MONDAY September 14, 2020

God Can Be Found

But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” But to Israel he says: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Romans 10:20-21

Paul spoke of Isaiah’s boldness as recorded in Isaiah 65:1-2. Who was found by God? Those other than Israel––the Gentiles. Who did God manifest Himself to? Again, it was the Gentiles. Isaiah told of God’s greatest invitation of salvation. He stretched out His hands, not only to the Jew, but to the Gentile as well. God had been calling out to Israel from the very beginning, but what did they do? In disobedience, they rejected God.

What is the main problem with the Jew and Gentile? They do not believe in God. People will say, “I will believe when I see it.” How much evidence do they need scientifically? Scientists cannot see farther into the vast universe even with the most powerful telescopes. There is an infinite unseen universe. God is its Creator. In Him is all wisdom and knowledge. What knowledge does God want the world to know? It is the Gospel of Christ. God desires to save people and keep them out of hell.

People do not have to reach out to a holy God through religion. That is self-righteousness. God desires a personal relationship with us. God, in His love, grace and mercy, has reached out to us by sending His Beloved, Only Begotten Son. He willingly died on the Cross for our sins (John 3:16). All a person needs to do is reach back to Him by faith, saying, “Here I am; by faith, I want to repent and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.” Then God will hear and accept them.

Remember, salvation is freely given to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). A person can hear the Gospel, but it is their decision to accept it or reject it.

Your salvation depends on what [Christ] has done for you, not on what you do for Him. It isn’t your hold on God that saves you; it’s His hold on you.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!