A song often song in some protestant churches says "Just as I am". Some interpret the refrain "Just as I am" to mean that God accepts us without any preconditions or without us having to meet certain requirements for a relationship with Him. The Bible contradicts this notion.

There are requirements that we have to meet in order to have a relationship with God. We find one of those conditions in Hebrews 11, verse 6: "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

"He who comes to God" implies that we draw closer to God and seek a relationship with him. That we want to draw closer to God actually begins with God drawing us to His son Jesus Christ – that is how our calling begins (John 6:44).

A critical part of God drawing us is the realization on our part that we were previously not close to God. There was distance between us, brought about by our sins which separate us from Him (Isaiah 59:1-2). We begin to draw close to God by deciding to live His way of life and leave the path of habitual sin.

In John 6, verse 44 Jesus mentions an important aspect of the knowledge God imparts to us as part of His calling us: "I will raise [us] up at the last day." Christ will resurrect those whom the Father draws to Him. That means that God gives a new orientation in life to those whom He calls. Our goals no longer revolve just around this physical human life. Instead, we have a long range goal beyond this life.

Jesus and His apostle tells us more than once that everyone who wants to live a Godly life must be willing to endure disadvantages in this life – trials, difficulties and even persecution. We accept that because we now have a goal that transcends this physical life. That's why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, verse 19: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable."

In other words, those who want to come to God must be willing to accept short-term disadvantages in this life, if necessary, because they believe in the long-range goal that God promises us: eternal life in a future world as members of his family. Those who do not believe that will not be able to come to God, because they will not be willing to practice God's way of life loyally when they encounter problems because they live that life.

Let's resolve to live a life of faith and be close to God so Christ will receive a positive answer to the question He asked at the conclusion of His parable on the unjust judge: "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!