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The apostle Paul speaks of the declaration in this Psalm in Romans 1(KJV):20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Paul is saying that creation itself shows us who God is in such a plain way that we are without excuse. So what is the risk of Christ? The Merriam Webster Dictionary definition of risk says that it means the possibility of loss or injury. Risk has something to do with loss. It could be loss of possessions, job, health, mobility, reputation, prestige, family, friends. There are many types of loss we can experience in this life, depending on the risks we take. But Jesus warns us of a risk where we not only lose everything we possess in this life, but also our soul, our very being in Matthew 16 (KJV):24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus also issues a dire warning in Matthew 18 (KJV):8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. While this might sound a little extreme, yet it contains a dire warning. The real risk, Jesus warns, is losing our soul and being cast into hell, or eternal fire. That is the real risk we all must face in this life. Is gaining the whole world really worth it? Is doing our own thing really worth it if we lose our soul? And what will you give in exchange for your soul? Or how much is your soul worth? This is the greatest risk anyone can ever take. So what is Jesus’ message? What is he preaching? |
Beginning in the Gospel of Mark, we read in Mark 1 (KJV):14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
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