause is to let you know that God has chosen of His own free will and out of His deep, abiding love for His creation to provide a certain position outcome as a result of your obedience and submission to His condition. THAT is what God’s “if-then” or conditional clause is. Pay attention when you read scripture, because ... “The Bible contains approximately 1,600 to 1,637 instances of the word "if," which functions as a conditional conjunction. This count is divided into roughly 993 occurrences in the Old Testament and 602 to 608 occurrences in the New Testament, with nearly half of the New Testament instances appearing in the four Gospels.” [1]
Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
[1] https://www.ogchurchofchrist.org/Sermons/the-biblical-word-if/ & https://moreofhimministries.org/if-then-but/
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