How Can God Command We be Subjected to Government Rulers? 

located @1-minutebible-z3g God put a hook in the nose of King Sennacherib Frodo’s Quest · Ezra Lipp accessed 1/11/26

When we consider the story of Sennacherib above, we must remember that God had placed even this King in place.  The Northern tribe of Israel had made an alliance with Syria to attack Judah. This God allowed only because of the treacherously evil acts of King Ahaz.  But with so much evil surrounding the world; how can God Command We be Subjected to Government Rulers?  We, who are His children can not surely be expected to bow to the authorities when they are evil? But let us look a little further into this.  Even Sennacherib was lead to believe he was in control. Thus He never humbled himself before God.  Remember, some pagan kings did humble themselves before God. Such as the King of Nineveh and Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon after God humbled his heart. 

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.  Proverbs 21:1 NASB 

Yet, if that is the case, why not make them all good?  Ah, but then they would all be AI robots.  God is Sovereign. Free Will is real as well. Even if my finite human brain can not fully understand the mystery of God, He IS the Great I AM.  My part is to trust His Word by faith in His Salvation purchased by His Son, Jesus Christ.  So, for a moment let’s look a little deeper into the story of Sennacherib and Hezekiah. But to understand this, let us look at King Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.  

An Evil King and God’s Sovereignty 

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. 2Chronicles 28:1-6 KJV 

Ah, but even then, King Ahaz looked for worldly help not God.   

And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you. Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,  And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the Lord already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.   And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria. At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. 2 Chronicles 28: 10-16 KJV 

Therefore, It is reasonable God Command We Be Subject To Government Rulers 

How? Why?  Because He is just and righteousness.  He will make it right.  His timing. Only He sees the Beginning and the End.  We can trust He is good, even when we do not see it all.  

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear…. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  Hebrews 11:1,3,6 KJV 

Never forget, “He is God, I am not.”  He the Creator of the Universe, reached out to me to save me.  Not for any merit or effort of my own.  Therefore, all I must do is trust Him with all my heart, mind and soul.  He will reveal the rest one day when I shall see Him.   

So, Back to Our Story of King Ahaz and then King Hezekiah 

God sent Isaiah to King Ahaz, who failed to repent.  Isaiah prophecied to Him of King Jesus one day being on the throne.   

Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7: 13-14 KJV 

Then Ahab died and his son, Hezekiah reigned.  Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of God.   So, when Senecherib thought he could invade Israel, he discovered God was in control.  Hezekiah only had to pray and trust God.   

Throughout the Old Testament Scripture, we find that to be the case.  Therefore, we can also believe that God reigns supreme in all the earth.  He can command we be subject to Government Authority, as He rules Supreme. 

Look At Daniel 

Daniel and His 3 friends were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Yet they found a way to never compromise God’s commands and remain subject to the government rulers.  Even willing to face what should have been a death sentence calmly and courageously if necessary.   

He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.  Daniel 2:15-23 KJV 

We can be subject to government rulers because we can trust God to guide us with wisdom.  He will give us the answer when rulers blatantly go against God’s rules.  Sometimes that may mean our death.  Or perhaps our stance for God with humility, grace, and obedience to the law. If at the same time we never compromise the truth of God may transform the rulers heart. 

That is Why Paul Could Go On to say: 

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  Romans 13: 3-7 KJV 

Even the worst of rulers maintain some kind of order in their countries.  This is better than utter chaos where everyone does his own laws.  That would be even harder to navigate.  At least with rules, we know where we stand.  Paul was able to call upon the rulers to judge him as a Roman Citizen.  Otherwise, the mobs would have killed him, were it not for the roman soldiers to protect him.  Ultimately no one knows how many Roman Guards were led to Jesus Christ as Paul subjected to Government Rulers.  Although later beheaded for his faith, Paul remained an example of what the Holy Spirit led him to write here.   

