"Must"
An impersonal verb, signifying, "it is necessary" or "one must" (Vine's, Vol. III, pp. 93-94). In this little article we desire to note some of the ways this word is used in the New Testament. Be reminded of the definition given by Vines, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.
1. A man who comes to God "must" believe (Hebrews 11:6). There is no way man can please God if he does not believe. It is an absolute necessity.
2. "Man must be born again" (John 3:7). In the context where this statement is found in John 3, we are made to realize that one CANNOT enter the kingdom of God UNLESS he is willing to be born again. There is no possibility of one getting into the kingdom of God without being born again. He "MUST" be born again.
3. There are things man "must" do to be saved from alien sins (Acts 16:30-34; 9:6; 22:16; 2:38). These scriptures teach that man who desires to have his sins removed "MUST" believe, repent and be baptized in order for his sins to be washed away.
4. Man "must," if saved, be saved by the name of Christ (Acts 4:12). To be saved by the name of Christ is tantamount to saying that one is saved by the authority of Christ. One "MUST" listen to the authority of Jesus Christ if they want to be saved. We are made to realize that Jesus is the author of our salvation.
5. Man who worships God "must" worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). For our worship to be pleasing to God it "MUST" conform to the truth, the Word of God (John 17:17) and it "MUST" be in the proper spirit.
6. Man "must" stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this, the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). Everyone of us "MUST" stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account unto Him.
Since the things we have discussed very briefly here are indeed true, and we will be saved by them and judged by them, then it behooves us to do what Christ asks us to do for they are a "MUST". The apostle Paul asked, "Lord what will you have me to do?" Jesus said he would be told what to do, he was told what to do, Acts 22:16; he evidently considered it to be a "MUST". What about you? Will you listen to Christ and do His will?
From Our Archives, 1984
By Roy Hannah