Scripture gives direction about living a life that is pleasing to God. “Let no harmful language come from your mouth, only good words that are helpful in meeting the need, words that will benefit those who hear them. Don’t cause grief to God’s Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit], for he has stamped you as his property until the day of final redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, violent assertiveness and slander, along with all spitefulness. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted; and forgive each other, just as in the Messiah God has also forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)
“Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature – sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry); for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him. True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived; but now, put them all away – anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk. Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways, and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:5-10)
Religion, following scripture, asserts, ‘here’s your list of do’s and don’ts; follow them and you’ll go to heaven.’ Sadly, religion does not embody the essence of who God is. Simply following rules is not how God judges because he examines the unseen and hidden motives of the heart. “All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the Lord probes motives.” (Proverbs 16:2, Tanakh)
It’s easier to follow a set of rules rather than trust, although “…without trusting, it is impossible to be well pleasing to God, because whoever approaches him must trust that he does exist and that he becomes a Rewarder to those who seek him out.” (Hebrews 11:6) But we are fallible creatures. “all have sinned and come short of earning God’s praise.” (Romans 3:23) “All of us are like someone unclean, all our righteous deeds like menstrual rags; we wither, all of us, like leaves; and our misdeeds blow us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:5 (6))
It may seem pretty confusing for those who genuinely want to follow God. So, what is the answer? The answer lies in understanding who God is and what Jesus showed us with his life.
“When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “The one of you who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (John 8:7)
Know God. “…know the God of your father. Serve him wholeheartedly and with desire in your being;…” (I Chronicles 28:9) He will lead on paths of righteousness. “He renews my life; He guides me in right paths as befits His name.” (Psalms 23:3, Tanakh)
“Adonai looks out from heaven; he sees every human being; from the place where he lives he watches everyone living on earth, he who fashioned the hearts of them all and understands all they do.” (Psalms 33:13-15) God is merciful and compassionate because he understands all we do. Man cannot understand the inner workings of the heart.
“…“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will pity whom I pity.”” (Romans 9:15, Exodus 33:19) “Thus it doesn’t depend on human desires or efforts, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:16)
As Solomon stated, “Here is the final conclusion, now that you have heard everything: fear God, and keep his mitzvot [commands]; this is what being human is all about. For God will bring to judgment everything we do, including every secret, whether good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Who is in heaven? “…a Judge who is God of everyone…the mediator of a new covenant, Yeshua…” (Hebrews 12:23-24) No one on earth can condemn or absolve you of your sin. That is not their place. God alone is sovereign and through the sacrifice of His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, he made a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to himself. God has supreme power and authority.
So, who can “…confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need”? (Hebrews 4:16)
You!
*All scripture is from the Complete Jewish Bible unless noted otherwise. Some names in the Complete Jewish Bible have been translated to English.