Then we have Peter: 

Imprisoned for the gospel.  Standing firm.  Not rioting or going against authority, rather being subject to Government rulers.  That is except, he never stopped preaching the gospel solely because they forbid him to.  We are to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our speech and give us the wisdom we need.  This is what Peter wrote: 

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,  or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.  For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond-servants of God.  Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.  2:Peter 2: 13-17 NASB 

Paul Reminding Pastors concerning being subjected to Government Rulers 

This was after his first imprisonment in Rome. 

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.  For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people.  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless  Titus 3:1-9 NASB 

Jesus Christ humbled Himself and willingly died on a Roman cross.  He humbled Himself to be subject to government rulers and to complete the task given Him by the Father.  Taking all the wrath, we deserved upon His human flesh that we might be saved for eternity. He was the example for us.   

How Can God Command We be Subject to Government Rulers? 

He is the Alpha and Omega.  The beginning and the end.  God, Almighty who created the heavens and the earth.  We can only tremble with joy when we realize His majesty, His Glory and His honor.  Let’s conclude with Psalm 2.  

Why are the nations restless 

And the peoples plotting in vain? 

The kings of the earth take their stand 

And the rulers conspire together 

Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 

“Let’s tear their shackles apart 

And throw their ropes away from us!”  

He who sits in the heavens laughs, 

The Lord scoffs at them. 

Then He will speak to them in His anger 

And terrify them in His fury, saying, 

“But as for Me, I have installed My King 

Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 

 “I will announce the decree of the Lord: 

He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, 

Today I have fathered You. 

Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, 

And the ends of the earth as Your possession. 

You shall break them with a rod of iron, 

You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” 

Now then, you kings, use insight; 

Let yourselves be instructed, you judges of the earth. 

Serve the Lord with reverence 

And rejoice with trembling.  

Kiss the Son, that He not be angry and you perish on the way, 

For His wrath may be kindled quickly. 

How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! Psalm 2 (NASB) 

So let us each Serve the Lord with reverence  and rejoice with trembling.  He has given us the power and wisdom to be able to remain subject to government rulers while being the salt and light of this world.  Only in His strength and power as the Holy Spirit leads us.  

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previous Post

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

1 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

12 Ways Our Cheerful Heart Can Respond to God for Amazing Blessings 

When I consider all the Amazing Blessings God has given me, and His gracious patience toward me my heart overflows.  It overflows with love, devotion, humility, and awe when I consider all this.  I tremble with so much emotion; I can hardly believe the wonder of it all. Then, as Romans 12 continues, we are given 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God for His Amazing Blessings. What mercies and blessings am I recalling?  

He provided for us, as unworthy as we are, salvation free and clear.  How?  By sending His Beloved Son, God Himself, Creator of the World to live a perfect, righteous life in human flesh.  A life I could never have lived in my own volition.  Then to die and pay the price for all my sin.  Sin born out of a heart so trapped in itself. I dare to believe I know what is best for me. How foolish is that?  Or I think I know what is best for those around me.

My heart! One that would rebel against His plan, if not held to account by the Holy Spirit.  I must then die to self-daily that He might shine His Glory through me. Furthermore, He gifted me to do His work.  Although I sometimes wish to shove that gift aside. I would have foolishly chosen another. But He knows what is best. 

Because of All He Has Provided Our Hearts are Cheerful In Him by Love

Because of all the mercies and blessings given us by God. We are urged to give our bodies as a living sacrifice, that is holy. It is the reasonable service we must desire. How can I do anything else? So, let’s look at what a holy living sacrifice might look at. Let us consider the 12 ways our dutiful, cheerful heart can respond to God for Amazing Blessings.  Thus, to do so in a manner of holiness that brings glory to His name in all that we do.  

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit John 15:8 KJV 

Number one of 12 Ways our cheerful heart can respond to God 

Love must be free of hypocrisy.  Detest what is evil; cling to what is good Romans 12:9 NASB 

When we pretend to “love all things” we are hypocrites.  We can love the person but not try to say that untruths are truths.  I can love the person who is transgender. But true love will not try to pretend that their lifestyle is acceptable to God.  True love cares more about their eternity than their current “feelings”. His Word is clear. This is sin and will lead to distress, unhappiness, and entrapment in spiritual death.  Love must not lie.

