Giving Reverence Where Reverence is Due

While the world often prioritizes giving respect to people—whether it be family, friends, or those in authority—the Word of God makes it clear that true reverence belongs to Him alone. Many are quick to honor others, yet without acknowledging God’s authority, that honor is empty. Acts 10:34 (KJV) declares, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." This truth reminds us that while God does not show partiality, He does require Holiness from all who claim to follow Him.

Reverence toward God is not merely a religious gesture or a spoken word—it is a life fully surrendered in word, thought, and deed. Every action, every choice, and every interaction should reflect His righteousness through The Finished Work of The Cross. 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV) commands us, "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." This is not an optional request but a divine expectation.

Psalm 89:7 (KJV) affirms this by stating, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." God’s Holiness demands that we approach Him with awe and deep respect, recognizing that our relationship with Him is not casual. This reverence is not just for private moments but should be visible in how we live among others.

Jesus Himself makes the cost of true discipleship clear in Luke 9:23 (KJV): "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Walking in true reverence requires self-denial—a turning away from the desires of the flesh. The flesh, with all its sinful inclinations, cannot please God. Romans 8:8 (KJV) confirms this truth: "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." To live according to the flesh is to walk in opposition to God’s Spirit and His will.

But what is the will of God, you may ask?

The will of God is The Cross! From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, when sin entered into the world, humanity was separated from God, and all creation fell. This separation could only be mended by one means, The shed Blood of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:4 (KJV) declares, "Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." It is exclusively through The Finished Work of The Cross that reconciliation with God is possible. There is no other way.

A person cannot say they love God and continue in sin. 1 John 3:8 (KJV) makes this clear: "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." If someone desires the sinful things of this world and continues in rebellion, they do not belong to God.

Those who live in continual sin align themselves with the works of Satan, not God. The book of 1 John makes it clear that there is no middle ground, friendship with the world is enmity with God. A person cannot claim to love God while walking in rebellion to His Word. True reverence for God requires a life transformed by The Cross, where sin no longer reigns, and The Finished Work of The Cross becomes the foundation for Holy living.

If someone desires the sinful things of this world and continues in rebellion, they do not belong to God. The manifestation of the Son of God was to destroy the works of the devil, leaving no excuse for a life bound by sin. True fellowship with God is marked by obedience, a heart yielded to His Word, and a life that reflects the power of The Finished Work of The Cross.

Their actions reveal the truth, while they may profess His name, they are still under the dominion of Satan. James 4:4 (KJV) warns us, "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Those who truly belong to Christ will walk in obedience and repentance, reflecting the power of The Cross in their daily lives.

In James 4:4, the apostle James admonishes believers by stating that friendship with the world is enmity with God, emphasizing the spiritual conflict between worldly desires and God's will. This concept aligns with the teachings in 1 John 2:15-16, which cautions against loving the world and its fleeting attractions, as such affections detract from the love of the Father.

The Greek word for enmity is ἔχθρα (echthra), meaning hostility, hatred, or opposition. It signifies a state of being actively opposed to or in conflict with God. In James 4:4, it emphasizes that friendship with the world puts a person in direct opposition to God, highlighting that there is no neutral ground—one either follows God or stands against Him.

Romans 12:2, Paul further encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds and not conform to the patterns of this world. This transformative relationship with God can only be fully realized through The Finished Work of The Cross, as Jesus taught in Luke 9:23, where He calls His followers to take up their cross daily and follow Him, denying themselves. Together, these scriptures emphasize the necessity of a life that is aligned with God’s will, achieved through walking by the way of The Cross, self-denial and a commitment to following Jesus daily.

Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:1-2 (KJV), saying, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 

Just as Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, Paul emphasizes that our very lives should be a living sacrifice, set apart for God's glory. This is not an extraordinary calling but the reasonable response to the mercy and grace we have received through Christ.

In Revelation, it speaks of those who "love not their lives even unto the death" (Revelation 12:11), emphasizing a complete surrender to God's will. This mirrors the call Jesus gives in Luke 9:23, where He commands, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." 

