That morning as I was getting ready to face the day, I noticed something on the television. An ad for “hair club for women” was running. Photos flew by with before and after shots of women. Most had been afflicted with bare spots or thinning mane and the “after” photos showed them with gloriously full tresses.
Then I saw it. Down in the corner the small print said, “Results may vary.”
Ahh. Yes, indeed. Results may vary. The old “caveat emptor.”
The ad might as well say “these are not typical,” as advertisers are forced to do by truth-in-advertising laws.
Sadly, in our culture we’re used to such come-ons and slick sales spiels. No one expects the used car salesman to tell you why we should be cautious in buying this particular car. We’ve learned to turn a suspicious eye toward the seller of the house who cannot quit raving about all its fine points. What, we wonder, is he not saying?
Which brings up another point…
The fine print of the gospel
Has anyone ever found “fine print” in the Lord’s offer of salvation? Is there anywhere that we are told things such as:
–You’re going to love Jesus, but not everyone has the complete package–which may include sins forgiven, name written in the Book of Life, acceptance into God’s family, and Holy Spirit’s entrance.
–You’re going to love Jesus but not everyone gets all their sins forgiven. Some get all, some get 40 percent, and some more. Results vary.
–What we are offering is the Truth, but not everyone has to call on the name of Jesus. Other deities may also be invoked in various cultures of the world.
–Results may vary, although John 3:16 applies in most cases.
Anyone ever seen any of that? No, and you won’t.
Thank God, you will not find any such in God’s Word. Instead, we find statements such as:
–Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).
–As many as believed, to them He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
–Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
–If anyone thirst, let him come unto me and drink…. (John 7:37).
–Whoever comes to me, I will in no wise cast out (John 6:37).
May I make a suggestion or two?
First, look up those scriptures
Second, in reading them in your Bible, look closely for an asterisk. See anything directing you to footnotes with qualifying statements such as: “Only for residents of Israel or New Jersey”? Or “Results may vary” or “Not typical” or even “Only for the educated.”
Third, smile really big. You are included in every one of those “whosoevers!” You are an “anyone.” You can come to Jesus!
Freely come drink, words the soul to thrill. O, with what joy they my heart do fill. For when He said ‘whosoever will,’ Jesus included me. (Hymn by Johnson Oatman)
And fourth, for the rest of your life, thank Him for accepting someone like you–someone who deserved hell (yes, you do!), someone who brings nothing to qualify for heaven–into His eternal family. Thank Him for loving you!
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! (I John 3:1)
Agree, good article !
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
Although, according to many religious leaders I hear “Repent your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ”. I don’t read that ! Is repenting “Works”?
How did I get into Heaven? I repented my sins ? Me,I did it…
I don’t think so. By Faith in the death, burial,and resurrection and the gift of Grace I am saved. Read the fine print …. Many can’t read the big print.
Let’s say man going to end his life and jump jump off a bridge. You tell him God loves him and will save him, but first let’s go over all the things that have driven you to this point and repent your sins. That’s why some people think they have to clean up their life before they come to be a Christian. They have it backwards. No, belief / faith in Jesus Christ and all your sins are forgiven. If not Jesus died in vain. We can’t be saved by Old Testament promises. The New Covenant is by
Faith and Grace !
I don’t know…maybe it’s just me. If I’m wrong, I welcome the correction…
Part 2.
Well, received a magazine from big named ministry today and opened it up and there it was again; to be saved”First repent your sins”. With my blood pressure rising I get out the bible and concordance and figure out what the problem is. Searched internet and many say same thing and write 15 paragraphs twisting why it doesn’t say it in the Bible. I know I’m doing something wrong because I remember “My yoke is easy and my burden is light”. I decide to let my mind run to find a solution and decided that we need to round these people up and lock them up! Well, that’s not working so turm 180 and took it to the Holy Spirit and realized that’s what I should of done to begin with. First of all He didn’t indicate I was wrong but made me realize that I can’t twist everyone ‘s arm or put them in a headlock to make them believe the same as me. I found a peace and drew closer to God that my personal relationship with him be true and obedient. We can only share the Gospel and turn it over to the Holy Spirit to close the deal. Major Ian Thomas says that Moses thought it was a good idea to kill the Egyptian. Like Moses we tell God to stand back I’ll handle this! I’m learning…. When conflicted I know it’s time to take it to the Holy Spirit and I know I’m doing it right because that peace beyond human understanding comes back. With the world falling apart around us, I have to stay obedient. You all probably already knew this, now I do too!