Too Good To Be True?
There are those who make the claim: “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is”. We’ve all heard this. Some of us have seen situations that seemed “too good to be true”. When a person makes an offer that seems too good to be true, there’s bound to be a catch. This is because most people are looking out for themselves. Usually, when an offer such as this is presented, the obvious question: “What’s in it for me?” is asked. When an offer made by man, seems “too good to be true”, there is usually more in said proposal for the one making the offer than there is for the one to whom the proposition is extended, and because of this, these types of offers should always be refused. However, not all offers are made by man, and not all good things come from man.
“Too good to be true” is a very cynical attitude, especially when one takes into consideration the offer Christ has extended to humanity. The “offer” Christ makes to humanity is one that had been in formulation since before the world began. Christ’s offer is not “too good to be true” nor is it to be refused, because it originated with, and is ordained by God. It is made quite clear in James 1:17 that all that has been given or provided by God is “good and perfect”. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. It makes no sense for folks to refuse the offer God made through Christ as 2Peter 1:3-4 shows that the offer to become a child of God comes with everything we ever need, as well as great promises. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
However, all who have failed to accept what Jesus Christ has provided for mankind are refusing what God has offered through Christ. Unfortunately, many are refusing what Christ offers through ignorance. In Matthew 7:7 we find the Lord, in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount offer this advice. He said: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ” The problem is, when one asks or seeks, they must go to the right source, or the offer may indeed be “too good to be true”. Man offers several plans that cannot save. All of man’s plans for Salvation, fall way short of what the Lord would have man do.
Even some of God’s own O.T. people wanted what God offered, but they wanted it on their terms. This is not the way the plan of God works! The prophet Jeremiah was sent to them and in Jeremiah 6:16 they were told what to “ask for” and how they replied. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Isaiah 30:10 identifies the rebellious children of God: “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: ”
In this, the N.T. age, some claims to want what is clearly offered in the Word of God, but they still want it “their way”. We see in 2Timothy 4:3-4 this often was (and often still is) the case. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. What kind of fables? Fables such as: “Salvation is by faith only”. From whence do such abominable ideas come? From a total mis-application of a few verses. We can see this from Acts 16:30-31 in the case of the Philippian jailor. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
This is an enticing offer, and if one applies only these verses, it becomes an offer “too good to be true” and is also a “fable” that many follow. All one has to do is “believe” and “they’re saved”? Too Good To Be True! Neither God nor Christ has offered this! James 2:19 also reveals that this cannot be. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. I ask you, are the devils saved?
Now, let’s read Acts 16:32-33 - And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (preached the gospel to them) 33 And he (Paul) took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. This aligns perfectly with the Words of Jesus Christ in Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Christ’s offer for Salvation is not “too good to be true”. But it can only be received in accordance to God’s plan. Hear the Word – Romans 10:17. Believe that Christ is God’s Son – John 8:24. Repent of your sins – Acts 17:30. Confess before men that Christ is God’s Son – Romans 10:9-10. You can then be baptized into Christ – 1Peter 3:21. Then remain faithful through the rest of your life – Rev 2:10. Too Good To Be True? Not God’s plan. Too hard to follow? Not God’s plan. Let us help you.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