I can love my friend, but still boldly tell them their adulterous relationship is going to ruin their life. As well as the life of others.  Love that is free of hypocrisy must be honest, genuine concern for their well-being spiritually as well as physically.  

Number 2 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another Romans 12:10 KJV  

How often do we truly place another’s feelings, wants, needs, or desires above our own? Or when we do, how often do we feel resentment later when they do not respond in like kindness?  True, genuine self-less love can only come from the Holy Spirit in us.    It is like presented in I Corinthians 13 (so often quoted at weddings.)  But how many people truly know what those words mean? And how often are they quickly forgotten after one says, “I do.” 

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  I Corinthians 13: 4-7 NASB 

How many marriages would survive without divorce, if truly we practiced this kind of love. Again, the Holy Spirit is needed for this to be the case. Guiding us each step of the way.

Number 3 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord Romans 12:11 KJV 

No matter the job or task, we are to work as though God is the one we are working for.  As such, the most difficult boss can be treated with respect.  Never are we to spend our time wastefully at work as that would be stealing.  Nor are we to take our job frivolously.   

Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.  Colossians 3:22-25 NASB 

If this was God’s command for slaves, how much more for we who are employees. We are receiving His blessing of provision via a salary. How much more should we work as though to Him, our provider.

Number 4 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12 KJV 

We rejoice in hope because we know Him.  No matter what presents in our path, we know a loving heavenly Father has a perfect plan concerning us.  Our living as His Chosen, Blessed Child demonstrates to those around us of Him. Our Peace and Joy in Him shows others how marvelous and glorious we know Him to be.   

Number 5 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:13 

Because I know who my provider is, I can give freely to others as He leads me. That also is key, as He leads me.  But that means I must be in prayer continually, so I am certain He is the one leading me.   As such, I help when that is what is truly needed.  And wait when He needs me to wait. Never do I want to be stumbling block for another. After all, God may have a different plan to grow their faith in Him alone.   The Holy Spirit will guide me in His plan and His will.  That way, I do not have anything to worry about.  Never forget what Jesus said,  

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’  Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?  And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’ 

  “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;  for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’  Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’  Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’  These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  Matthew 25:34-46 NASB 

Number 6 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14

   Now He is getting personal or touching a weak spot!  How do I do that? Well, there are at Least five things I think we must do to forgive those who persist in hurting us. 

  1.  Recall how many times we have offended God and been forgiven 
  1.  Consider their spiritual needs.  If they do not know Christ, their eternity may be transformed with God using your forgiveness as the catalyst.  He will find someone else to share that glory with, if you fail to be the catalyst.  Then it is your loss of perhaps a crown. As for me I do want to have crowns to lay at His feet. I know it is His work, not mine.
  1. Our inability to forgive is a part of our own pride. 
  1.  Furthermore, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for my name’s sake.”  Matthew 5:10.  Our inheritance is in heaven with Him.  Therefore, it is better to be persecuted for our kindness than to respond and become like them.   
  1. This is not a suggestion from God, it is a command.  My daughter while visiting me pointed out that driving is so very complex in Mexico. In part, because every rule is taken as a suggestion, not a command.  For us to truly glorify God, we must remember His commands lead to our happiness and joy.  Commands are not just suggestions we can choose to ignore when we want. 

 Number 7 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15 

We are to be empathetic, kindhearted people.  Sometimes rejoicing with them that do rejoice is even harder than weeping with those who weep.  If our neighbor rejoices because he got a big raise. We may have a hard time truly rejoicing with them. Particularly, if financially we are in hard times.  That also brings us back to the question. Do we truly trust God’s goodness to us?  Or is our faith shaky instead. 

Number 8 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16 

How quickly we condemn another once was entrapped in a sin, we proclaim as “never”. We proclaim them unacceptable. Yet, God saved them and now they are His. Does that make them any less saved?  Are we justified in looking down upon them as less than we are?

How quickly we look at the successful Doctor as more blessed. And the poor person working hard to feed his family as less loved by God.

