Years ago, I heard a sermon about the conditional and unconditional when it comes to the Bible and certain scriptures. The main point is that God’s love is unconditional but some of the scriptural promises are conditional.
What do I mean by this? There are times the Bible shows you a promise but it’s conditional. There may be an IF (you do this) or an OBEY (this) before the promise. Those are conditions that must be met in order to activate the promise.
For example, let’s take a few scriptures that Jesus spoke:
IF you [really] love Me, you will keep (OBEY) My commands. John 14:15 (AMPC)
STAY JOINED to me and LET my teachings become part of you. THEN you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. John 15:7 (CEV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS. James 1:22 (NIV)
Therefore everyone who HEARS these words of mine and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV)
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I desire to be the one who builds a solid foundation. Then when I see all these things going on around me that I do not fail in my faith while so many others give up and move on due to the circumstances. It takes a solid foundation now days. Now I am understanding more and more many may fall at my side and many at my right hand but it shall not come near me (defeat).
Me, too, Leland! Amen!