Last night as I was getting ready for bed I laughed out loud at a thought running thru my head. Unconditional love. My wife asked what so funny so I told her, "I have heard my entire life, and recently on post of different social media, about the unconditional love of God." I then proceeded to tell her why I thought it was funny, and actually sad at the same time. "There is no such thing as unconditional love in the Bible. Nowhere. It does not exist."
Why would I say such a thing. Many of you disagree, and may want to change to a different page that feels more comfortable, but if you want to hear the truth I have it for you right here.
So unconditional love is how we are to live? Really? The Father has it? Really? As you're reading this ask yourself one question "Am I in covenant with the Almighty?" This is not going to be an argument about whether or not the covenant is the exact same as the one written by Moses (though it certainly is), but this is simply a yes or no question...Are you in a covenant with God?
If the answer is "no", then this doesn't really apply to you, unless you are interested in entering a covenant with Him, then I urge you to keep reading.
If the answer is "yes" then keep reading. Ask yourself "what is a covenant?", and "If I am in a covenant with The Almighty, what does that mean?"
Google defines covenant as:
(Law) a contract drawn up by deed.
(Law) a clause in a contract.
(Theology) an agreement which brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people. The Jewish faith is based on the biblical covenants made with Abraham, Moses, and David.
A covenant is a legal, binding contract between two or more parties. In the end, whether secular law or biblical law it is...LAW. It is an agreement. "If" you do this, I will do that. "If" you don't do this, I won't do that. "If" you obey, I will be your God and you will be My people. "IF" you obey Us, We will abide with you.
Simply adding a single "IF" statement makes everything about any covenant conditional. Period. Let's say that one more time, loud and clear, for those in the back of the room...ADDING A SINGLE "IF" STATEMENT MAKES EVERYTHING ABOUT ANY COVENANT CONDITIONAL.
Now you may certainly make unconditional promises if you desire. You can tell someone, no matter what they do, you will help them in some way or another. A friend can ask for help moving, and you have the choice of making it a conditional agreement or not. You can choose to say "Yes" with no conditions, and it is not wrong to do so. You can also make a condition. You could say "Yes, IF, you provide the pizza". Neither answer is wrong, but one is conditional. In one case, you are giving your word you will help your friend without anything in return. In the other you are making an agreement, or covenant (though not too serious), that you will be there in return for food.
We are told "IF" we obey, He will be our God, and Paul points out, as all the prophets do in different ways, that "who you obey IS your Master. If what you willingly do, day in and day out is against the covenant of the Almighty, then you are a servant of sin and will die in your transgressions. "IF" you obey Him (after repentance one must stop sinning which means start obeying), then He is your Master, and you will be actually walking in righteousness (The right ways according to the covenant of God) unto eternal life.
The point I am making is from Genesis to Revelation there are conditions on those He calls His. There are things He says He wants His children, His bride, His people to do, or He will cast them out. He has done it before, so why is there no fear in those who say they love Him but do not obey Him. Partly because we have been lied to and told He has unconditional love for us. He has Mercy and Grace, He is Longsuffering, and He Forgives, for sure, but He does say "IF". If you repent you are forgiven. If you confess your sins He is faithful and just to forgive. Every day you walk in sin, breathing and alive you have unconditional Mercy and Longsuffering, but that is about it. And don't tell me you can't help but to walk in sin, because you are supposed to be filled with His Spirit who leads us in ALL Truth and understanding. Don't tell me it is too hard or burdensome because He says it is easy to keep and a light burden.
I will most likely take this subject up again in the future sometime, and add to it the verses I have been quoting part of or paraphrasing. Don't be upset if I don't give Book, Chapter and Verse, the Messiah did not either. He simply said "It is written". So go study, and prove me right or prove me wrong. Don't take my word or anybody else's word either.
Shalom