Will We Accept or Reject the Invitation?

By Mark J. Ward

There are several "invitations" in the Bible. God invites everyone to obey Him and express love toward Him. This is accomplished in various ways, all of which are outlined in the Bible on various topical matter. In this article, let us notice some of these invitations and ask ourselves: "Will we accept or reject the invitation?"

THE INVITATION TO COME TO GOD

In Revelation 22:17 the Bible reads, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heaeth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." God's invitation is for "whosoever will". It is up to us as to whether or not we will accept this invitation. There is no middle or neutral ground, however, for either we accept or we refuse/reject the offer. Such is the case with invitations that are made. God forces no one; neither do we. We should extend the Lord's invitation as we have the opportunity. But keeping first things first, we should decide to accept the invitation ourselves!

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul." (Matthew 11:28,29) God and Christ extend an invitation to something that is more wonderful than anything earth has to offer! How do we view this invitation? How do we feel about it? Do we really value or know its "worth"? The choice is ours. And the invitation extends itself to us as long as we live on this earth. We will accept or reject this invitation?

REJECTION OF THE INVITATION

King Agrippa was noted as one who decided to reject the invitation to become a Christian and refused to come to God. In Acts 26:28, 29 the Bible records an invitation and wonderful opportunity to come to God in his life, "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." We don't know just why King Agrippa refused, but it was ALL up to him. So it is with everyone! Will we accept or reject the Lord's invitation? There obviously is a lack of love for God if we don't accept His invitation because the Bible clearly teaches, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remainin you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 14:9-12).

Thanks for reading - mjw

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