IS THE GOSPEL A PIG IN A POKE

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL)

I remember my grandparents saying, "never buy a "Pig in a Poke". But what does this mean? Especially, in today's Christian circles.

Don't buy a "pig in a poke" might seem odd and archaic language. It's true that the phrase is very old, but actually it can be taken quite literally and remains good advice. The advice being given is 'don't buy a pig until you have seen it'. A pig that's in a poke might turn out to be no pig at all.

This old cliché certainly is not the gospel truth. Because in accepting the Christian way of life, one has to take the gospel by faith, sight unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) (Hebrews 11:6) Jesus also expressed this, when talking with the Apostle Thomas, shortly after His resurrection. (John 20:29)

Taking the gospel by faith sometimes may be misleading. You see, we must be sure and believe the true gospel. (2 Peter 1:210 For the one victory Satan doesn't want to see is a victory in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor 11:14) (1 John 4:4-7) Then, why have so many new Christians faithfully excepted a false gospel. Simply because they failed to check out the gospel. (1 Thess 5:21) (Gal 1:6-9) Yes, the true gospel is rather simple. (1 Cor 15:3-4).

Once we exercise our faith, we must accept God's free grace, to change our lives. (Ephesians 2:8-9) (1 Cor 3:4) For no one can ever be good enough, on their own, to come to God. No one can earn their way to God. And, no one can rely on a good friend or family member to get to God. It's all about God's free grace, plus nothing and minus nothing.

So, right now while you can still do so, (James 4:14) just give your heart to the Lord. He was nailed to a cross for your sins and mine. And He rose from the dead on the third day to concur the penalty of sin. (Matt 27:27- 28:10).

Remember, accepting the gospel, by faith, is no "Pig in the Polk". The scripture is very plain, in predicting the Church. (Matt 16:17-18) And with the church came the gospel. (Acts 2:37-47). And with the gospel came faith that God is who He is and will do what He says he will do. (John 14:12).

I realize it's hard sometimes exercising our faith. Especially, in these days in which we live. However, even Jesus' own Disciples, who lived with Him for three years, had a need for more faith. (Luke 17:15)

We must, however, take God at his word (Mark 9:23) (Mark 10:27). For he's all we have. There is no other gospel, aside from Jesus Christ. (John 14:6).

Remember, Having true faith will help you make sense out the troubling and confusing world you live in. It will give you the confidence you need to move forward with your life despite trials and setbacks. (Philippians 4:13)

So, go ahead, let that "Pig out of the Poke" , by asking Jesus to forgive you of your inborn sin, by your faith in God's free grace. Then start reading your Bible, starting with the book of John and spend time in pray with your Heavenly Father, God.

Remember, it's important to attend a good Bible believing church and to tell others what God has done for you, by changing your life around for Him. Three important scripture verses, that will help you do this are: (Isaiah 55:11) (Romans 1:16) (John 12:32)
Amen!