11:27,28
These last two verses may seem to be disconnected from what has gone before, but they are not. Verse 27 could be used by opponents of Roman Catholicism and its mariology, and the Roman Catholic church is certainly badly mistaken on this matter (as on many other things). However, it is verse 28 that is crucial. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it”. The previous bit has just spoken of the poor state of the man who was set free from an evil spirit but did not change. If we receive something from God, some gift, maybe some healing, or even freedom from some demon possession or oppression, but we do not change, then we are not blessed. We only blessed if we repent. This does not mean the blessing is a reward for repentance, rather that repentance is part of the substance of blessing, or the state of being blessed. There is a lot of talk in the church about being accepting of people. Now in the sense that the gospel is for all, that we should love all and reach out to all, this is absolutely correct. However, this talk all too often misses out on repentance and obedience. The gospel is about calling people to obedience. First to obedience to the gospel in confessing our sin and turning to Jesus for forgiveness, and then in working with the Holy Spirit to live a life of ever deeper obedience to the Lord. This is in no way salvation by works, rather obedience is the blessing. Jesus, and the whole of the Bible, is absolutely clear that obedience is crucial.
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