Jesus Christ can either be our friend or foe. It is wise to seek His friendship and foolish to make Him an enemy.
Jesus has extended friendship to all men in that He died for all (John 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15). We can accept His invitation and enjoy a relationship that exceeds all others. We will not only be forgiven of our past sins, but also find in Him an advocate with the Father when we stumble (Mark 16:16; 1 John 2:1). Our friend will teach us the way to have a life of true joy (John 15:11). We will have confidence in times of trouble and contentment in need (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). Jesus is a friend who will never abandon or fail us (John 10:27-28; Hebrews 13:5-6).
Though Jesus will not forsake us, we may forsake Him (Hebrews 3:12). Others never believe and obey to begin with (cf. Acts 13:45-47). In both cases, Jesus still extends friendship, willing that we should repent (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). However, if we do not repent, but remain stubborn in sin, Jesus is our greatest foe.
The Spirit said, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). When one wants to talk, dress or behave like the world, he has made the Lord his enemy (cf. 1 Peter 4:3-4). And, when the Lord returns in the day of judgment, no man will be excused or overlooked (Philippians 2:9-11). The Bible tells us that Jesus will return with “His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
There is no greater friend or foe. With Jesus as our friend, blessings and victory are ensured. With Him as our foe, defeat and destruction are unavoidable. Is He your friend or foe?
Kyle Campbell
