Responsibility?

V22 n42

In this life, there will always be choices and decisions that one is required to make. In life, there are rules, regulations and laws, which give a person guidance and assistance in making these choices. For example: If a person is driving down the highway, and they willingly decide to go over the speed limit, would they be guilty of speeding? Or, would you be as many, that would say that they would only be guilty of speeding, if a police officer stopped them and gave them a ticket? Or, would you be like some others, who would argue and protest; go to court to argue their innocence, and make further excuses to try to justify themselves and their actions?

The fact of the matter is; once you have gone over the posted speed limit, you are now in violation of the existing law. You are guilty; however, few are willing to take responsibility for their own actions. Yet, many will say that this is so, only if they get caught.

Within the Bible, God has set rules and guidelines for people to follow, if they want to be one of those that will inherit eternal life. However, many will still argue and debate, and even criticize these precise rules and guidelines that God has given us, and set before us. This they will do, because of what they have heard others say, or what they have inferred what they think God’s intent may be. The fact is and remains, that when one stands before God, each person will give account of themselves and their actions to Him. God’s decision on us, will be based in and upon these rules and guidelines that He has set before us, and He cannot, or will not vary from them. His final determination on where you will spend eternity, will be based in and upon His Word, and His Word only. The question you have to ask yourself; “are you in compliance with His Word?”

The apostle Paul in writing to the church at Philippi, tells them that they (the individual members) were responsible for working out their own salvation with reverence and respect for God and His guidelines or laws. In other words, they were responsible for the choices that they made, and these choices will determine where they will spend eternity. One needs to hold God and His Word to be true; His Word is the final authority, and anyone that teaches or preaches contrary to it, is a liar.

For many, the road to hell will be paved with good intentions. (Matt 7:13-14, Matt 7:21-23). Many will talk of the many good things that they thought that they did, and some will even say that they did it in the name of the Son of God. However, if one will notice what His response is to them, that He did not know them. He asks them by what right or authority they stand before Him. How can this be?

Being responsible! It is not enough to acknowledge that Jesus Christ was a good and great man. It is not enough to acknowledge that He was special in some or many ways. The Word clearly tells us that which God asks of us. Jesus Christ clearly told His disciples what was expected of them. We can see this clearly in the eighth chapter of John’s gospel. One must continue in His Word to be a disciple or follower, and as they continue in His Word, the truth will set one free, and keep them free. One cannot just listen to His Word, one also has to allow it to become a way of life. One cannot just talk about His Word, they must live it as well. (Many listen to His Word, however, they do not do that which it asks of them. Luke 6:46, James 1:22).

Jesus Christ set and established the way (that strait ands narrow path, where the mountain tops filled in the valleys, and the crooked paths were made straight), which was brought about by His obedience in hearing that which His Father spoke, and then doing that which was asked of Him in full obedience and compliance with the guidelines and rules set forth. (2Tim 2:15, 2Tim 3:16-17)

However, the scribes and Pharisees had views and opinions that differed from that which Jesus Christ taught. Does this mean that the majority is right, in their interpretation and assumptions of that which they thought God’s Word said? Did it make them right, since they were the appointed leaders of God’s chosen people? Is it any different today, How many assume that the majority is right? Who would be the scribes and Pharisees of today?

Definition for scribe: 1122 grammateus- in the Bible, a man learned in the Mosaic Law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, a teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the Law. They added to the Mosaic Law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion. Since the advice of men skilled in the law was needed in the examination in the causes and the solution of the difficult questions, they were enrolled in the Sanhedrin; and are mentioned in connection with the priests and elders of the people. (Thayers)

Definition for Pharisees: 5330 Pharisaios- A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to all Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works. They held strenuously to a belief in the existence of good and evil angels, and to the expectation of a Messiah. And they cherished the hope that the dead, after a preliminary experience either of reward or of penalty in Hades, would be recalled to life by him, and be requited each according to his individual deeds. In opposition to the usurped dominion of the Herods and the rule of the Romans, they stoutly upheld the theocracy and their country's cause, and possessed great influence with the common people. According to Josephus they numbered more than 6,000. They were bitter enemies of Jesus and his cause, and were in turn severely rebuked by him for their avarice, ambition, hollow reliance on outward works, and affection of piety in order to gain popularity. (Thayers)

Today, we still have many people who try to determine for you, that which they think God’s Word says. Many of these opinions are based in and on the traditions and doctrines of man, which take away from the which God’s Word clearly puts forth. And yet, the people accept it, and run with it, because they do not take the time as the Bereans did, to find out for themselves what God’s Word truly puts forth for guidance in instructions in the way of righteousness for the individual believer.

An example of this one can clearly see in Matthew the sixth chapter. The Lord tells us to not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. Then, the Lord goes on to give us a outline or manner in how we should go to Father in prayer, or in other words, on how to communicate with Him. Man on the other hand, totally ignores what the Lord just said about vain repetitions, and teaches other people to recite this outline for prayer, over and over. Isn’t this, or doesn’t this become vain repetitions? Do people even have an understanding in what it is that they say? So who should you believe? Who is it that you should trust? Maybe, God’s Word?

One must work out their own salvation with reverence and respect for God and His Word. This comes about or happens as the individual takes the time, and makes the proper effort to study His Word, seeking only God’s approval. Not listening to what this group or that group says or thinks, but rather learning to rightly divide His Word of truth. His Word never contradicts itself, contrary to what many people or preachers say. His Word is never in disagreement with another portion of scripture as many may think or profess. His Word when properly applied by His rules and guidelines, will always bring the believer into a closer relationship with Father, by and through Christ Jesus.

Many people want other people to make the decisions and choices for them. They think or assume that if they allow the other people to make the rules and guidelines for them, then God will not hold them responsible for the mistakes others have made, and that they have followed. So they choose to follow people and their ideas, rather then becoming followers of Christ. Many are willing to risk eternity on that which other people have said. They will listen to and follow rules and guidelines that man has set up, at the risk of eternity, because they are not willing to take responsibility for their own salvation, and what is supposed to be their persoanl relationship with God. (Jer 5:31, Isa 30:10, John 3:19-21, 2Thess 2:9-11, 2Tim 4:3-4).

Constantly and consistently one can see throughout the Bible that which God asks of His children. (Deut 28:1-2, John 8:31-32). God’s rules and guidelines are without change or modifications. One must get to the place where they hold God to be true, and man to be a liar. You cannot blame anyone else for your failure to hear and adhere to God’s Word. You and you alone are responsible for your salvation. Will you this day, take the spiritual responsibility for your salvation?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka