God's Word Will Not Return To Him Void

"... so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isa. 55:11).

God will save only one type of person - he who trusts and obeys Him from the heart (Rom. 6:17). While He would have all to be saved, not all will obey Him. Nonetheless, His word still accomplishes that which God purposes, saving the contrite sinner and exposing and condemning those who aren’t. Consider these thoughts regarding what God’s word accomplishes.

FOR SOME, UNDERSTANDING - FOR OTHERS, CONFUSION. God’s word can and must be understood (Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17). However, one’s ability to understand will depend on their having an "honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15). Such hearts receive the word with understanding, but those who’s hearts are prejudiced and/or dishonest will be led to confusion. For example, as a result of the gospel being preached in Ephesus, a riot ensued with much confusion in the city (Acts 19:28-29, 32). Such confusion was not the fault nor design of the gospel, but the preaching of it produced the occasion for the bewilderment of the unbelievers. Thus, by the word of God, those worthy of eternal life are distinguished from those who are not.

FOR SOME, CONVICTION OF SINS - FOR OTHERS, HARDENED HEARTS. The gospel, given by the Holy Spirit to the apostles, is God’s power to convict mankind of their sins (John 16:8-11). This is an essential step in the conversion process (cf. Acts 2:37). Yet, the occasion of preaching truth will serve only to harden the hearts of some because of their unbelief. As Pharoah’s heart was hardened through the command of God given by Moses (Exod. 8:32; 9:12), so many now will be the more hardened when exposed to the gospel of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 2:14-16; Lk. 8:12).

FOR SOME, PEACE, CONTENTMENT & HOPE - FOR OTHERS, UNREST & FEAR Through God’s word man can enjoy the blessings of God’s peace and contentment in living (Phil. 4:4-6; Col. 3:15). He can have hope of heaven (Col. 1:5). But for others, the word becomes the means of great unrest due to the guilt of sin and knowledge of the eternal consequences for their disobedience (Acts 24:25; Heb. 10:26-31).

FOR SOME, PATIENCE THROUGH TRIALS - FOR OTHERS, COMPROMISE. Faithful Christians, because of the word, will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12; Jas. 1:2-4). The nature of being Jesus’ disciple involves self-denial, bearing our cross daily and following Him (Lk. 9:23). Jesus warned that he who "would save his life shall lose it" (vs. 24); they compromise truth to escape persecution. They have their reward.

FOR SOME, FREEDOM - FOR OTHERS, BONDAGE. God’s truth will give freedom from sin to those who accept it (John 8:31-34). But for those who reject it, the gospel is "a savor from death unto death" (2 Cor. 2:15-16), as they choose to remain slaves to sin.. Would you be free from the bondage of sin?

By Dan Richardson

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