Responsible Christian Living

Jesus Christ did all that was necessary for our salvation. He declared it on the cross with the words “It is finished”. He met every condition for our salvation yet many people today still feel that they have to do something to deserve it. The belief that God’s acceptance is possible through works is to reject the sacrifice of Christ. This is another reason why different people respond in different ways to God’s invitation. If you feel you deserve God’s invitation becomes of something you had done you will also feel you have the right to reject it. Can this not be the reason why some are too busy or simply indifferent? Can this also not be the reason why others are too preoccupied with their own cares, concerns, and businesses? And can this not be the reason why some are more interested in everyday, mundane, and self-serving lives rather than in the Kingdom of God? There are also those who simply refuse to acknowledge God and His rule. They want to be in control of their lives, do what they like, not be accountable to anyone and determine who is righteous or not. They are often very hostile in their rejection and are not prepared to hear anything about sin and repentance. They would even go to the extent of persecuting and killing those who dared to offer them such an invitation.

Incredibly, many people still refuse to accept God’s invitation today. It is not a question of forgetting because they were not only invited but were also reminded near the time. The invitation to the celebration, in their view, was just not important enough. They had no idea of its eternal value. When the intended guests refused to attend, the invitation was extended to other people who came in their numbers. This is a direct reference to the Jews who forfeited all the privileges they were invited to receive. They turned down the invitation because they saw no need for the grace of God. Instead they trusted in their own goodness and their religious heritage. Is the thinking of some Church members any different today? Are there not Church members today who are trusting in their Christian background and Church membership for salvation? Are there not Church members who are trusting in their support of and involvement in Church activities? And are there not Church members who are trusting in their own righteousness? Would God have allowed Christ’s sacrifice on the cross if there had been any other way? Have we accepted God’s invitation or are we presuming on a relationship with God because of our background and privileges as the Jews did? If you are here today and you have never accepted God’s invitation then today’s invitation is to you. Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour and be saved.

When we accept God’s invitation He gives us the appropriate clothing for the occasion. You cannot accept an invitation by the King and turn up without the appropriate clothing. Those who somehow manage to enter wearing their own clothes are going to be embarrassed, to say the least, when they discover everyone else wearing a robe of righteousness. This robe of righteousness is God’s own righteousness and is only given by Christ Himself. Jesus Christ by His sacrifice was made sin with our sinfulness that we might be made righteous with His righteousness. We are accepted because God no longer sees us but sees us clothed with the righteousness of Christ . To use the words of Paul “We have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer we who live, but Christ lives in us; and the life which we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us” Gal.2:20.