Last week, our article dealt with things to give. Many times when one speaks of giving they speak of receiving as well. So it is in the Bible. Even as the Scriptures teach of things we are to give, they also call upon us to receive several things. Note that we need to receive…

The Love Of The Truth: Paul spoke of those who would “perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved…that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:10-12). Remember, God’s word “is truth” (Jn. 17:17). Not loving the truth will result in the damnation of the soul. Listen then to the wise words, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it…” (Prov. 23:23). A love of the truth of God’s word will motivate one to read it, study it, apply it, and live out its principles each day. Have you received the love of the truth that you might be saved?

The Words Of Jesus: Jesus taught, “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:47-49). We must receive the words of Jesus – to fail in this is to miss the salvation that He makes possible. Jesus’ words are able to save the soul. James counseled us to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). Peter rightly said to Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). May our desire ever be to receive the words of Jesus as they are able teach us the way of eternal life – life that will be found by those who obey Him. Are you receiving the words of Jesus that have been revealed to us in the New Testament?

The Remission Of Sins: Jesus said He made Paul a minister so that he could open people’s “eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Ac. 26:18). The one who receives the love of the truth and the words of Jesus should then be moved to receive the remission of sins that Jesus offers. What is the truth concerning how to receive the remission of sins? In Jesus’ gospel, we are taught that one must “Repent, and…be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Ac. 2:38). Though this simple truth may be ridiculed by many, it is still the truth. Thus, the one who does not repent and is not baptized will not receive the remission of their sins. Have you heard, believed, repented, and been baptized to receive the remission of your sins?

The Eternal Reward: Those who receive the love of the truth, the words of Jesus, and the remission of sins through their obedience, have hope of receiving the eternal reward. Paul affirmed that those who sincerely obey Jesus can know “that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24). This is an “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Having received the initial forgiveness of our sins as we are baptized into Christ, we must continue in faithfulness before the Lord to receive this eternal reward in heaven. The apostle to the Hebrews said, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). If you are a Christian, are you enduring faithfully in the service of the Lord? Is heaven the goal above all others that you are reaching for each day? Do you stand to receive the eternal reward?

David Eldridge