If...Then...!

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God." (I John 4:15 NIV)

We find the word "if" in the Kings James Version in 1420 verses of scriptures, 1455 verses in the New Kings James Version and in 1522 verses in the New International Version, 1681 verses in the New Living Translation,1507 verses in English Standard Version, and this could continue with variations in each translation. Logicians, mathematicians, and others, often use "if/then" propositions or transpositions to explain the conditional, inferential, and consequences of events.

For instance, "if there is a fire, then oxygen must be present." We know this because without oxygen being present, there is no fuel for the fire and when cooking, we can smother flames by cutting off the supply of oxygen (simple example).

If we do good, then we can expect rewards when the understanding premise is a reward for good.

Now, think back to how many times we see the "if" in a verse of scripture that includes a "then" premise.

What we must remember is that when God tells us to do something, He has a reason for it. If we abide in Him, then (inferred) we can ask whatever we will and obtain it (John 15).

We tell our children that if or when they do certain things, then there will be a consequence (positive or negative) for them doing it. Our model of behavior is The Word of God for if we study The Word, then we shall know how to conduct ourselves and know what to expect and there will be no surprises.

If Supreme Court Justices defy The Word of God in their deliberations, then we can expect to see all kinds of negative, destructive consequences occur in the atmosphere and we shall also see depravities of all types appealed through this same judicial body. I am not their judge, but because I know their Judge, I am confident in saying, "no good thing will come from any decision that opposes God's Will for anyone."

If we who are called by His name, will humble ourselves and pray, seek His face, and repent from our sins, then He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 paraphrased). If we don't, then we can expect to see great destruction in the land, by the hands of the enemy who, though they know not the truth, but will be used by God to accomplish His Will. The events will simply be a result of God being God and allowing us to receive the consequences of our actions.

I am not a doomsday prophet, but I know The Word and I know that God is the same today, as He was in years gone by. He does not change nor does the intent of His Word change, but man changes it to accommodate the lusts of their flesh and all will suffer the consequences of those who are carnally minded, and spiritually minded.

God help us all!