The moment that God pronounced to Adam and Eve that they could eat of any fruit of the Garden except for one tree, God gave man a choice. Man has had that choice from the beginning up until now. We each have the choice of obeying God or not. We have the choice of meeting God's standards or not. We have the choice to sin.
God, not only gave us a choice, but God told us the results of our choices. Take time to read Deuteronomy 28. Verses 1-14 inform us of the blessings the children of Israel would realize if they obeyed God. Verses 15-68 warns them of the consequence of turning their backs on God.
Even though we are under a different system of grace, and not under the Mosaic law, there are still blessings made available to those who obey God, and curses fall upon those who sin before God. The result of sin is death, and the eventual destiny of all sinners is Hell. God warns us of the consequences of disobedience.
But God does not want us to perish, so He provided His grace to provide the attonement we need to come to God and have a pure relationship with Him. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be spared the penalty of Death.
But just because we are under grace, we still have choices. We must choose to follow Christ and God's commandments, or we can choose not to be obedient to God. Following Christ will bring blessings, and not following God will bring eternal torment.
The great thing about this grace is that God has given each one of us the ability to make the right choice. God even helps us because in 1 Corinthians 10:13, He protects us from any temptation that might overpower us. The bottom line is that if we choose to sin, it is all on us. We cannot blame Satan or the world or our parents or any living creature. If we succumb to temptation, we are guilty ourselves. We cannot blame God for our short-comings.
Some people want to teach that Satan is powerful and we cannot help sinning if we fall under his spell. Well that is so easy. Lay the blame on Satan. But everyone has the power to control Satan. We have that assurance from God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
To become a Christian is the greatest choice you can make in this life. You have the ability to choose to serve Christ and God. Stop blaming Satan and others for your failures, and make the choice to serve God. If you do, you have the right to enter Heaven if you continue in faithfulness.
What can we do to help you find the Lord, and become one of His children?
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