For the longest time after I became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, I couldn’t understand why the Jewish people didn’t get it. Some time ago, I attended a memorial service for a colleague who was Jewish. It was in a Reformed Jewish Temple. The Reformed Jews are the most liberal of the Jewish denominations. The lady rabbi read from the psalms that I knew, but other than that, they expected that the deceased was in heaven with God. I’m sorry to say, I don’t think so — not unless he had a last minute death-bed acknowledgement of Jesus and repented of his sins. Nothing is impossible with God. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but to come to repentance.
I felt like a saltwater fish in a freshwater pond. I left as soon as it was over, not staying for the reception. But, that got me thinking — why don’t the Jews get that Jesus is their Messiah, too? Then I read 2 Corinthians 3 and the Holy Spirit revealed the answer to me. It’s funny how He does that. I’ve read this chapter several times, but it was this time, after visiting that Jewish Temple, that the Spirit allowed me to get it.
Jesus told us that there would be people who heard the word, but not accept it. (Parable of the Sower) He said…
Matthew 13:11-12 NLT“You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.
Paul phrases it differently…
2 Corinthians 3…..
If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then…
Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory!
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