Do not stand in pride yourself!  Sometimes, the humblest of people with little education can be among the wisest.  Such a man was my father.  Many considered him a “poor dirt farmer who could barely read or write.”  But he was far wiser than most of whom I saw around town as I grew up.  His was a heart that demonstrated God’s grace and love.  Even though he could not read the Bible with clarity he talked with God as he worked.   

 Number 9 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 KJV  

Do not yourself become evil because of what someone has done to you.  Honestly proclaim the name of Christ.   

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread,  but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.  For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit I Peter 3:14-18 NASB 

Number 10 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Hebrews 12:18 KJV 

Sometimes it is not possible because we live in this broken world.  But we are to desire to make this our goal.  Yet, sometimes it is not possible without compromising the truth of the word.  If to be at peace requires I deny Christ, then true peace may not be possible.  Paul knew this as violence of others against him became a part of his life.  Yet, he strove to peaceably respond.  We know that Jesus was the perfect example of this.  He was crucified and had violent acts against Him, despite He being an example of tolerance.  Yet, never did He compromise truth to bring peace.   He overthrew the money changers tables.

Number 11 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19 KJV 

We are not to avenge wrongs against us.  Rather, we are to hand that over to God.  Then, we are to remain faithful to Christ in all we do.  

 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  Romans 12:20 

We should never leave someone to go hungry because they once did something to hurt us.  Some read this and say, “Yes, I want the heaps of fire filled coals to hit them. So I will do this joyfully with a vengeful heart.”  That is certainly not what is meant here.  The heaps referred to here are to remind us that God is just.  If justice is to be issued it will come from Him.  We are to do the right thing, no matter what. Even if He saves them and transforms their eternity.

Number 12 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God. 

 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 

We are to be the light and salt to the world.  How?  By surrendering ourselves completely to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.   

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

1 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo by Jay Soundo on Unsplash

Do You Know the Greatest Gift that Never Stops Giving Joy? 

Two thousand twenty-five years ago, God the Father sent His Only son. Sent to be born in a lowly manger in a sacrificial sheep birthing cave just outside of Bethlehem.  The very place where all the sacrificial lambs were born and placed in swaddling clothes to have no blemish. A gift promised to Adam and Eve.  The gift awaited for by every man or woman who believed God and by faith followed Him.  There were rituals and laws to be followed as a demonstration of their faith throughout history.  All pointed to the one Greatest Gift of all.  Jesus, in very essence God. He is the perfect reflection of all God the Father IS. Willingly He humbled Himself to be breathed into the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit.  

The Creator of the World was born, exactly as prophesied and laid in a manger.  Not just any manger.  The very one where sacrificial lambs were born.  He was wrapped in the very same swaddling clothes as they.  Why?  Because He came to be the Ultimate Sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the World.  How wonderful!  How Magnificently Presented! Every single prophecy fulfilled in this God’s Greatest Gift of all!  But for all those who know Him as Lord and Savior, the Gift does not stop there.  It is the gift of salvation.  For in Him alone can we be saved from the slavery we have to this sinful flesh we live in.  Our minds so quick to wonder, to worry, and to do evil.  Always seeking to be proud of ourselves, only to fail in our own effort.  Our chains are broken by His Grace. 

The Greatest Gift Bearing Gifts 

But if that were not enough, God’s Greatest Gift came bearing gifts galore for each who would believe.  These cannot be cast aside either.  He came to give us joy, love, and to share His glory with each of us.  If only we surrender our hearts, minds, and bodies to His Will.  That is what Romans 12:1-2 tells us as we studied last week.   

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2 NKJV 

This the urgent plea given by the Holy Spirit through Paul.  Why?  Because therein lies the secret to living a life fully devoted to Him who gave it all for us.  In that life, centered in His very will, we find everything.  It has all already been given us who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.  But all too often we go about our busy days. We leave the gifts unopened under the tree or hidden in the closet.  His gifts!  The very precious meaning of life itself cast aside. Meanwhile we seek after that which can satisfy our thirsty souls in desert sands.  

