“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 NIV
Jesus never tries to complicate our understanding of salvation. What stands out during his ministry is how much our Lord does not want anyone excluded from following him and being with him in glory. He makes several attempts to show us an easier path, when many would try to complicate it.
The religious leaders of Jesus day asked him this question.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Matt 22:36 NIV
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt 22:37-39 NIV
Jesus kept it simple and offered something that most anyone can understand, and do.
When challenged as to why he would bother with prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners he said this.
“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 NIV
He makes it clear that he loves us all, and wants us all to be with him, so that none would be excluded. “Follow me,” “Seek me,” and “Call upon me” are things he commonly said to show just how simple it was to be a disciple. In this world, many will try to make it seem very hard to walk with our Lord, but it’s really not. Our salvation starts with two very simple commands.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV
Peter says this:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Jesus says this
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24 NIV
Our Lord wants all of us to be with him, and makes it very simple for us to understand how to get there! Be careful in this world, that you do not allow anything, or anyone to complicate it.
Trust in him and his word!
Barnabas
Special thanks for this submission by guest blogger – Barnabas