Revelation 12:11 declares that believers overcome by The Blood of The Lamb and the word of their testimony, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to Christ. The phrase "they loved not their lives unto the death" uses the Greek word ἠγάπησαν (ēgapēsan), derived from ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which signifies a selfless, sacrificial love. This love is not rooted in mere affection but in a deliberate choice to value Christ above all else, even life itself. The verse reveals that these faithful believers did not hold their lives so dear as to preserve them at the cost of denying their faith. Their willingness to face death rather than compromise shows a profound devotion to The Finished Work of The Cross. This kind of love reflects a heart fully surrendered to God, where earthly concerns are secondary to the eternal truth of their testimony.

To deny oneself is merely a rejection of sinful desires, a total dying to personal ambitions, pride, and self-reliance. Every day, a believer must crucify their flesh, embracing The Finished Work of The Cross in every aspect of their life. This means fully accepting and identifying with Christ’s sacrifice, choosing daily to die to sin, selfish desires, and all aspects of the flesh, so that the righteousness of Christ may be fully manifested through us and in us. It is less of us and more of Him each day, as we die to ourselves and allow His life to be seen in and through us.

The Kingdom of God is Christ Jesus Himself, come to earth to reveal God's righteousness. Through The Finished Work of The Cross, we receive this righteousness in Him, and by following Jesus, we partake in the reward of eternal life. We want to hear Him call our name, knowing our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life when we gave our lives to Him and remain faithful to Him. As Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 25:1-13, with the parable of the Ten Virgins, He is not returning for an adulterous bride who has committed spiritual adultery, but for those who have remained faithful, as exemplified by the five wise virgins whose lamps were trimmed and ready to go.

In this parable, Jesus tells us, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."

This process of dying to self and living for Christ is not just a momentary decision but a continual, daily commitment to living for the Kingdom, even unto death. Just as the five wise virgins were prepared and faithful, we too must keep our lamps ready, our lives full of the oil of the Holy Spirit, and be faithful in the pursuit of righteousness as we wait for His return.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus makes it clear that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasizes that only those who do the will of the Father will be accepted, rejecting those who may have performed works in His name but did not live according to His will. This truth aligns with what Paul teaches in Galatians 5, where he distinguishes between the works of the flesh and The Fruit of The Spirit.

Paul says in Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

These are the works of the flesh, behaviors that manifest when one lives outside of the will of God, driven by sin and the desires of the world. Paul clearly emphasizes that those who practice these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God, no matter how much they claim to know Him or work in His name. This reinforces the message from Matthew 7:21-23 that it is not just a profession of faith; their life must be lived in accordance with God's will.

In John 15:1-5, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

This teaches that Jesus is the true vine, and we, as believers, are the branches. To bear fruit, we must remain in Him. A branch that does not abide in the vine cannot produce good fruit, just as a person who professes Christ but continues in sin is not truly living in Him. Instead, they are like a branch that is cut off, not yielding any good fruit, and in need of repentance.

The necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ is emphasized here, and this relationship is evidenced by the fruit we bear. It’s not just a profession of faith; God desires faithfulness. A life must be lived in accordance with His will, not merely through words but through actions that align with His purpose. God is looking for a faithful walk with Him, one that reflects His character and desires.

As Paul emphasizes in Colossians 2:6, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” If a person continues in sin, they are not abiding in Christ but are disconnected from the true vine. They must return to The Cross, repent, and turn away from the world and fleshly desires. True repentance leads to reconciliation with God, and once again abiding in Christ allows the believer to begin bearing fruit that glorifies God.

However, Paul contrasts this with The Fruit of The Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These are the traits that should manifest in the life of a true believer, those who are walking in The Spirit and doing the will of the Father. It is not enough to merely claim Christ or perform outwardly; there must be an inward transformation, a true relationship with Jesus that will show evidenced, by The Fruit of The Spirit. This Fruit reflects the nature of Christ Himself, and as believers, it is our calling to allow The Fruit of The Spirit to be fully manifested in our lives.

Thus, Jesus and Paul together emphasize that entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is not based on works alone, nor on empty profession, but on living in accordance with God's will, allowing His will to transform us, rejecting the works of the flesh, and walking in The Fruit of The Spirit. The evidence of true faith is not only in what we say but in what we do, how we live, and the fruit we bear.

This connection between the works of the flesh and The Fruit of The Spirit emphasizes that true believers must reflect Christ's righteousness, as we continue to die to the flesh and live for God. We live for Him, so that He is pleased with us. And He can only be pleased with us through Christ Jesus and The Finished Work of The Cross. This is not a one-time declaration but a continuous journey of sanctification and obedience to the will of The Father.

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16-20, KJV)

This passage underscores the idea that a true believer, one who walks by The Spirit, will bear good fruit and will not desire or walk in the works of the flesh. A person who is in Christ cannot bear evil fruit, just as a good tree cannot bear bad fruit. In the same way, a life transformed by the Spirit will show evidence of godly fruit, and a life that continues to walk in the flesh will manifest corrupt, evil fruit. This reinforces the earlier point that entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is based on a transformed life, where one's actions and fruit reflect a true relationship with God.

True repentance leads to reconciliation with God, and once again abiding in Christ allows the believer to begin bearing fruit that glorifies God.

1 John 2:16 (KJV) further emphasizes this, stating, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." Those who walk in the flesh cannot claim to love God or reverence His Word, for true love is marked by obedience to His Word.

When we give reverence to people without first honoring God, we shift our focus from the eternal to the temporary. Matthew 10:28 (KJV) warns us, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." This sobering reminder directs our hearts to prioritize the fear of the Lord over the opinions or pressures of man.

True reverence is recognizing that every blessing, every gift, and every breath comes from Him. Our lives should be a living testimony that points others to Christ. Colossians 3:17 (KJV) Paul emphasizes this truth: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Everything we do should reflect Christ and the power of The Cross that transforms us from the inside out.

Furthermore, Hebrews 12:28 (KJV) exhorts us, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." This unshakable kingdom we’ve received through Christ calls us to live in a way that is both pleasing to God and a witness to the world.

If we are to be vessels of His glory, those around us should see not our own works, but Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

It is a dangerous deception to believe that God will bless a life marked by disobedience and sin. While God is no respecter of persons, (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11) He blesses those who walk in obedience to His Word (1 Corinthians 2:9).

John 14:15 (KJV) makes this plain: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Those who live in rebellion against God’s Word cannot truthfully claim to love or reverence Him. God will not be glorified in sin, and any appearance of blessing apart from obedience is a counterfeit that does not come from Him.

The one who crafts these counterfeit blessings is Satan himself. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV) warns us clearly: "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." He disguises himself as something good, but there is no truth in him.

Jesus describes his true nature in John 8:44 (KJV): "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Satan has been a deceiver from the very beginning, always seeking to counterfeit the blessings of God and draw people away from the truth.

If we are to be vessels of His glory, those around us should see not our own works, but Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27 KJV). This kind of reverence is not about exalting man but exalting the One who is worthy, Jesus Christ, who through The Cross made a way for us to walk in Holiness and Truth.

As previously mentioned, God is no respecter of persons. Many desire to honor and reverence people, whether family, friends, or leaders; but if God is not at the center, there is no true respect. True reverence belongs to God alone, who demands Holiness in every part of our lives. We must reverence Him in word, thought, and deed so that those around us see Christ in us through the Cross of Christ. As Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." This is not a suggestion; it is a command.

In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul emphasizes that believers should do everything "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." This teaches us to act with a heart of respect, not just for others, but as a reflection of the respect and honor we have for Christ. Our actions and attitudes towards others should be motivated by the understanding that we serve the Lord in everything we do. Whether at work, in relationships, or in daily tasks, we are called to do them as unto the Lord, recognizing that our true reward comes from Him. This perspective transforms how we view others, as it is no longer about seeking approval from man, but living in obedience to Christ, who resides in us.

Denying oneself means rejecting the desires of the flesh, for as Romans 8:8 declares, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Walking in the flesh is rebellion against God, and again as 1 John 2:15-16 warns us, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." God is no respecter of persons, and He blesses those who walk in obedience to His Word. Those who refuse to obey cannot truthfully claim to love Him, nor can they say they reverence His Word.

