“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 (NASB)
There are two conflicting belief systems in this world, God’s ways and man’s ways. The way of the Spirit or the way of the flesh. Christianity versus secular humanism and false religion. The godly versus the worldly. There is no neutral ground.
God’s Word promises that those who sow godliness will reap bountiful blessings. However, it also says that the ungodly will reap consequences for their sins. Those can be natural consequences, such as losing someone’s trust if you lie to them. Or, God may intervene, as a loving heavenly Father, and stop you in your sins before they hurt you or others.
Those who bear good fruit are those who do the will of God, and they will reap eternal life. And those who do not bear good fruit, those who reject and rebel against the ways of God, are headed for eternal death.
“So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:17-21
When you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then a transformation of your heart and actions takes place. You turn from the deeds of your past and instead desire to please God in all your ways. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you are no longer in bondage to the desires of your flesh or the temptations of this world. You start to bear good fruit and, as a result, will see God’s favor on your life.
When Jesus Christ returns at the end of days, He will judge all the inhabitants of earth on account of the fruit of their deeds. The Righteous Judge, who examines our minds and hearts, will separate the righteous from the wicked — separating His children from those who never knew Him.
“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man
according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12“For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you.
Your dealings will return on your own head.” Obadiah 1:15
You may feel like a “pretty good” person, but God’s standard is complete holiness. The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Truth be told…we have all sinned. But there is hope. Because the Bible goes on to say, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Those who sincerely give their life to God are promised eternal salvation. And when the days of divine retribution come, you will have nothing to fear, for Jesus paid the price for all your sins on the cross. Oh, what a gift of amazing grace! All you have to do is receive His gift of salvation. (You can learn more about God’s gift of salvation at this link.)
We are not promised tomorrow, so today is the day to make things right with God. Today is the day to chose eternal life. When you’re ready, pray this prayer to the Lord.
Oh Lord, I admit I am a sinner. I need Your forgiveness. I accept Your death on the cross as the penalty for my sin, and recognize that Your mercy and grace is a gift that You offer to me because of Your great love, not based on anything I have done. By faith I receive You into my life as my Lord and Savior. From this day on, help me to honor You in all things. Amen.
Now you have assurance in Christ Jesus. The Bible tells us, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
The next step is to live out your faith and bear good fruit. Go tell others about the best gift that you’ve ever received. When you live separate from the world, seeking after the things of God, it won’t be easy. But God will be there by your side as you fight the good fight of faith.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.” Matthew 16:24-27 (NASB)
