Lesson 2576

(Lesson 2576)(01-10-19) Luke 14:25-35
    “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

   Today’s lesson tells us that Jesus demands absolute faith from His followers. In order to truly wear the cloak of Christianity, one must abandon all other doctrines and devote him/herself absolutely to the work that Jesus has laid out for His disciples.
     Contrary to what many contend, this quote DOES NOT imply that absolute obedience to the old laws of the Jews is required in order to receive everlasting life. The opposite is true, except that one must have total faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, our actions here on earth have nothing to do with whether or not we receive everlasting life. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boats.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) ~