THE RIGHT BAIT
INTRODUCTION
It takes the right bait to make a catch; what bait is our adversary, the Devil, using to catch his intended victims; what attraction would lure one into his trap?
The story of Adam and Eve reveals that they were tempted by the serpent, in the Garden of Eden (a tool of the Devil), who utilized the right bait, and they succumbed to it, bringing sin and death into the world. Because of their disobedience to God's command, not to partake of the forbidden fruit, they lost access to a literal paradise on earth and the tree of life!
Scripture reveals: So he (God) drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden, Cherubim (angel of the Lord) and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep (guard) the way of the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). Death became a reality to Adam and Eve, and mankind as a whole, as a result of sin being ushered into the world!
This is confirmed in God's Word, in reference to Adam and all of mankind: In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread (provision no longer freely given), till you return to the ground; for out of it was you taken; for dust you are, and to dust shall you return (death ushered in due to disobedience to God's Word) (Genesis 3:19).
The Right Bait
Trapping a Victim
I read an article concerning catching raccoons by placing a piece of foil, as bait (obviously the right bait), inside a small barred box that is staked to the ground. The raccoon will reach his paw into the box to get the foil, but once he has grasped it, his paw changes shape and will not fit back through the bars of the box!
The raccoon would rather give up its freedom, and perhaps its life, just for the sake of a shiny but useless piece of foil used as the right bait to lure it. The Devil knows our weakness and will attack that weakness; using the right bait to lure one into his web of deceit! Scripture reveals: That they (those captured) may recover themselves (come to one's senses) out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him (using the right bait) to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26).
Sin has such a hold on a sinner, that without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, it will lead to spiritual and physical death. Scripture reveals: Now being made free from sin, and become servants (disciples) to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:22-23). It was noted that wages emphasizes what we deserve; but the gift of God emphasizes God's unmerited favor towards a repentant heart.
Unaware of Captivity
Oftentimes one is not even aware of their captivity or how critical it is that they escape! I read a story of a frog being placed in a clear glass container to observe its actions. Heat was gradually applied but the frog was unaware of its precarious state; which would eventually had led to its doom.
However, when the heat was applied rapidly; the frog instantly became aware of it, and sought to escape the place of confinement. It is the same way with one's adversary the Devil; his temptation will come in a gradual, subtle way, not easily detectable! It can happen through drugs, alcohol, pornography, or any other addictive source that proves to be the right bait.
Entrapment and Freedom
The Psalmist David gave a testimony of enslavement and freedom in saying: I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay (that which was attempting to hold him there), and set my feet upon a rock (deliverance), and established my goings (steps) (Psalm 40:1-2). David's cry for deliverance was heard and answered; just as Jesus, can bring deliverance to those who have been caught up in the bondage of sin. He is able to set one free from a life of sin into a newness of life in Him!
Once I seen a monarch butterfly that had been caught in the snare of a spider's web. I leaned over and freed it from its entrapment, for the spider had not yet begin its work, and it flew up "freed!" The ugliness of what the spider was going to do, to such a beautiful butterfly, was undone by a moment of kindness and such is the beauty of salvation.
Scripture reveals: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The release of the butterfly from the web's grip was a beautiful sight to behold, and that is what God wants to do for all of mankind. He gave His best in providing His only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), as an atonement for our sins, which frees us from a sinful life!
Being Cleansed
Scripture reveals: If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It was noted that we should not deny our sins but rather to confess them before God; this opens the door for His forgiving and cleansing light to purify our heart!
Scripture reveals: If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2). It was noted that the term "advocate" is a legal term for one who intercedes for another. Propitiation is an atoning sacrifice. Jesus bore in His body the punishment due us for our sin; in so doing He satisfied God's just demand that sin be punished. Jesus is both advocate (intercessor) for sinners and the sacrifice for their sins.
Accepting the Invitation
Jesus extends an invitation: I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will come into him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). If one is willing to open the door of their heart, by accepting His invitation, they will not only be freed from sin but find a new life in Christ!
I made that commitment and have been dining at the Master's table ever since; having been set free of a life in sin. Scripture reveals: Who is God like unto you, that pardons (forgives) iniquity (sin) of the remnant of his heritage? He retains not his anger forever, because he delights in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities: and will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19)!
It was noted that the forgiveness and pardon of a merciful God toward sinful mankind is declared based on the redemptive work (grace) of a Savior (the Lord Jesus Christ). Scripture reveals: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). I pray that you will make such a commitment; if you have not done so already!
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