The Greatest Gift prays to the Father for Gifts of Protection, Joy, Truth, Love, and Glory for us 

But now I am coming to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.  I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.  The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected n unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me.  Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 

“Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me;  and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”  John 17: 13-26  NASB 

Ephesians 1:  Laden with More Gifts than we Can Imagine or Hope for 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him,  regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1: 1-15 NASB 

Since the Greatest Gift of God was not His Only Gift to You, I Pray this for You as well 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might  which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church,  which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.   Ephesians 1:17-23 NASB 

And As if this the Greatest Gift were not Enough 

He has gifted us each with a special spiritual gift that we may use to point others to Christ.  Each given our special gift. With all those gifts working together as one within the church, it functions with His power.  Not that He needs me.  Rather He gives me the privilege to be a part of His great and magnificent work. His creature in Him working for His creation. Wow!  

so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.  However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;  if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching;  or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.  Romans 12:5-8 NASB 

So, as Paul I say to you 

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, Romans 12: 3-4 NASB 

Do not let pride steal your gift of serving Him from you this year.  For within that gift, He has wrapped His Glory to Share in you.   

My Greatest Plea 

Do not get so busy that you leave the Greatest Gift of All unopened.  Jesus Christ came that you might have life and have it abundantly.  But you must open that gift by asking Him to come into your heart. Believing that He is the Only Begotten Son of God who died in your place.  Repent of your sins while believing His resurrection conquered sin and death forever for all who believe in Him.  With sincerity of heart, if you hear Him calling, ask Him in.  He is the greatest gift of all and comes bearing many more gifts with Him.  If you know Him already and do not feel His joy.  Surrender your all to Him and watch His miracles unfold.  Read His word.  Sit in His presence every day.  He is all you will ever need to know peace, joy, hope, and everlasting love overflowing.   

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

1 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo by Steve Hruza on Unsplash

Therefore Because of Who He IS Surrender Your Body Completely to God 

After 11 chapters of rich theology, we reach the Practical section of Romans.  That is: with all the knowledge we have just been given, now how do we put it to practice.  Still wrapped in these two verses is rich depth of theological truth.  So much so, that we must take our time unraveling the riches of these two verses.  Therefore, because of Who He is.  His great mercies, wisdom, and justice rationality demands you surrender your body completely to God.  Too often we try to object by saying “you cannot know my heart. I do love God, even if my actions say otherwise.” Which is true.  But, others can see the fruits of your actions. A true love of God-a trembling at His Awesomeness shows in everything we do. It may not be discerned in a moment’s action; but it is notable in a life lived devoted to Christ. 

Certainly, I cannot know if another’s actions are from a heart of love, pride or rebellion. Sometimes I have trouble gaging my own heart’s individual actions. But God does know each motive and action.  Therefore, if I am constantly seeking His word, He will reveal to me His Will in every decision placed before me. The more I am aware of His presence every second of the day, the more I lean into Him.  Thereby, through prayer and study of His word, I surrender wholeheartedly my body, mind, and spirit to Him.  As you focus on who He is and all He has done for you, it becomes urgently necessary to surrender your body completely to Him.  Why?  Because there is the sweet communion where all is covered by His peace, His love, His joy, and the knowledge that you are His Beloved Child. You are walking in His Will.     

Therefore, Because of All He IS, you must surrender Your Body Completely to God 

The book of Romans can be divided into essentially 4 parts.  1. The Wrath of God.  2.  The Grace of God.  3.  The plan of God.  And 4th: The will of God.  Within the book of Romans the word therefore is used 27 times in the KJV.  Each pointing back to all that has gone before. This guides us to utilize all the doctrine given before completing the confirmation of what is about to be said.  We will look at three which came before this one that were essentially a summary before moving on.   Before each of these had been others, guiding us along the way to these conclusions.   

  1.  Therefore, all are condemned.  All have sinned, and none can be justified by their own work.   

Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.   Romans 3:20 NKJV   

All have sinned, and no one can be justified on their own actions.  We are condemned before a Holy God.   

  1. Therefore, Justification is through Christ Alone. It is by Grace Alone, through faith alone. 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1 NKJV 

This is an act of Grace beyond anything our human hearts can fully grasp, but we must recognize it as such.  No longer are we the objects of His Justified Wrath against us.  Why?  God, the Son, took on flesh to live a perfect life.  The perfect sinless life we could not.  He suffered and faced all the temptations we do, without sinning.  Then willingly He surrendered Himself to the cruel cross. He took upon Himself all the wrath of sinful man and all the wrath of God the Father.  He did all so we might be counted as righteous, though we have not one ounce of righteousness without Him.   

  1. Therefore, Total Exoneration because of Christ 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 

No Condemnation.  None.  How can that be!  Mercy and Grace.   

  1. Therefore, Consecration is Certain and Demanded 

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. Romans 12:1 (NKJV). 

When you consider Who He is and All His Mercies toward you, how can you not surrender your body completely to Him? 

But How Do You Surrender Your Body to God? 

After all.  This flesh desires what it desires, and the fight seems too hard at times.  Are not our salvation and sanctification all by grace alone? Then, what must I do?  Is not my doing anything an act of works? Not really.   It begins by surrendering to the truth. Our sin was crucified with Christ. No longer must I or you be a slave to our sin nature. We are now raised to a new life as a new creature.  Yet, we must remember this each day and place our flesh once more on the altar.  We are a “living” sacrifice.  That means we keep wanting to jump off the altar when the flames rise up.  But again, back to how do we do this.  Thankfully, Paul gave us that very answer.   

“do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2 NKJV. 

God performs the work of transformation, but we must seek His word.  Otherwise, we leave Him with no choice. To transform our mind He must systematically remove all those things we desire above Him.  Sounds cruel?  Not really.  Those are the things that keep you from full joy.  He knows that.  At other times, He does not remove them. However, He does transform your desire for them step by step diminishing them. This may be as you find severe pain in seeking them. Thus, He allows unholy desires to carry out their natural consequences. Pain, Sorrow and death.   In the most severe of cases, He may take the Rebellious Christian home as we saw in the last lesson. 

However, if you look at this verse in Romans 12 closely.  It is not a suggestion. Rather, it is a strong, urgent, pleading command.  God and Paul, for that matter, want you to live the best life ever.  Yet, that only can be found in the center of God’s will.   

Everything else will one day fade away.   

Therefore, Surrender Your Body Completely 

All too often, I think we underestimate the absolute majesty and wonder of who God IS.  He spoke this magnificent galaxy and all the others into being with one word of His mouth.  Everything is held together by Him.  Yet, He sees every tear I shed and knows each thought.  Such love is too great for me to fully comprehend.    How wondrous is He! Why would I not want to give Him everything?  What foolish desire would I want to cling to? Knowing that He has everything I need and more abundantly, I want Him above all else.  

Perfect Wisdom and Justice can lead my life to places I never thought of.  Looking back, I know that.  What a marvelous life I have been given the opportunity to have! He even took all my moments and transformed them into something glorious.  My life has been so richly filled with people, places, and unimaginable beauty.  It surrounds me with such marvel and wonderful joy, peace, and love.  As in the song by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, “No guilt in life, no fear in death.  That is the power of Christ in me.” 

An urgent plea to surrender your body completely 

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1 NASB 

Just as in Romans, Paul lays out the theological framework first.  Then, he through the Holy Spirit pivots to the practicality of his teaching. He urges the reader to walk in a manner surrendered to God.  We have been overwhelmingly blessed with so much.  Ephesians describes the absolute richness of our blessings in Christ Jesus.  We are His Chosen Bride, heir of the Kingdom, Beloved, Blessed Child of God. Furthermore, we are the Possessor of all Spiritual blessings in heavenly places. As such we are honored to be His prisoner and slave (protected and cared for). That is to name a few.  Furthermore, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, thereby having no fear.   

So, surrender is an urgent command, that we might experience the heights of His Steadfast Joy in us.   

So, back to the steps toward how to surrender your body completely. 

