“IF” – Conditions of Eternal Salvation

January 29, 2023

An ‘If-Then’ clause implies a legal requirement of compliance or a conditional

contract. Such as, if you do this, then your reward will be ‘X’. No compliance

results in no remuneration.

All salvation, including immediate salvation from past sins, takes place in Christ

Jesus, the Son of God who faithfully finished the work his Father required. On the

cross he said, “It is finished” and at his baptism the Father said, “This is my beloved

son in whom I am well pleased”. Jesus was concerned to always do his Father’s will

and not his own. So, why do we suppose that works or faithfulness are of no value?

Satan lies and we hear, ‘You can do nothing to save yourself’. We need to

remember first John chapter one and verse seven, “But as we walk in the light, as he

is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ

his son cleanses from all sin”. He died for the entire world, but not everyone

acknowledges or appreciates his death, burial, and resurrection. Of those who do

believe, few obey. Matthew 7:21 is ignored and first John 1:7 is not considered.

Walking in the light is part of the ‘If-Then’ clause and so you and I cannot afford to

ignore the fact that God’s love is conditional (John 14:15 & 15:14). You may lie

and protest that your love is not conditional, but I challenge that and ask whether

you expect faithfulness? Your answer is, yes!

Walking in the wisdom and light of God’s word are requirements for being cleansed

of sins committed after your baptism (2 Timothy 2:24-26). The Word or light of

Christ given to us (James 1:5) makes it possible for us to walk together and enjoy

fellowship (edification of the church) with Jesus as the head who cleanses us from

sin. We are made sin free only if we do these things. Jesus pleased the Father by

doing his will and we are not better or greater than that son. We must be born again

and rise to walk (active faith) in newness of life (Romans 6:1 ff). Doing any less

makes the contract void, our sins overwhelming, and we are stillborn. Our lack of

fidelity makes us just as dead as our faith (James 2:26).

Kenneth E. Morrison