3:18
Jesus had threatened to spew them out, but there is an alternative. They could buy true gold from Jesus, things that really matter. Then they would be truly rich. Far better to have eternal riches than temporal wealth. They would have white clothes to wear, so their nakedness would be covered. And their eyes would be opened to see things as they really are.
3:19
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent”. This is so vital for all of us, for Christians and non-Christians. Even if at the time we are not in particular need of rebuke and discipline, it is essential for our understanding of how the kingdom works. We also get the same message from Heb 12:5,6, quoting from Prov 3:11,12. It also ties in with John 3:16-21. Jesus loves everyone, and all can be saved, but this does not mean that Jesus accepts our lifestyles! Jesus came to save sinners. When we witness to the world, we are witnessing to sinners. We ourselves are sinners, and those we pastor in the church are sinners. So being corrected by the Lord is normal and a normal part of life. Our flesh reacts against this because of pride and fear. Pride because we don’t like being told we are wrong. And fear because of the fear of punishment. With pride the answer is that we need to humble ourselves. With fear we do not need to fear punishment. For the response of God to someone who humbles themselves and repents is to forgive them, and to give them the Holy Spirit.
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