There are many who mistakenly believe that God blesses people while they continue in sin. But God will not be glorified in sin. Again let us be reminded of Romans 12:1-2, we are called to present our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” This mirrors Luke 9:23, we must die to self and walk in the Holiness that God requires. Anything less is not pleasing to Him.

Remember, the one who counterfeits the blessings of God is Satan himself as Paul tells us in, 2 Corinthians 11:14 “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” He will make evil appear good, but there is no truth in him, for he is the father of lies from the very beginning (John 8:44).

Remember that the will of God is The Cross.

Sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, separating humanity from God, and all creation fell in the Garden of Eden. The only way to be restored is through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. No one can claim to love God while continuing in sin. 1 John 3:8 makes it plain: “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” If someone continues in the ways of the world and desires sinful things, they are not of God, but belong to Satan.

Jesus made this clear when He rebuked the religious leaders of His day. In Matthew 12:34, He declared, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Outward appearances of holiness do not fool God.

The Pharisees and scribes projected an image of righteousness, but their hearts were far from Him. This still applies today, if someone has the Word of God in their heart, it will be evident through a genuine relationship with Him. This relationship is like a marriage covenant, where a man and woman are joined together in matrimony. As the bride of Christ, we are not to return to the sinful ways of the world while claiming to belong to Him. Jesus calls such people hypocrites, for no one can serve two masters. To walk with Christ is to leave behind the ways of the world and follow Him alone.

Reverencing God Through the Cross of Christ

What does it mean to truly reverence God? In today’s world, many people are quick to give honor and respect to their family, friends, or public figures. Yet, if God is not at the center of it all, there is no true reverence. While it is natural to respect those around us, we must remember that God’s Word makes it clear that He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). What He demands is Holiness; Holiness that can only come through The Finished Work of The Cross. To truly reverence God means that in our words, thoughts, and deeds, we reflect Christ. It is not a surface-level display, but an inward transformation that reveals itself outwardly. When others look at us, they should not see our works or our self-righteousness, but the working of Christ in us through The Cross.

To deny oneself means to crucify every desire, every ambition, and every work of the flesh daily. This is not a one-time action but a continual process. The flesh is the very thing that cannot please God as Paul tells us“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). No matter how righteous a person may appear outwardly, if they walk according to the flesh, they are not pleasing God. This truth exposes the false perception that God blesses those who live in sin.

Once again, God will not be glorified in sin, He cannot and will not bless disobedience. Those who walk in rebellion to His Word cannot claim to love Him, for to love God is to obey Him. Jesus said plainly, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience to His Word is evidence of true reverence.

The will of God is that we be a living sacrifice, a life fully surrendered and consecrated to Him. This mirrors the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 and confirms that Holiness is not an option, it is a command. Without The Cross, without the daily crucifying of the flesh, no one can walk in the Holiness God requires.

Let us be reminded once again, a person cannot claim to love God while continuing to live in sin. If someone loves the world and continues to desire its sinful ways, they do not belong to God, they belong to Satan. This is the stark reality that many refuse to acknowledge, but the Word of God leaves no room for compromise.

Even Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of those who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly were filled with corruption. In Matthew 12:34, He rebukes the Pharisees, saying, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” These religious leaders claimed to represent God but were, in fact, enemies of the truth. The same applies today—those who profess Christ while living in sin are not of God.

True relationship with God is not an outward appearance; it is a deep, intimate connection that transforms the heart. Just as a man and woman become one in marriage, believers are the bride of Christ.

This Holy union means we no longer belong to the world. To return to the ways of sin while claiming to belong to Christ is hypocrisy, and Jesus Himself condemns this behavior.

To reverence God, we must obey His Word and live a life of Holiness that comes only through The Cross. This is not optional, it is essential. Jesus made it clear: if we are to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and walk the path of crucifying the flesh. Every part of our lives, our thoughts, desires, and actions, must be submitted to The Finished Work of Christ. It is through this daily crucifixion of the flesh that we become pleasing to God. Nothing else will satisfy Him.

