“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and heal their Land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14 (ESV).
I never did take a computer programming course in my studies, but I did get into analytics as part of my vocation. As I dove into the world of programs, like Excel and Access and others, I learned something that stands out boldly in God’s Word and for me. It’s called the “if/then” logic. I can see how it sets the foundation for understanding and walking with the Fear of the Lord.
“If/then” coding logic means if you insert a numerical value or condition as IF, THEN there would be a resulting output. For example, you could code the program to insert the word “yes” every time you type the number “1” or insert the word “no” every time you type “0”. So, in this case, IF you type one, THEN the result will be yes. IF you type zero, THEN the result will show no. This is also called cause and effect. If you plant an apple seed, then you will get an apple tree. If you study hard for a test, then you can expect to do better on the test.
Thousands of years ago, Solomon clearly understood if/then logic. Proverbs 2:1-9 is a long if/then statement. Throughout these verses, Solomon states that if you do the things he mentions, then you are guaranteed the result. The result is the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of wisdom.
What we accept and believe is intertwined with our choices in our lives. Our identity in Christ is critically important to understand and believe. Unfortunately, too many of us struggle to get beyond the lies that have been spoken over us and ingrained in our minds and hearts. As noted by Neil Anderson in Victory Over The Darkness, these lies form your “Lie-dentity,” meaning, IF you believe the lie about yourself, THEN you will live that lie. You are what you believe, the lie becomes you, and you become the lie. For example, if you believe you are a loser, then you will not succeed. But if you believe you are a winner, in Christ Jesus, you will succeed, it is assured.
In 2 Chronicles 7 and Proverbs 2, and others scriptures, Solomon asks us to accept God’s Word fully and unequivocally. And we should—the Word of God is TRUTH! Jesus says it CLEARLY! “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
As a believer, I accept God’s Word as truth. And I see its importance for my journey of knowing more about what it means to Fear the Lord. God’s Word must have the first say and the final Word—not my emotions, beliefs, or what other people say about me or how society tells me to act. We must filter our thoughts, beliefs, and actions through the Word of God, His fundamental truths and instruction. When we truly accept and understand God’s Word as truth for our lives, and it forms the basis for our thoughts and choices, we are on the right road of living joyfully with the fear of God and receiving the blessings it promises. So how do I see these conditional scripture statements in this light? Here are some examples to ponder:
John 15:10 “If (condition) you keep My commandments, (then – result) you will abide in My love, (example) just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
Matthew 6:14-15 “For if (condition – your action and responsibility) you forgive men their trespasses, (then – the result or promise from God) your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if (condition – your action and responsibility) you do not forgive men their trespasses, (then – the result or promise from God) neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
John 15:7 “If (condition) you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (result).”
Deuteronomy 28:1 IF you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, (THEN) the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.;
Read Matthew 7:7, John 11:40, Matthew 17:20, Mark 8:36, Mark 11: 25 – 26, John 14:23, and 1 Corinthians 15: 12 – 34. Look for and see the IF and THEN statements. There are many more scriptures you can search for IF/THEN in the Bible or conditional statements or promises in the Bible.
“IF you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, (THEN) the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Deuteronomy 28:1(NLT).
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