In the Bible we learn that that God chose His children before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4). The love He offers His children is unconditional. He chose us before we had opportunity to live or sin. (Ephesians 1:4, 2:8-10). He loves His people because He is who He is, not because of anything we did to earn it.
Many professing Christians have adopted a belief that God gives “unconditional love” to everyone. We promise people who do not know or love God that He loves them, no matter what. Many Christians boldly promise the favor of God on someone if they would stop doing drugs, give birth to their baby, confess their sin of adultery, repent of having had an abortion, or stop using pornography.
Interestingly, to stop these sinful behaviors may make life better for them because they will be moving away from the earthly consequences of sin. But it is only when there is faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, given to us as a gift from God, that we will truly know His unconditional love.
Going through the scriptures, it’s evident that God does require something from us. Those “God loves everyone” promises made to unbelievers have no biblical basis; they lack the “conditions” that God has placed on us. There are a lot of “ifs” in the Bible (1507 in the ESV). Here are two examples:
Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.(Deuteronomy 8:19).
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love (John 15:10).
Even though God’s love endures forever, it is like the love of a parent. He will not let sin go but will expect a certain desire for holiness. Jesus said that if we love Him we will obey His commands (John 14:15). God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He sees motives as well as actions.
A woman I met some time ago said that when she was growing up her Christian family taught her that if she did not drink, smoke, or get pregnant out of wedlock – she was being a “good Christian girl.”
The Bible was in their home, but not taught. They attended church and youth group and stayed out of trouble, prioritizing academics and counting themselves among God’s elect. Their conditions were external. The Lord had not changed her heart.
Many Christians memorize John 3:16 with no idea that “whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” is a condition. We must believe that God has given His only Son as the substitute for us, taking the punishment for our sin.
Like the lady I met, some Christian homes have gotten into a second or possibly third generation who do not know the scriptures (Matthew 22:29) – so they think that all God wants is for us to be happy and blessed materially so we will praise His Name and act right. This is what we teach others. A lot needs to change in our personal obedience to God’s Word (as well as our national recognition of His Authority in the world).
The personal has to come first. God will change our nation one person at a time but it needs to start at home. Saving faith is a change of heart not just a change of behavior…though that should come. We will be blessed by God when we live by faith in Him and His Word in every area of our lives. It is His love for us that gives us the desire to repent of our sin and obey His Word. Our nation will see God’s blessings when we start to believe that His Word (Genesis to Revelation) is “living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12) by being willing to share the truth of God’s Word.
When God gives faith to a person, it is unconditional. He is giving His Spirit and His Son’s death as He forgives our sin. However, He is not fooled by our words. He says, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me,” and calls them hypocrites (Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6).
God does have a level of unconditional love for which Christians are to be grateful to have received such a gift. However, it is important to filter our proclamations and promises to others in God’s name through what He says in the scripture.
Do we even know it says that God hates evil doers (Psalm 5:5 ESV)?