Question of the Week
" Relationship vs. Fellowship "
( Why not live as we please after we are saved? )

Question		What is the point of living a good life if I already know I'm going to heaven?
Answer		Good Question!        1st I want to say that if you truly have accepted the payment the Jesus made on the cross for you almost 2,000 years ago, then the 2nd part of you statement should be correct. "...I already 'KNOW' I'm going to Heaven."        If a person doesn't 'KNOW' for sure that they are going to Heaven, then there is a good chance that they are not. Let me explain.        If a person doesn't 'KNOW' that they are going to Heaven then most likely they are depending on something they have to do, or more likely things that they shouldn't or can't do. That means that works are being added to gain salvation and that is just not scriptural. Look at Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by grace are you saved through faith and that NOT of yourselves. It is the gift of God, NOT OR WORKS lest any man should boast." This is just one of many verses. But it's pretty clear in itself. NOW! To get on with your question.     Why should we try to live a good life if we can't lose our salvation? It is called; 'FELLOWSHIP".        I have a question for you? "What did you do to be born into your family?" Answer: Nothing! Next question. "What can you do to no longer be physically related to your parents?" Don't tell me... 'die', that's not what I mean. Answer again: Nothing! WHY? Because your RELATIONSHIP to your Mom and Dad was not predicated on anything you did. Really it was what they did. That is what is called; "RELATIONSHIP" Let's keep your original question in mind. "Why should we try to obey our parents if there is nothing we can do the change our RELATIONSHIP?" The answer to you question is... "FELLOWSHIP"        When I was growing up my dad would tell be to have my room cleaned up and the yard mowed by the time he got home. If I disobeyed my dad not only would he have introduced me to that thing he wore to keep his pants up, but he would have had me in the lawn mowing business by the end of the week.        Even if I disobeyed my dad I knew he was still my dad. (relationship) but I also knew that there would be no peace in the home, or between him and me and that punishment would be imminent. BUT that punishment would never be dissolving our relationship. I wasn't even afraid of him kicking me out. IN FACT... I was more afraid that he would invite me in. Remember the belt thing above? Let's make this personal with God our Heavenly Father.     When we have become His children. Look at:  John 1:12   "But to as many as received Him to them gave He the power to BECOME the sons of God."        Once we become His children we never have to worry about Him kicking us out. Our 'RELATIONSHIP' has been sealed. We have been born into His family forever. There is nothing we can do to lose it: See John 6:37,39. But just like our earthly family, if we are disobedient, it will affect our "FELLOWSHIP" with Him. Remember in Galatians 5:19-23. It talks about the "Works of the Flesh" and the consequences of those, and then goes on to talk about the fruit of the Spirit and the benefit of those. Look it up.        When you see what happens when we chose to just enjoy the fact that we are going to Heaven, and think we can then just live as we please... WELL remember we have the benefit of being a child of God with all it's privileges...... BUT, now God has not only the privilege but responsibility of a Father.... and He is not going to have a bunch of juvenile delinquents running around down here. Hebrews 12:6 says; "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth and scourges EVERY son whom He receiveth." Then back in Galatians, chapter 6 vs. 7 it says; "Be not deceived; God IS NOT mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Sin and disobedience have their consequences, but it is NEVER lose of salvation or "RELATIONSHIP", but it will hinder our "FELLOWSHIP" with the One who loves us so very, very much. Why not just live as we please after we are saved? "Because of so great a love the Father has for us. So much that He even gave His only begotten Son that we might be RELATED to Him and even more than that.... that we might have FELLOWSHIP with Him. "   For Print Version... click here then you can use your print option.   For Other  Questions If you have questions you would like answered. PLEASE do not hesitate to write. Return to Top of This Page