1 Corinthians 2.9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Would you note carefully who this promise is given to? For them that love God. Not for those who say they love God, but for those who truly love Him. Now we may love God differently or in different measures, but a true child of God is a man or woman who loves God and it shows.
Jesus said this about the woman in Luke 7, “she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” She loved much. Much forgiveness will be manifested in lavish love for Jesus.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. To whom do all things work together for good? To them that love God. They work together for good because they are lovers of God despite all of the heart-breaking, gut-wrenching things recorded at the end of that chapter. Those that love God know that He is good and that He will work out all things for our good and His glory.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Who will be the recipients of the crown of life? Those who endure testings of their faith in Jesus. And who are they who endure? Them that love Him. Those who love Jesus have an enduring love. A love for Him that enables them to endure in faith during the fiery trials of their faith.
“Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” The kingdom to come is promised to whom? Them that love God. Beloved, the primary fruit of the new birth will be a love for The Lord Jesus Christ. We once were God’s enemies, now we are His loving bride. Heaven-bound people are those who love The Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe in Jesus Christ from the heart will turn you into a lover of Jesus. If any man love not The Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha!
The question is not if you are Reformed, the question is are you reborn? The bible doesn’t say, repent ye and become Baptist or Presbyterian or Lutheran. Repent and follow Jesus. Love Jesus, beloved. Love what He loves and who He loves. Love His Word. May the love of Christ and the love from Christ motivate all that you say and do. The best is yet to come for those that love Him.
