One of the Most Powerful Words in the Bible (Part 2)
One of the most powerful words contained in the Scriptures is four letters in length. What is it? And, how is it important for us today? Join us for this second lesson in the two-part series.

In our prior feature lesson, we began stressing the importance and power of the word must. We noted that Jesus used the word must often to refer to what He would do here on Earth and also to what a person is required to do to be saved. We considered the following verses that make use of the word must:

Even after one is saved, there are still things that one must do regarding...

FAITHFULNESS & PROPER WORSHIP
Romans 13:5 - "Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake." Paul says that Christians must be subject to the laws of the land, to the governing authorities. We should do this to keep a good conscience and also to avoid the wrath of the authorities that will fall upon those who fail to live in subjection. Of course, in cases where there is a conflict between what God expects of us and what the authorities will allow, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). For example, if the government prohibited Christians from gathering to worship, then we would have no choice but to disobey them. Also, if the government prohibited Christians from speaking against homosexuality (or some other sin), then we would have no choice but to disobey them. Thus, we must be faithful to the governing authorities in all ways except those in which they would have us commit sin. But, not only that, we must also be faithful to the Lord if we intend to enter heaven...

Acts 14:22 - "Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'" God never said that getting to heaven would be a cakewalk. No, in fact, the path that leads to eternal life is narrow and difficult (cf. Matt. 7:14). Only those who endure to the end will be saved (cf. Matt. 10:22). One must endure trials and tribulations faithfully if he intends to enter that heavenly abode. As Paul said to Timothy - "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (II Tim. 3:12). The word all includes you and me. If we are really living the godly lives that God expects of us, then we will be persecuted--according to this verse. So, I ask you this question: Have you been suffering for the Lord? Sure, we all suffer here on Earth in various ways, but have you suffered for the Lord and His cause? Friends, when you stand up for the truth in a culture of wickedness, you will be labeled and ridiculed. It this has never happened to you, then either you have not been a Christian very long or you are not standing up for the truth and against error. The world hated Jesus and His teachings, and they will hate us too if we follow His example. There will be tribulations that godly Christians must endure for Jesus if heaven is to be their home!

Part of being faithful to the Lord includes worshipping Him as He desires to be worshipped...

John 4:24 - "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." No human being has the right to worship God Almighty just any old way. Those who worship Him must do so according to His word (that is, "in truth") and with a genuine attitude (that is, "in spirit"). To worship God in any other way is to be guilty of the sin of presumptuousness.

And finally, let us consider how the word must pertains to the subjects of...

DEATH & JUDGMENT
We all need to realize that sooner or later our existence on this planet will come to an end. There are only two ways for this to happen: (1) We will die, or (2) Christ will come again. Listen to what Peter wrote about dying:

II Peter 1:14 - "Knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me." Peter knew that he would live forever, but not in his physical body! His flesh, that is, his tent would not exist forever. Soon, he would die as Jesus did. Peter realized his own physical mortality and he lived appropriately. He knew that he must die someday. Do you realize this, and are you living accordingly? Additionally, consider what Paul wrote in...

I Corinthians 15:53 - "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." Every human who has ever lived has existed on Earth in a corruptible physical body. However, someday everyone will put on an incorruptible body; a body that is not subject to death. Humans now have mortal bodies, but someday all will have immortal bodies. Wait a minute Stephen, don't you mean that those who are faithful to the Lord will be immortal? No. I mean everyone because that is what the New Testament teaches (cf. John 5:28,29). Everyone is going to have an immortal body. Of course, a few will be in heaven and the rest will be in hell, but everyone will be immortal. Once you're in either heaven or hell, that's it! There's nothing you can do to change your eternal home. There is nothing you can do to terminate your existence. You will exist forever! That leads me to my final point...

II Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." Because of the fact that we are all going to have to face God in judgment, doesn't it make sense that we be holy in conduct and godly (cf. II Pet. 3:11)? Doesn't it make sense that we should continually be reminded of "the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Heb. 2:1)? Final judgment is something that no one can escape, but we can live in such a way so that the Day of Judgment will be a joyous day for us and not a day of damnation!

In closing, I hope we've accomplished our goal of illustrating just how powerful the word must is in the Scriptures. It is a powerful word when used to refer to Jesus' mission as well as to God's requirements for salvation. It is a powerful word when used in reference to man's faithfulness in life and worship. It is a powerful word when it addresses the subjects of death and judgment.

Dear listeners, we must do that which God requires--if we desire to please Him and save ourselves. If we don't, then we will face the consequences of our selfish disobedience!

Thank you for listening, and may the Lord bless you as you strive to do His will.