"If" is a big word!

The word ‘if’ is interesting. It is one of the most important words in the Bible because it speaks directly to our responsibility to God. Most, if not all, promises in the Bible have conditions and the word ‘if’ speaks to those conditions. Our responses to God’s commands affect our relationship with Him and determine our receiving from Him. All verses come from the KJV Bible.Jesus used the word ‘if’ all the time. Almost half of the 574 occurrences in the New Testament are in the four Gospels. Jesus always put the ‘if’ on man’s side and never on God’s side. The following are just a few examples of the word ‘if’ in the Bible from the OT and the NT:If and HearPsalm 81:8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; (hearken means to listen to; or to hear)Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. If and ListenDeuteronomy 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. (blessings or curses, your choice; by the way, there is no third choice). If and obeyExodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And finallyProverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. KJV Dictionary Definition: IF, v.t. It is used as the sign of a condition, or it introduces a conditional sentence. It is a verb, without a specified nominative. In like manner we use grant, admit, suppose. Food for thought: In God's Word from Old Testament to New Testament are many encouraging promises. But one of the things I have noticed is that they come with conditions, especially in the above and below verses. This means that God is not obligated to keep those promises if we don't meet the conditions first. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Sadly, far too many don’t realize that this verse is conditional also. The condition is, whosoever believeth. If you want everlasting life you must truly believe. You cannot con God. See Psalm 145:18). 2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. [This verse is conditional. Seek Him and the LORD is with you. Don't seek Him, He is not with you. It is so simple! Your choice]! Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. [Pay attention and listen to Him and you can dwell safely without fear. What happens if you don't pay attention to Him? Just look around you today; it is so obvious]. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [This is very plain. If you want God’s approval do as He commands and study His word. If you do not want His approval do not study His word. Again, your choice].