Paul outlined this.   

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2 NKJV 

J.B Phillips Version reads: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould”  1 

Where does sin begin?  In your mind.  You see something and the more you focus on it the more you desire it.   

Ok, but how do you not do that?  

  1. Study His Word every day, morning and night.   

the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,  2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 (NASB) 

Or again, as J.B Phillips paraphrased it: 

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defence that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ. 

Or as King David, the cry of our heart must be: 

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.  Psalm 119: 10-12 KJV 

Transform Me Lord by Effie Darlene Barba 

Transform me Lord with each new day 

That I might be Your light, I pray 

To shine into each darkened heart 

Your love and mercy their impart 

So that the ones with whom I meet 

Might see your smile, I do entreat 

That you would take this feeble heart 

Surrendered to thy will to start 

A cascade of thy love divine 

Pour forth from me, your glory shine 

And lay aside all my desires 

To light a path with spirit fires 

That draw the broken, wounded lost 

Oh, Lord let me not count the cost 

But freely lay aside the “me” 

That Thou art all they truly see 

Concluding thoughts: 

Fill your life with His Presence and His Word.  Lay aside all that draws you away from Him.  Thereby, you surrender your body completely to Him.  Stay close to His word.  Remember His mercies.  And you will find your life transformed by His Spirit in you. Mary surrendered to His Will completely in faith.  Not an easy choice in her day, but she trusted Him for the Mercy God showed her.   

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

PREVIOUS POST

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

1 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

Has God Grafted You Joyfully into His Fruitful Olive Tree?

There will come a day and time when all of Israel will return to the Holy One of Israel.  They will look upon Him, once more.  Laying aside the works of their hands and false idols, they will become the fruitful Olive Tree they were meant to be.  But for now, their branches bare little fruit while the wild gentile branches are being grafted in.  The question is: has God grafted you joyfully into His Fruitful Olive Trees?     

Fruitful Olive Trees require a great deal of work.  In the springtime, the branches that have died must be removed.  New branches are grafted in with great care.  There must be a V-shaped cut in which the cambium layers of the young new branches are aligned with the sap producing cambium layers of the root tree.  Hence, these are carefully wrapped and held firm, while the branch is wrapped with plastic to protect it from harsh elements until established.  There is a small air hole left open to allow in air, but to keep the heat and sun from drying out the branch before established.

If asked about the symbolism of Israel to the Fruitful Olive Tree, the answer AI returns:

Israel is compared to an olive tree because it symbolizes God’s chosen people, their covenant relationship with Him, and their spiritual journey of hardship (bitterness/pressure) leading to blessing (sweet oil/light) and endurance, with wild branches (Gentiles) being grafted in to share in its life-giving root. This imagery appears in the Bible (Jeremiah, Romans) and Jewish tradition, representing faithfulness, divine nurturing, pruning for growth, and the eventual restoration and unity of God’s people, with the olive tree representing the core of Israel’s spiritual heritage.  (Jeremiah 11:16). …Olives yield sweet oil only when crushed under pressure;[1]

Has God Grafted You?

God had chosen Israel to be His people.  They were to bless the world; but, they have been a rebellious, self-glory seeking, idolatrous worshipping people.  They rejected their Messiah when He arrived; but, God knew they would and used their rejection to further His plan for them and the salvation of many others.  The Bride of Christ is being grafted into the Olive tree to produce fruit during this the Church Age.  That is for now; but the apostasy of many so called “churches” of this day are also fruitless branches.  So all this is what we must consider to understand the scriptures of Paul at present. In Romans 11.  But before we go there, let’s look at one more set of scriptures from Isaiah 17.

 In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough And an uppermost branch,Which they left because of the children of Israel;And there will be desolation.

Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, And have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, Therefore you will plant pleasant plants And set out foreign seedlings; In the day you will make your plant to grow, And in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; But the harvest will be a heap of ruins In the day of grief and desperate sorrow.  Isaiah 17:9-11 NKJV

Although God is Sovereign. From the beginning of time, He knew His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.  The nation of Israel is also fully responsible for their decisions as noted above. 

