In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus taught that those who obey God will enter heaven, while those who do not obey Him will spend eternity in hell.
Many choose the second option by “excusing” themselves from obeying God. Consider seven specific excuses Satan may tempt us to make, and what the Bible teaches in response to these.
“I’m Already A Good Person” – Some fail to see their need for obedience because they live a “good life” and thus do not think they need what God offers.
Yet, God teaches that if we have sinned against Him even once (which we all have – Rom. 3:23), then we face eternal condemnation (Rom. 6:23), unless we submit to God.
“God Will Forgive Me Regardless” – Some acknowledge their sin, but do not obey God, thinking “everybody sins, so God will forgive me just like everyone.” This misses what God teaches about repentance. In Acts 3, the apostle Peter spoke to Jews who had rejected Jesus (verses 14-15). He indicated they had sinned, but commanded “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out…” (verse 19).
While it is true that all have sinned, it is not true that all are living in unrepentant sin. God commands repentance.
“I Could Never Be Good Enough” – Some may think they could never be good enough to be forgiven by God.
Notice that Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15 “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Paul zealously opposed Christ before his conversion, yet God was willing to forgive Paul when he submitted to the Lord’s terms for forgiveness. God is willing to forgive any who obey Him.
“Many Christians Are Hypocrites” – Some may excuse themselves because of the hypocrisy of some Christians.
Hypocrisy is a problem, but someone else’s evil does not excuse us from obeying God. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, the Holy Spirit through Paul said that each one will be judged by Christ according to what he (or she) has done. Someone else’s hypocrisy does not change our responsibilities. God does not ask us to follow the hypocrite, but to follow Him.
“I Don’t Want to Make the Sacrifices” – Jesus taught that being His disciple is no light task (Matt. 16:24). Some don’t want to commit to the “cost of discipleship.” Consider, though, what temporary hardships are not worth spending eternity in heaven rather than hell? Furthermore, when we consider that Christ gave His life for us, is it too much for Him to ask us to give our lives to Him?
“I Like Fitting In” – Living as a Christian involves being different from the world (Rom. 12:2). We may be tempted to excuse ourselves from obedience for fear of not fitting in with those around us.
Notice though that Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14 that “many” are taking the path that “leads to destruction,” while “few” are taking the path that “leads to life.” Would we rather be with the “many” headed for eternal torment, or with the “few” headed for eternal comfort? Would we rather be with the “many” who are opposed to God, or with the “few” who are on the Lord’s side?
“I Am Not Ready Yet” – Some may understand each of the points made thus far, and conclude “I know I need to obey God, but I’m just not ready yet.”
Consider the danger of this.
2 Peter 3:10 teaches that the Day of Judgment “will come as a thief in the night.” God is not going to tell us the specific day and time when Christ will return. He could come at any time, and we must be ready (Matt. 25:13). These excuses are among those we might be tempted to make for failing to obey God. May we not look for excuses, but simply obey the Lord.
– Michael Hickox