If we truly love God, we will reverence His Word. And His Word is to do His will. His will is The Cross, the crucifying of the flesh daily, and walking in the Holiness that Jesus has paid for. This is the only thing that will please God, nothing else.

Anything outside of The Cross is rebellion, and rebellion will never be blessed. We cannot claim to belong to Him while continuing in sin. We must choose: will we live for the world, or will we live for Christ? The Cross of Christ is the dividing line, and it is through that Cross alone that we find life, Holiness, and true reverence for God.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

As a reminder of what Jesus said, 'Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them' (Matthew 7:20). If a person is truly living for Christ Jesus, taking up their cross daily, and follow Him, the evidence will be unmistakable. Christ Jesus is Holy and Righteous in all His ways, and He alone is pleasing to God. Those who come through Christ Jesus, walking in His Holiness, through The Finished Work of The Cross, will also please God, therefore, we can call Him Abba, Father (Romans 8:15).

Paul warns in Galatians 5:16-17 that while some walk in the flesh, those who walk after the Spirit will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. This is why we must encourage others to come to the cross daily, because apart from The Cross, it is impossible to please God.

This responsibility is not to be taken lightly. Ezekiel 3:18-19 reminds us that if we see someone walking in sin and do not warn them, their blood will be on our hands. However, if we do warn them and they refuse to repent, we are not held accountable.

All sin was paid for at Calvary, and it is our duty to point others to the only remedy for sin, The Cross of Christ. If we truly love God and reverence His Word, we will not remain silent. We will speak the truth, no matter the cost, because apart from The Cross, there is no salvation, no deliverance, and no life.

Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me' (John 14:6). This truth is unchanging, there is no other path to God except through Christ and The Finished Work of The Cross. Anyone who rejects the free gift of God, which is The Cross, and The Finished Work Jesus completed there, is without a remedy for their sin.

By remaining in their sin, they face the inevitable result: death. (James 1:15). Only through Christ’s sacrifice can we find forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.

If we truly love God, we will reverence His Word, and His Word is to do His will, which is The Finished Work of The Cross. His will is The Cross, the crucifying of the flesh daily, and walking in the Holiness that Jesus has paid for. This is the only thing that will please God, nothing else.

Anything outside of The Cross is rebellion, and rebellion will never be blessed.

We must choose: Will we live for the world, or will we live for Christ? As Joshua declared to Israel, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus echoed this truth when He said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).

The Cross of Christ is the dividing line, and it is through The Cross alone that we find life, Holiness, and true reverence for God that is pleasing to Him.

A Call to Faithful Preparedness

True love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience, and this obedience is empowered by The Holy Spirit working within us. Without abiding in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, we risk becoming like the foolish virgins, unprepared and shut out of the kingdom. The parable of the ten virgins serves as a solemn reminder that only those who are filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, living lives of continual faith, obedience, and dependence on The Finished Work of The Cross, will be ready when the Bridegroom returns. This readiness is not achieved through outward works alone, but through an inward transformation that bears The Fruit of The Spirit.

As believers, we must examine our hearts daily, as Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 

We must ensure that our lives reflect the righteousness of Christ and that we remain vigilant and prepared for His return. This means walking in the Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and words so that they align with God’s will. The Fruit of The Spirit will manifest naturally in our lives as we abide and grow in Christ, and through this transformation, we will become more like Him.

Let us live in such a way that when the Bridegroom comes, we are found faithful, ready, and welcomed into His eternal kingdom, bearing the fruit that glorifies God and displays His love, Grace, and Holiness to the world.

As I’ve repeated many points throughout this post, and referenced numerous scriptures, please understand that every word is important. Each truth is necessary, and it’s vital that we grasp them fully. God will not be mocked; His Word stands firm (Galatians 6:7-9). Those who are not for Him are against Him, and we must remember that obedience to His Word is the evidence of our love for Him.

If we truly claim to love God, we must walk in His ways and align ourselves with His truth. So, I encourage you today, do not choose the path of rebellion against God. Instead, always come through Christ Jesus, for God’s will is found in The Finished Work of The Cross. It is through The Cross that we find the strength, grace, and power to live according to His will and purpose. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and let His love guide your every step.