THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Marvin L. Weir “In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death” (Prov. 12:28). One must know “the sacred writings” to be “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). Lack of study of God’s Holy Word (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15) is not an option if one desires to travel the way of righteousness. Christ taught “they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). The way of righteousness is not a mystery or something one cannot be sure of. Let us note some things that are essential for one to do if the way of righteousness is to be traveled. One must “heed the call” to the way of righteousness! So many people misunderstand how God calls people. It is not a miraculous calling or a special experience or feeling that overpowers a person. God’s Word says that all are called through the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). There are no exceptions. Since “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16), one will not be reckoned as righteous who has not obeyed the Gospel plan of salvation (cf. Gal. 3:6). To be in or put on Christ (Gal. 3:27), one must be baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:4). This is where Christ’s blood is contacted and “we have our redemption through his blood” (Eph. 1:7). Without redemption and forgiveness of sins, one cannot be reckoned as righteous. And, of course, prerequisites to being baptized are belief/faith (Heb. 11:6), repentance of sins (Luke 13:3), and a willingness to confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten of the Father (Rom. 10:9-10). One must choose to “travel” the way of righteousness! People are not robots, but free moral agents and have always had to make choices regarding their lives. Remember Joshua saying, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). The way of righteousness is too strait and narrow (restricted) for many and so they reject it (Matt. 7:14). One will not find himself accidently on the way of righteousness. A decision must be made and sacrifice and effort are required. “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). The Devil is with the majority of people who have chosen the broad and worldly way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13). The choice you make will determine the destiny of your soul! One must be “involved” as he travels the way of righteousness! All Christians have the obligation to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” so that God will be glorified and others will see these “good works” (Matt. 5:13-16). Christianity is not to be confused with a spectator sport. Each member of the church will be held accountable for doing what he or she could do for the Lord and His cause. No one can serve or worship in the kingdom for you. You will not be credited for faithfulness because fellow church members are faithful. Will you speak up for the Lord and defend His cause? Can you be counted on when the going gets tough? Will you be steadfast even though family and friends are involved? The Bible warns, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). One must not “apologize” for the way of righteousness! The politically correct climate of the world has influenced some brethren far more than the Bible. It is sickening that some brethren are embarrassed by God’s truth as they seek to find favor with their denominational neighbors and friends. A number of brethren no longer believe in one church, one plan of salvation, one way of worshipping God (in spirit and truth, John 4:24), and one way to be forgiven of sins (repentance or turning from, Luke 13:3). Worldly philosophy and immorality has definitely influenced some congregations more than the sacred writings. The egos of many brethren stand in their way of growing in the knowledge of God’s Word. It is still true that “Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). The wisdom of the world will one day be destroyed (1 Cor. 1:21). Let us learn to fear and honor the One who can “destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). One must continue to “travel” the way of righteousness (Rom. 11:22)! The once saved, always saved and cannot sin so as to be lost false doctrine will contribute to many souls being lost in an eternal hell.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:37:25 +0000
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