Life or Death

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

My commandment today
 Is not a mystery for you;
 Neither is it far off,
But is perfect and true.

It is not in heaven,
Nor is it beyond the sea,
 For someone to bring it 
So that you can hear Me.

But My Word is near you.
It is not too far away.
It’s in your mouth and heart,
 So that you may obey.

See, I’ve set before you
The choices of life and death. 
There’s evil and good too.
You decide with each breath.

So keep My commandments. 
Love Me and walk in My way. 
My statutes, My judgments
Are there all of your day.

So you may live and grow
And the Lord your God will bless
In the land where you go;
In the land you’ll possess.

But if your heart grows cold 
And you’re choosing not to hear, 
Then you are drawn away
And other gods appear.

I’m telling you today
That you shall surely perish.
Your days will be shortened 
In the land you cherish.

I call heaven and earth
As My witnesses today, 
Against every person.
You have choices to weigh.

I have set before you
The choice of life and death. 
Therefore, decide to live,
With blessings for each breath.

Now you will live for Me, 
And your descendants will too;
Loving the Lord your God, 
And His voice you’ll pursue.

You are to cling to Him,
For the Lord God is your life.
He’s the length of your days
And the answer to strife.

Remember all My words.
 My covenant I extend
To every believer.
On Me, you can depend.

Moses speaks in these verses about the righteousness of the law. In Romans 10:5-9, Paul speaks of the righteousness of faith. Paul quotes from the Old Testament. Both write about the same basic truth. What is written in the Old Testament is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

God’s plan for us is not a mystery. It is not far off. His Word is in our mouths and hearts. Why? So that we will obey. Our choice is life or death, blessings or cursing. What does Christ ask of us? Love Him, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. This is the path of life and fellowship with God.

In life there are always choices. The choice is yours.

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  Romans 10:9