“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the key! We can’t earn our way into God’s presence. We can’t discipline our way into God’s presence. We can’t accomplish our way into God’s presence. We can’t give our way into God’s presence. We can’t deserve to enter God’s presence. We believe and in God’s grace, He welcomes us into His presence!
However, we must be clear: it isn’t some generic faith that pleases God! It isn’t some vague faith in a higher power that brings us near to God. It isn’t faith in any god that God rewards. It’s faith in the One True Living God of the Universe. It’s faith in Him as He is: 3-in-1, eternally Triune, Father-Son-Spirit. It’s faith that God exists, that God is holy, that God is just, that God punishes sin, and that God graciously offers forgiveness for our sins exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son Who died and rose from the dead.
Do you desire to please God? Believe in Christ! Would you like to draw near to God? Believe in Christ and know that genuine belief in Jesus results in a life devoted to following Jesus and becoming like Jesus. Would you like to be rewarded by God? Take up your cross daily, deny yourself, and follow Jesus!