A Big “IF”
…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
Is God an unconditional God?
Many Christians seem to think so. We promise people who do not know or love God that He loves them, no matter what. Many Christians boldly promise the favor of God on someone if they would “stop doing drugs,” “confess their sin of adultery,” or abortion,” “stop using pornography,” or ___________________, (fill in the blank).
As a group of women I know were discussing God’s Law, it occurred to me that we make a lot of Biblical promises that lack the “conditions” that God has placed on us. There are a lot of “ifs” in the Bible (1507 in the ESV). Here are two examples:
And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish (Deuteronomy 8:19 ESV).
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love (John 15:10 ESV).
There is a standard of faith and actions that we must adhere to in order to be the recipients of the blessings of the Lord. He does not look down and see a good thing we have done and pour out His blessings. His definition of “good” and ours are miles apart.
A woman once told me that when she was growing up her Christian family taught her that if she did not drink, smoke or get pregnant out of wedlock – she was being a “good Christian girl.”
The Bible was in their home, but not taught. They attended church and youth group and stayed out of trouble, prioritizing academics.
This kind of Christian home has gotten into a second or possibly third generation who do not know the scriptures – so they think that all God wants is for us to be happy and blessed materially so we can praise His Name.
In the Bible, the “ifs” are not just personal. The conditions God has for us are also national. Our nation is expected (as Israel was) to humble itself and pray, to turn from our wicked ways, and then God will hear from heaven and heal our land.
A lot needs to change, in our personal obedience to God’s Word and in our national recognition of His Authority in the world.
The personal has to come first. God will change our nation one person at a time. It would seem that we have to start telling people the truth, including politicians and businessmen. They will not be blessed for stopping one bad behavior. They will be blessed by God when they live by faith in Him and His Word, and by their .
He is a conditional God. Do you and I have adequate knowledge of the conditions, and enough love for our neighbors to tell them?
He loves us unconditionally, but He never promised happiness or a life of ease. In this world we will have tribulation. You are so right in this post. Our works don’t bring blessings. We need to seek Him personally and begin the change as individuals. Thank you for your post.
Indeed, Donna, He does love His people who trust in Him.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Beth
If …it’s almost a naughty word in a world that seeks instant gratification and demand their rights whilst neglecting their responsibilities. Thank you so much for reminding me that there are conditions I need to fulfill….the covenant is not a one-way street designed to make me feel happy.
Thank you, Tony, It is true that the “ifs” are often ignored. The concept of the covenant seems to be lost.
The “Ifs” from scripture that you highlight here are tremendous motivation to keep digging into His Word. Only through continued learning of the Bible, and the help of the Holy Spirit, do we come to understand the true expectations of Christ follower.
Hi Beth, I think we take our Western view of prosperity and blessing and apply to the Bible. I always like to remind people that the Bible says that Joseph “prospered” in prison. God’s definition of prosperity is much different than ours since I don’t think anyone in our American culture would consider being in prison as prosperous.
Good point, Luisa! Our idea of prosperity – even suffering – are far different than God shows us in scripture. I often think about Joseph and his patience with his circumstances. Thanks for commenting, Beth
Jamie, Acknowledging that He has expectations is a great start. With Him as Lord of our lives, we will be blessed for our obedience. Let’s keep digging!
Beth
I like your emphasis on personal responsibility to the Lord. Each of us must give an account before him one day for every single word and action of our lives. If we are in Jesus Christ through our faith in him and our ongoing repentance and continuing belief gives evidence of this faith, our sins are covered by his blood. That’s conditional. But he himself is the one who gives us faith, who moves us to repentance, and who keeps us in the faith. We can rely and trust in our Savior.
Melinda – Amen. I thank God for His trustworthiness!
Thanks for commenting.
Beth, this post is so needed. There are many scriptures that begin just as you pointed out, with the word “if”. We absolutely need to begin with ourselves, bringing a humble, repentant and obedient spirit before the Lord God Almighty. We have sadly accepted an American version of Christianity that is not Biblically based at all.
Another verse I love is “If you confess your sins He is faithful and just and will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. People have come to think verses like this are a green light to do whatever we want because we are all forgiven in the end, forgetting that the verse begins with the word “if”. Praying for a fresh wind of desire for the truth of God’s Word to sweep through each heart.
Dear Beth!
Interesting take on the topic, Beth 🙂
My approach, and what gives me strength in life is the idea that God’s love for us is unconditional.
I don’t have to do anything to earn His love, and I cannot do anything to better my chances etc.
I’m glad it is like that because if God’s love for me were depending on what I did, I would not be so sure that he loved me.
With love!
Edna Davidsen
Edna, The Bible says that salvation is dependent on our confession and repentance of sin. We do not earn it because without Christ’s death, we would not have a substitute to pay the debt we owe Him because of that sin. Our works are meaningless to God if not done out of love for Him. As Christians God says “If you love me you will keep my commands.” So, He does have conditions. He hates evil and those who commit evil (Psalm 5:5). When we say that He loves unconditionally, it sounds as if He would tolerate any of our sin.
I am grateful that He is merciful and forgiving because, as you said, if it were up to my good works, I would be without hope.
Because of our hope,
Beth
Thanks Melissa, There is no much misunderstanding about God. I appreciate your encouragement!
Beth
Hi Beth, thanks for writing this, because it really has me thinking. It’s true that there are many conditions in the Bible. But, it’s also true that God’s love for us is unconditional. God loves us, even when we sin against Him. He can’t help it, actually, because God IS love. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences for our sinful actions. God gave us free will, and that means that we can choose to reject God’s love (and his conditions for salvation). He will not save those of us who choose not to love Him and accept the gift of salvation that He offers, and His heart will be broken because of His love for those of us who will be lost.
As broken humans, I think the best we can do is love God and accept His gift of salvation. When we truly love the Lord with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, He will move in us to create good works. Any works we do outside of that all-consuming love for God do nothing to get us closer to gaining salvation or any of God’s blessings. Our works are as filthy rags to Him, and that doesn’t mean that we just need to give up and sin with impunity, but we need to focus on Him and how He is working in us, rather than what works we can do for Him.
Brianna, I do think that God’s love for His people is solid and He will be faithful – because He is love. No one will snatch us out of His hand. However, He says that He hates the evil doer (Psalm 5:5) and yet we are quick to tell people that God loves them “no matter what.” This seems to be taken that they do not have to be concerned about their sin – but can shake their fist at God their whole lives and still plan to go to heaven because “God loves everyone.” He says there will be many who say “Lord, Lord,” at judgement and He will answer, “I never knew you.” His common grace on everyone is not the same as “unconditional love” as many express it. I do not believe that He rejoices in lost souls – He is grieved but His punishments will always be just.
He is a great, just, faithful, and loving God to those who place their trust in Him.
I am curious if you have verses that say He loves unconditionally. I am open to what He teaches.
Thanks for your comment, Beth