The Great Rescue

A strange thing happens too many of us when we become Christians. We start to think that we can still do wrong things, (or if I dear to use the word, sin) and God will rescue us. There are times we know that what we want to do is wrong and that we should not go down that path, but there is a voice (not God’s) that tells us it is okay because Jesus will come to our rescue, He will forgive us and make it all okay again. That my friend is the voice of the spirit of stupid thinking talking.

Success-minded people know that Jesus will always be there for us, even when we do stupid things, and provide forgiveness and cleansing. However, He will not ignore our sins. When we do what we know is against His word and direction, then for us, it is a sin. That is called rebellion and God will not bless disobedience. Theologian Francis Schaeffer reminds us, “The beginning of man’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart.” We do not understand or appreciate what Christ has done for us.

“God just doesn’t throw a life preserver to a drowning person.  He goes to the bottom of the sea, and pulls a corpse from the bottom of the sea, takes him up on the bank, breathes into him the breath of life, and makes him alive.”

R.C. Sproul

1939-2017

Author/Pastor

The lesson here is that He will not forsake you or toss you aside. However, He may allow you to drown. It is good to know that He will bring you back to life, but drowning is no fun. If we struggle with sin, striving to stay faithful to Him, God will see us through and hold us up. He is always faithful. However, if we deliberately sin thinking we get away with it, and treat Jesus as our “get out of jail free” card, we will find we are sorely mistaken. C.S. Lewis said, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” Which one are you?

Success-minded people know they will never be perfect in this life, which is why we need a savior.  But, those who say they are believers in Christ Jesus live to follow Him. He is not seen only as a way to escape the coming wrath, but Jesus is our Lord and Friend. Evangelist and author, Leonard Ravenhill said, “There’s a difference between changing your opinion, and changing your lifestyle.” Success-minded people allow Jesus to change them and how they live. No longer do they live for themselves, but for His glory and pleasure. We live for Him because we love Him. Those who live for themselves and only call on the Name of Jesus when they are in trouble, best remember that it is a long way to the bottom.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.