Romans 5:8-9
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
On the topic of eternal punishment, many people believe that hell is an unfair punishment of people's sins. However, the way I look at it, the part that's unfair, yet amazing, is the fact that Christ died for our sins and offers the precious gift of salvation to all with no cost! I'm not saying that I'm jealous that I didn't die like Christ did, but rather it is just unbelievable how we are so unworthy yet Jesus still died for us so that our sins don't have to take us to hell. Now, that's love!
All in all, Jesus' blood that was shed on the cross is a symbol of redemption for Christians. We are allowed to be born into a new life from our slavery as a sinner. We are forgiven; our sins from the past, present, and future are wiped away. Christ sees everyone in the image of God depicting a pure and holy picture. Everyone who trusts the Lord is no longer considered to be guilty as they are strengthened by a relationship with God. You can change your badge from a sinner to a saint just like that.
Thank you Lord for your sending your Son to die for us. I don't think any of us would be where we are today if it wasn't for you.
Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior everyday can be challenge, but we have to remember all the benefits in the end.
Showing posts with label Eternal Punishment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eternal Punishment. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
In the Hand of God.
Hebrews 9:27-28
27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
As humans, we are in the hand of God. However, somewhere in time since then, many have decided to believe just the opposite: God is in their hands. In other words, God's impact in one's life, is up to the person himself. "God only has a role in our life when I feel like he should."
That is not the way to think. The Bible says that we aren't to question the reality of God: he's the one, true, everlasting God and judge of creation. The two things that put this belief to rest are death and judgment.
Don't even begin to question death or judgment. Remove any doubts from your mind. God's Word tells us that God has appointed a moment when everyone, including you and I, will die. It's inevitable. He went on to say that after death, we will come before the very face of God and be judged. Even though you shouldn't question death and judgment, the reality is, they're still there. You may be able to steer clear of some potential obstacles in life, such as discontentment, however, death and judgment are unavoidable. These appointments have been made. The important thing to remember is that you're not alone! Assume and believe that God is right.
So while you may not want to believe these frightening words, remember they're coming from the one, true God. As far as hope is concerned, turn to Jesus Christ. He is the sure way to salvation. He will take your sin and keep you from eternal punishment. Finally, look at these two appointments without shame and fear. Just think, one day you will see the one who died for you because he loved you then, he loves you now, and he will love you forever.
27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
As humans, we are in the hand of God. However, somewhere in time since then, many have decided to believe just the opposite: God is in their hands. In other words, God's impact in one's life, is up to the person himself. "God only has a role in our life when I feel like he should."
That is not the way to think. The Bible says that we aren't to question the reality of God: he's the one, true, everlasting God and judge of creation. The two things that put this belief to rest are death and judgment.
Don't even begin to question death or judgment. Remove any doubts from your mind. God's Word tells us that God has appointed a moment when everyone, including you and I, will die. It's inevitable. He went on to say that after death, we will come before the very face of God and be judged. Even though you shouldn't question death and judgment, the reality is, they're still there. You may be able to steer clear of some potential obstacles in life, such as discontentment, however, death and judgment are unavoidable. These appointments have been made. The important thing to remember is that you're not alone! Assume and believe that God is right.
So while you may not want to believe these frightening words, remember they're coming from the one, true God. As far as hope is concerned, turn to Jesus Christ. He is the sure way to salvation. He will take your sin and keep you from eternal punishment. Finally, look at these two appointments without shame and fear. Just think, one day you will see the one who died for you because he loved you then, he loves you now, and he will love you forever.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Fiery Lake.
Revelation 21:8
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
What a scary image! I'm sure many of you are thinking, "How in the world can such a loving God do such a thing? Earth is bad enough. Hell isn't real."
The fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter what you think. What God says is more important, and as you know, he speaks through the Bible. Something is true because it's a reality, not because you believe in it.
So many people want to live without God. The sad part is that most claim they are Christians. However, in their everyday tasks, they are hypocrites and everything but Christian. They don't live according to the Holy Word. They don't want to believe that God will cast people into the lake of fire. Somehow, our reality has gone astray thinking he's too kind to do that.
To clarify, Hell did not originate from Satan, but rather God. If God only makes things that glorifies him, then why would he create Hell? Our God does not strive for chaos, but rather order. Moral laws are consistent with God's character and they teach us lessons.
In order to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be holy and without sin. We obviously fall short of that and God has promised to erase all of our sins. This is possible thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus accepted the beating we deserve and in turn, gave us eternal life.
All in all, we have to leave our sinful traits behind and separate them from God. You can't have eternal life with God and be independent from him.
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
What a scary image! I'm sure many of you are thinking, "How in the world can such a loving God do such a thing? Earth is bad enough. Hell isn't real."
The fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter what you think. What God says is more important, and as you know, he speaks through the Bible. Something is true because it's a reality, not because you believe in it.
So many people want to live without God. The sad part is that most claim they are Christians. However, in their everyday tasks, they are hypocrites and everything but Christian. They don't live according to the Holy Word. They don't want to believe that God will cast people into the lake of fire. Somehow, our reality has gone astray thinking he's too kind to do that.
To clarify, Hell did not originate from Satan, but rather God. If God only makes things that glorifies him, then why would he create Hell? Our God does not strive for chaos, but rather order. Moral laws are consistent with God's character and they teach us lessons.
In order to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be holy and without sin. We obviously fall short of that and God has promised to erase all of our sins. This is possible thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus accepted the beating we deserve and in turn, gave us eternal life.
All in all, we have to leave our sinful traits behind and separate them from God. You can't have eternal life with God and be independent from him.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Treatment of Others and Eternal Life.
Matthew 25:41-46
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Welcome back!
What if we saw everyone in the image of Christ? What if we treated everyone as if they were Christ? I know things would be so much different. Compassion and kindness would certainly exist. Hospitality wouldn't be unheard of. The words that flow off our tongue and out of our mouth would completely change its pattern and 'not conform to the pattern of the world.' It would be easier to understand the suffering, pain, and trials of others. We could easily love every neighbor!
Jesus wants our kindness toward others to dominate. He says that if we exhibit cruelty and evilness toward people, then we WILL suffer the consequences. Everything may be hunky dory on earth, however, that won't be the case after our time here. Remember, we will be judged not on whether we go to church every Sunday, but rather how we serve the Lord, and thus his people.
Lord, thank you so much for everyone around us. Even when we're having a bad day or we're not treated fairly by someone, remind us how much you value everyone even if we slip. May the Holy Spirit work to reveal this power in strong ways.
The song I want to share with you today is "Won't You Be My Love" by MercyMe. It's a nice song for a Monday!
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Welcome back!
What if we saw everyone in the image of Christ? What if we treated everyone as if they were Christ? I know things would be so much different. Compassion and kindness would certainly exist. Hospitality wouldn't be unheard of. The words that flow off our tongue and out of our mouth would completely change its pattern and 'not conform to the pattern of the world.' It would be easier to understand the suffering, pain, and trials of others. We could easily love every neighbor!
Jesus wants our kindness toward others to dominate. He says that if we exhibit cruelty and evilness toward people, then we WILL suffer the consequences. Everything may be hunky dory on earth, however, that won't be the case after our time here. Remember, we will be judged not on whether we go to church every Sunday, but rather how we serve the Lord, and thus his people.
Lord, thank you so much for everyone around us. Even when we're having a bad day or we're not treated fairly by someone, remind us how much you value everyone even if we slip. May the Holy Spirit work to reveal this power in strong ways.
The song I want to share with you today is "Won't You Be My Love" by MercyMe. It's a nice song for a Monday!
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