Let
the Bible Speak
The Lord gives in His word various motives to lead us to believe
in, love and obey Him. Following are three biblical motives
which are designed to lead people to obedience:
1. The great love of God for man is of course the primary
motive of the Gospel. John writes, "We love him, because
he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). In discussing this very
motive, the apostle Paul declares, "Or despisest thou
the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans
2:4).
2. Another great motive is the hope of reward in Heaven promised
by the Lord. Our hope is "laid up" in heaven (Colossians
1:5). We "look" for a "heavenly city" to
come (Hebrews 11:10, 16; 13:14). Jesus said "my reward
is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation
22:12).
3. A third powerful motive is the fear motive. Jesus used
this motive: "And whosoever shall offend one of these
little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that
a millsotne were hanged about his neck, and he were cast
into
the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is
better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having
two hands to
go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if
thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee
to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast
into
hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where
their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And
if thine
eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to
enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having
two eyes
to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dieth not,
and the fire is not quenched: (Mark 9:42-48).
Will you not consider the great love God has for you? Will
you not seriously contemplate what you have to gain or lose
based upon your obedience to God and His word? (2 Thessalonians
1:6-9; John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; Mark 16:16; 22:16). Live
is short, death is sure and judgment is certain.