The word “If” is a conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause. It typically indicates that one thing will happen, be true, or be the case only if another thing happens or is true. For example, if you study hard for your exams, you’ll increase your chances of getting good grades. In biblical terms, the word “if” highlights how our choices and faith influence the fulfillment of God’s promises and blessings.
When we examine Genesis 4:7 it says, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” God is warning Cain that doing well will lead to acceptance, but failing to do well invites sin, which he must resist. Since the Old Testament is for our learning, we can apply this by being mindful of our actions and striving to choose righteousness, knowing that our decisions have moral and spiritual consequences.
Another Old Testament example is found in Deuteronomy 28:1. The NLT translation says, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.” This chapter as we know is not the beginning of the Mosaic Covenant, but it is a renewal of those promises for God’s people. It promises that careful obedience to God’s laws will result in being exalted among nations. For the New Testament believer, we can apply this principle by simply obeying God’s word and living by faith in Jesus.
When we move to the New Testament and examine the word “If”, we will find Matthew 6:14. It says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” This scripture is not referring to God’s initial act of forgiving us, but it emphasizes the importance of His followers showing mercy and grace in our human relationships. When we do not forgive others, it damages our relationship with God.
How many of us have been in a relationship where the other person says girl you know I love you boy you know I love your big head? Unfortunately, people say with their mouths a lot of things, but their actions are completely opposite. This is why Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Jesus is connecting love for Him with obedience to His commandments, showing that true love manifests in action.
Our thought, “If” highlights the conditional nature of God’s promises that His blessings, forgiveness, and favor are tied/connected to our obedience and faithfulness. The word “if” reveals to us that obedience to God is crucial for receiving His blessings and achieving His purpose in our lives.