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RELIGION LIVES
The way I choose to live my life together with my beliefs is what I consider my religion. This involves obeying God, having a relationship with Him and developing His character. (Ephesians 6:11, 13, Galatians 5:22 and 23, 2 Peter 1:5 to 11)
Before I started studying the Bible for myself, as opposed to what others told me about it, I really did not know what was in it and what wasn^t in it. I did not know the history of man, of Israel and of God^s promises. I did not know God^s plan for man and for His kingdom. Neither did I understand the meaning of Jesuss sacrifice and the reason for it. What I lacked also was the knowledge of His Way and the importance of it. I was living by my own understanding and headed for certain death.
True religion is the Way to escape eternal death. God wants us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). God wants us to be in His Kingdom (2 Peter 3:9). The Bible tells us how to do it. We must die to our desires and put on God^s righteousness (Galatians 5:24 and 25).
God calls His people, those who will attain the Kingdom, His chosen ones. I tend to think that God chooses those who choose Him (Proverbs 8:17) and He has mercy on who He will (Romans 9:15). Diligently seek Him and you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). There are many in many walks of life who are determined overcomers in many disciplines. It is this same perseverance and dedication that is required to find God. If you want to learn golf you swing a club, if you want to seek God you pray (Daniel 9:3). The rules and goals are described in great detail in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). You must not lean on your own understanding but on the teachings of God (Proverbs 3:5). (Revelation 21:7)
Christians, like the rest of mankind, have to earn a living. In earning a living you must hone your skills, learn a trade, make something of yourself. God^s character is built in much the same way, you follow examples, you practice, you study, you learn and you change and grow. In learning a trade you develop character, you should be developing Godly character. If a man will not work, let him not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). If a man will not grow in Godly character he will not become part of God^s kingdom (2 Peter 3:18). This is true religion.
Search your soul. Do you not love living? Do you not love the good things that God has provided for you; food, building material, clothing material and loved ones. Do you not truly love God? Is it not the evil and injustice in the world that you hate? Is not most of it brought on by man? Do you not love peace? We are blessed with peace in Canada. God created peace and that is what God will provide to those who attain His kingdom (2 John 3, 1 Corinthians 9:24). If Paul can make it so can you (1 John 1:9, Luke 23:34).
So what about all those who have not had the opportunity to learn about Jesus and His sacrifice on their behalf? The day of judgment will be fair. In Mosess day people lived to be over a hundred years old. In our day some people live to be a hundred years old. Who knows how long that day will last? Will it be exactly one hundred years? (Isaiah 65:20) Do not be overly concerned with others but let each work out his own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Those who love God will enter His Kingdom. This is true religion.
2007 Jacques Gauvin
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