"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)

There are not many people or things in life that are truly indispensable. Some are, however, and anyone who ignores these is infinitely foolish and shortsighted.

God is indispensable. Many people deny Him, and many more ignore Him, but those who are "without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12) are without everything.

Holiness before this God is also indispensable, for He demands perfect "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Since we are unholy, this necessary holiness can only be imputed by God on the basis of a perfect substitutionary sacrifice. Consequently, "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22), and only the blood of the holy Son of God can bring forgiveness and salvation. Only His blood is capable of paying the penalty for our sins, for only He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). The sinlessness of Christ is indispensable, and the substitutionary shedding of His holy blood is indispensable, if one is to be saved.

Faith in God, His holiness, and the efficacy of the shed blood of Christ is also indispensable, for "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6). This must be genuine faith, demonstrated by the good works which will inevitably result from such faith. Thus, works also are indispensable, for "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).

Finally, we will never learn these wonderful truths if no one tells us, nor will others learn them if we don't tell them. "How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?" (Romans 10:14-15). Thus, the missionary, the witness, the teacher, the preacher of the saving gospel of our Creator and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, are also indispensable in His great plan. HMM