Which New Testament teachings align with the choice presented in Deuteronomy 11:26? The Old Testament Invitation “See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse—” (Deuteronomy 11:26). Israel stood at a crossroads: obedience leading to blessing or disobedience leading to curse. The New Testament repeatedly revisits this same fork in the road. How Jesus Echoed the Same Fork in the Road • Matthew 7:13-14 — “Enter through the narrow gate… wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction… but small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life.” • Matthew 7:24-27 — Wise builder (obedience, stability) vs. foolish builder (disobedience, ruin). • John 3:16-18 — Believe and receive eternal life; refuse and remain condemned. • John 3:36 — “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” How Paul Reinforced the Principle • Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” • Romans 8:5-6, 13 — Mind set on flesh = death; mind set on Spirit = life and peace. • Galatians 6:7-8 — Sow to the flesh and reap destruction; sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life. • 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 — Vengeance on those who “do not obey the gospel,” resulting in everlasting destruction; relief and glory for the faithful. Voice of the Other Apostles • James 1:22, 25 — Doers of the word are “blessed in what [they] do”; hearers-only deceive themselves. • 1 Peter 1:14-16 — Called to holiness; obedience marks those who will be revealed in glory. • 1 John 5:11-12 — “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life.” • Revelation 22:14-15 — The cleansed may enter the city; the unrepentant remain outside. Summing Up the New Testament Alignment Blessing: • Faith in Christ • Obedience to His word by the Spirit • Eternal life, peace, stability, inheritance Curse: • Unbelief or willful disobedience • Life according to the flesh • Present emptiness, future judgment, separation from God Taking the Choice Personally Today Scripture still presents the same two paths. Trusting Christ and walking in His commands is the doorway to blessing; rejecting His authority leaves a person under the curse. The invitation is clear, the consequences certain, and the decision urgent. |
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