Scripture. John 15:
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
The expression “blank check” refers to a check that is signed, but the amount has been left the blank. The person who receives this check has thus been given complete freedom of action. And this is also why you have probably never been given a blank check!
Complete freedom of action among sinners is a recipe for disaster. Our selfish motives quickly overcome higher goals for the benefit of others. This is why our government works with a system of checks and balances. This is also why corrupt governments around the world today cause so much pain, poverty, and oppression. Sinners can’t handle a blank check.
Sir John Dalberg-Acton is best known for the remark, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men…” Why then would Jesus give His disciples a blank check? Can we really “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you?”
Yes! But, only, as God’s Word clearly states, if you abide in Jesus and His Words abides in you. If you are not abiding in Jesus through faith, and if His Word has no place in your heart, then God will certainly NOT answer such prayer. God will not allow His power to further evil, or lead to your own damnation through sin.
But, as we are in Christ Jesus through faith, and His Word abides in us, we will never be without what we need to accomplish His purposes. The blank check is real in these ways.
First of all, the blank check is real when we go to Jesus confessing our sins. The priceless gift of forgiveness was purchased by our Lord for us through His suffering and death. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Secondly, as we have been forgiven, so God sets us free from slavery to sin and allows us to walk freely in His Will. The fears and desires that drive sinners to ruin are replaced with the urgings of God the Holy Spirit that lead to eternal life. The dissipation that wastes human energies through sin are overcome and a generous and productive attitude reigns in our hearts. Instead of seeing all that we have as a means to get our way in life, we see all that we have is God’s way of accomplishing good in this world now, and perfection in the life that is to come.
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” The outcome of God’s blank check in our lives is that people meet the reality of the Gospel through us. By this, God is glorified and all people at last can rejoice.
Let us pray
I thank you Heavenly Father for your generous love in giving me all things necessary through the ministry of Jesus my Savior. Please lead me daily in repentance and faith so that I will remain in Jesus. May your word be in my heart throughout today. In your abundant blessings to me, your will is done, and you are glorified. AMEN