So. for now, the question is: “Are you grafted into the root?”  There is a play on words we must remember.  Paul discusses the individuals grafted in, but also, he speaks of the “church” and the nation of Israel as a whole.

God Grafted You into the Root

For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.  And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.  Romans 11:16-18 (NKJV). 

We have no room to boast and no room for any antisemitism. God is the root.  He is holy and makes you holy through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ.  He is the perfect Holy, unblemished lamb of God who took upon Himself the full wrath of God against sin for you. That is He has cloaked you with His righteousness.  Not of your own work.  Rather His work and sacrifice paid your debt.  Now you can be declared free.  You are empowered with the Holy Spirit that you become dead to sin and alive to Jesus Christ.  This a gift, not of works from your guilty hands. 

You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?  Romans 11:19-24 (NKJV)

Does that indicate that you can lose your salvation?  No, salvation is secure.  You are sealed by the Holy Spirit if you ever truly accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.  However, if the gentiles in general have refused to follow Jesus as Savior, they as a group can be cut out for the believing Jewish nation to be grafted back in.  Which is what will happen once the church age is completed.

So if God Grafted You in and You bare no fruit?

So, back to the personal grafting in.  What happens to the individual redeemed child of God who fails to ever produce fruit? Well God takes the full responsibility to transform us into those who look like Christ.  That is why we can truly say, “All things work together for good” 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  Romans 8:28-30 NKJV

He will accomplish His plans in me, whatever it takes. 

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.  Psalm 138: 8 NKJV

He will perfect that which concerns me.  It may be through fire that He removes the dross, so my heart becomes like Jesus.  But I can trust Him even in the fires.  Yet, what if I determinedly head long chase after sin, despite His discipline as a believer.  That may mean I will be taken home.

If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.  I John 5:16 (NKJV)

What Else Can One Lose if God Grafted You In and fruit fails

You can sin a sin leading to physical death, although spiritually you remain saved. However, you can lose your reward.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.  I Corinthians 3:9-17 (NKJV) 

If you say, “I do not care about a reward.  Nor do I care about pleasing God.  I just want my ticket out of heaven secured and then do whatever I want here.”  Well, I would question your sincere salvation.  If at no point did you see Him as so worthy, that if He gave you nothing, you would still choose Him.  Or if you don’t love Him for having loved you so, then I would question if your heart was ever transformed.  There may be some whom after salvation become so scarred by this world, they are taken home.  Or others who have developed so much scar tissue of the soul, it is hard to see their life as His.  But those may be extreme cases. I cannot judge you. But if there is no change, you may want to take a moment to ask Him in. I know God’s patience in having persisted in transforming me, speaks for itself. He never gave up, but there has been steady transformation. He has called and wooed me to Himself every step of the way.

God has said of the Nation of Israel:  “I, God grafted you in again at the right time.”

So, you Gentiles, do not get so arrogant and think yourselves better than the Jews.  God has given you a time of grace for now.  Then, He will turn back to His nation as well. 

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,

And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

For this is My covenant with them,

When I take away their sins.”  Romans 11: 25-27 (NKJV)

“All Israel will be saved”  refers to all the elect of Israel who are alive at the end of the tribulation will be ushered into the millenium.  The largest number will be saved during the tribulation.  Remember the tribulation is for the doing away with sin forever for Daniel’s people—the cleansing of the nation of Israel. 

All Of This Planned by God’s Grace.  

If God Drafted You In, you may now be His fruit bearing branch.  So, do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? 

Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.  Romans 11:28-32 NKJV

Paul’s Amazement Of the Wonder of God

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

 “For who has known themind of theLord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.  Romans 11:33-36 NKJV

He who has been my life, my hope, my joy for so many years.  Can I ever question what He has done?  No, I can only marvel at His wonderful grace toward me.  He has loved me with unimaginable love always.  So now, I only want to serve Him, for all He is and all He does.  For yes, amen, For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. 


[1] https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Why+was+Israel+compared+to+an+olive+tree  accessed 12/06/2025.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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