King Herod, whose mind was seared by sin, made one mistake after another. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus, we begin to have His mind (1 Corinthians 2:16). The work that leads us to the new birth is done by the One who knows how to restore us, so that we may do His will at all times. Even though we have the mind of Christ, we need to watch and pray so that we do not fall into traps. Christians must never lie so as not to transgress!

Jesus taught us never to tell lies, so that our communion with the Father would not be cut off. According to the Master, our speech should be ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37. If it is yes, we must confirm it; however, if it is no, the honorable thing to do is to say no. This can be applied in the daily life of a Christian businessman. When asked about a supplier, if he does not want to reveal the source, he should respond that it is not possible to pass on the contact information!

We must be truthful. Even if you are asked indiscreet questions about your marital intimacy, for example, do not lie or respond, but rebuke the curious person. Those who ask such questions lack judgment. Christians should never share details that concern only the couple. Never give anyone that freedom; otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a laughingstock!

Herod spoke emphatically: “This is John.” How could he have spoken that way if God had not revealed this information to him? In the same way, we should never declare that the Creator told us to say something. Why create stories to obtain something that will not be good? None of our inventions has the power to instruct those who act wrongly. Let us read the Bible with extra attention so that we can declare what is right!

This unfortunate king even added that he had killed John. That fact alone would make him a defendant in the Judgment. Undoubtedly, he did not repent. Without repentance, it is useless to desire the happiness of Heaven, for those who do not repent will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul listed ten groups that will go to the lake of fire and brimstone, precisely because they never repented of their sinful practices (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

Churches are announcing salvation to everyone day and night. Many do not want to be lost and therefore draw near to God, for their souls tremble because of what the Scriptures announce will happen when Jesus returns to Earth. This is not alarmism, but the pure truth so that all may be redeemed before the terrible Day of the Lord. Christ will come to take the saved (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

The confession of the haunted Herod will not free him from eternal judgment. Now, if he had listened to John the Baptist, he would have asked Jesus to have mercy on him. Through Peter, the Lord says: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares