No Loopholes

Scripture is clear about our relationship with God and others: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8). “How shall we come before the Lord?” was the question God’s people asked the prophet, Micah, in verse six. He replied that God had already shown them not only “how to come” but what God required and how to accomplish it. Did they think or hope God changed His mind of what He required? If they did, they were wrong.

Before entering the Land of Promise, Moses told the people that God required them to fear Him, live rightly, love and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and obey His commandments—for their good (Deuteronomy 10:11–13).

Jesus said we fulfill the law when we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, strength, and others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–40). We are God’s chosen people; He has shown us what is good—that which is profitable for us and pleasing to Him. God’s directive still hasn’t changed: Do what is right; embrace and extend mercy; and do everything covered in love for God and one another. But you cannot satisfy His requirements, commandments until you first confess your sins and turn away from them, ask God to forgive you, and invite Jesus into your life, submitting to His authority. Only then can you walk humbly with God.