The "If and Then" Clause by Lawrence S. Perry, B.S., M.Div

The "If and Then" Clause

Popular Culture Myths

As our families prepare for Christmas, many parents are telling their children stories about Santa. In their story telling, they will encourage their children to write a letter to Santa Claus telling him that they have been good. And if they have been good, Santa will honor their wish and on Christmas Eve provide the present they desire. Parents will also note that if the children were bad then Santa may not visit their home. Of course, this is a subtle way to control our children. I call this principle the "If and Then" clause. Unfortunately, this teaching  does not end when we are children. The "if and then" clause is found in many aspects of our society that governs many of our thoughts and actions. This principle is found in our law, our economics, even in our theology.

 Just the other day I was watching a TV evangelist speaking on this very principle. He was stating that if a person was good then God would reward them. The evangelist was correct. This principle is found through out the Old Testament. I concur that God has spoken through the Hebrew Scripture, but the story of redemption is only fulfilled in the New Testament. As the TV evangelist continued to teach, I found myself questioning his thesis. Is God like Santa Clause?  Does God give out gifts, only if we are good boys and girls? And if we are bad is there no blessing?

As I pondered these questions, I concluded that the evangelist was teaching from the Old Testament.  We are, however, New Testament Christians and as a result have a greater understand of who and what God teaches us through Jesus Christ. As a result, the "if and then" clause is no longer valid.  Before you question my conclusion, allow me to offer this insight.

 A New Teaching

In New Testament teaching, Jesus calls upon his followers to follow Him and walk in His footsteps.  He encourages us to live a life of righteousness. He teaches us to love as God loves without preset conditions or prejudice. We are to love unconditionally. He encourages us to seek justice. When called for, we are told to be merciful. Joy should govern our thoughts and actions. When we fall short of the mark, we are to seek forgiveness.  In other words, to follow Jesus is to accept Him as the bread of life that feeds our souls, Jn. 6:39. To follow Him is to accept Him as light of the world which directs our lives. And with each step, we put our trust in the great shepherd of the flock who protects us along our journey, Jn.10:11. With such trust, the Christ will lead us to eternal life. This gift of eternal life is a present reality and not a gift that is given in the future. In Christ, we have eternal life now! Jn.11:25. So, the call is to follow the Christ who is "the way, the truth and the life", Jn. 14:6.  Is there any other example of what it looks like to be totally human?

In this journey of faith take note; the gifts that God gives through Jesus Christ are inherent in the life we choose to live. If we choose to live a life of righteousness, we are blessed by our decision.  If we choose to be just, we will always be blessed by our actions. If we choose to live by love, that love will be automatically returned to us, ten, twenty, and even a hundred fold! You see, beloved, if God is of a pure heart, nothing un-pure can co-exist within His nature. Perfect love will always drive out that which does not belong. So, in Jesus Christ, we discover what it means to be fully human. And when we decided to follow and live as He lived, we discover the extent to which we are blessed.  Our blessings are a present reality and not a future hope.