08 22 08 Play By The Rules

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again’.”
(John 3:3 NIV)

Cheaters never win and winners never cheat. Well, that used to be true in sports. The good guy, the one who is committed to PLAY BY THE RULES will end up better at the outcome. I don’t believe that is the norm today. Steroid users have cheated and won in baseball and many have gotten away with record-setting performances. Football players have used steroids for years and been applauded for their massive size, tremendous strength, and super-human speed. Do I need to mention the Olympics? For decades, countries have designed illegal training methods, government-backed steroid usage, and falsified documents as to age, citizenship, and more. It’s hard to tell the winners from the losers today.

Not so with Christ and His Kingdom. There is only one set of rules, though many think there are several plans and methods to be His child, many ways to righteousness, and several roads to heaven. Fact is, there are no compromises or short-cuts. There is no bargaining or cheating. The price has been paid. The work has already been done. The Judge’s decision has been made. Oh by the way, there is only one Judge in this event and He is not concerned with fairness! This Judge is faithful and just.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9 NIV)

To be a child of God (not simply a created being) one needs to admit they are sinners by birth (Romans 3:23); confess a personal and public belief that Jesus is indeed God and died on the cross and rose from the dead for forgiveness of that sin (Romans 10:9-10; repent of (change from, turn away from) that sin and be baptized into the Body of Christ (Acts 2:38). It’s as simple a-b-c!

“You should not be surprised when I say, 'You must all be born again.'”
(John 3:7 NIrV)

To be victorious with Christ, we must PLAY BY THE RULES…His rules. One must be born again through the atoning blood of Christ. It sounds exclusive and discriminating because it is! One God…One Creator…One Judge…One Savior…One Way…No cheating! Let’s not believe nor tolerate any more lies.