Knowing It—Doing It

Knowing It—Doing It

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge . . . .” 2 Pet. 1:3-5.

We see that knowledge is absolutely necessary and very valuable, but if we do not act according to it and are not faithful to it, it will be to our judgment instead of to our salvation.

In reality there is no one who wants to deceive himself and end up in corruption; nevertheless, this is how it is with a person who hears the Word and does not do it. Jas. 1:22. If he continues like this until his death, he will regret it in all eternity because he deceived himself in this life, even though he possessed God’s light and in that way the exceedingly great and precious promises.

What can cause such a tragedy? It is the Fall at its worst. Perhaps you will say, “But Jesus has redeemed us by crushing the serpent’s head.” True enough, but when you heard God’s word and did not do it, you did not accept this redemption.

Think about it, dear soul, while there is still time, and choose what is profitable! Everything can be restored during the time of grace. Isn’t that your sincerest desire?

Therefore “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Jas. 1:21. As we can see, it is not enough for the Word to be planted in souls—that is, that we know it. Therefore “examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves.” 2 Cor. 13:5. Test what you are doing during the day. Faith without works is dead. This means that, in reality, the person who has this kind of faith is “dead”! He who believes has eternal life. We should be absolutely clear about these matters now, in the time of grace!

Slothfulness and indifference leads you into darkness, and seeking to comfort yourself with knowledge alone robs you of time.

“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” Matt. 5:46. This is not the love of Christ, and it does not prove that you have passed from death to life. 1 John 3:14. He who does not love abides in death. Here it is repeated: He who does not do it (loves all men) gains no salvation from it.

In every instance it is vital not to fool yourself but you must rather attain to “the restoration of all things.” Acts 3:21. “And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.” 2 Cor. 13:9. You must require this from yourself, and it is not too much or something extra; it is simply your duty as a disciple. Isn’t this what you long for, even though you have not yet found your way to it? All of Jesus’ disciples can receive abundant strength for this.