february 6th, 2012

The Temptation of Jesus Christ

A lot of people believe that they should earn everything that they get, but that doesn't mean that you have to technically earn your way to heaven. Keep in mind that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so that we would be forgiven of our sins.

"Greater love has no more than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends." 

John 15:13

It is by grace alone. Our Father repeatedly forgives us, even though, we constantly fail him. The devil will tempt you, not the Lord. None of us are perfect, not you, nor me, or anyone. We were born sinners. Jesus did everything that God wanted him to, and he didn't do anything that God didn't want him to do. He was perfect, and he was a true Son of God. 

We don't earn our way into heaven, and I constantly hear people talk about doing all these different and wonderful things just to be able to say "I know where I'm going." Truth is, people... none.. I mean none of us know where we are going. It is not up to you, me, or anyone... other than the Lord above to decide whether you will enter the gates of heaven or not. Yes, the Lord wants us to live our lives in his name and for Him, follow his commandments, and live a life making good decisions. I'm not saying at all that we shouldn't try to be wonderful children of God just because we don't "earn" our way into heaven. 

"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." 

Luke 4:12

The Lord doesn't "test" you per say. The devil does time and time again, and so does our sinful hearts. We are tempted to do bad things, but it is on our own that we should make the right decision. God wants us to learn different things every day, He doesn't put us to the test... it's the devil. Don't believe that He is testing our faith. We shouldn't worship the devil, but our God above shall we worship and glorify his name. Forever and ever more. 

"You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."

Luke 4:8

"And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." 

Luke 4:1-2,13

Remember, beat the temptation coming from the devil. The Lord above has faith in each and every one of us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.