What does "infinite" mean really? It is such a grand but indistinct concept. Can we really harness it, focus it and put a value on it? And in contrast what is "finite" in the same context?
I believe an understanding of God's infinite nature in term of His will can be revealed to man as "wholeness" or "completion." Defined in this manner it may be connected to our worship of Him as glorious and holy -- picture of perfection. By the same token, if man is finite, he is fragmented and incomplete -- broken imperfection. (But of course!)
Yet it is in this incompleteness that man is seldom aware of (and often takes pride in) his own broken state -- unless actively contrasted with the perfect nature of God. Man is easily willing to accept incompleteness and be satisfied with much less then perfection when that realm is clearly out of his reach. Though man always desire perfection, we are conditioned to settle for (and more often to justify) low success rate in the investment of anything from money, time, to effort and even love, and heed the necessary wisdom of success as a numbers game where enough doors knocked or phone calls made will yield one paltry sale. Man's invention of risk-management is a good example of the finite condition of no guarantee.
However, if within reach of our confidence, there remains that inner drive to achieve more -- to gain perfection in whatever little circle one is in, be it acing the state bar exam or putting together a model airplane. This competitiveness reveals a little bit of God's nature (in a good way) in us.
With all that said, what is my point? Hearing many sermons and reading much Christian writings, I see a consistent and curious pattern of believers being satisfied (or at least complacent) with the idea that not all men will be saved. Although each will profess active outreach and mission to save as many people as they are able, the sheer and daunting impossibility of that task is realized in an almost fatalistic acceptance and so-be-it attitude among believers of all denominations, and seem more satisfied in the people saved rather than expressing urgent dissatisfaction for the yet unsaved outside the circle of family and friends.
It is an incompleteness or imperfection of salvation man is willing to accept because of his own limited outlook. The interesting thing is that they seem to also project this satisfaction/resignation to a God who is infinite, and even accord such reality to His will (that not all will be saved)! A believer readily accepts the contrast between man's finite nature against God's perfection to highlight sin and God's uncompromising stance against sin; yet in the same comparison he doesn't believe that neither God's perfection will compromise the salvation He had already set in motion since the beginning of time!
How do we think an infinite God actually feels about being boxed into man's narrow perspective? Of failing to save every man? If we think man is competitive, what is God's attitude about defeat? Does He not operate in the realm of wholeness and completion, and has the ability and drive to score 100% on every test? Even if not motivated by love will God allow any blemish on His record? All that loud preachings on the sovereignty of God, His power and majesty, glory and inviolable will...yet in the minds of the mouths that speak of such praise of an infinite God believe not a Father is willing or able to save every child of His. In such view salvation becomes a mere game of chance.
No, God doesn't operate in the realm of risk-management. Salvation is not a roulette game for Him, and He is dead serious about winning back every soul. It is the only acceptable outcome for an infinite God who operates in perfection. In our free will He allows finite nature of man in his separation from God, but in His own will to save man and bring him back the wholeness in God (not to mention love!) does not allow one to stray; and in His own time and measure no one wills to stay away.
As in the individual sanctification of each sinful man God's grace works in him to perfect him, so is the same grace His resolve to sanctify the fallen world to make it whole, such the world encompasses all souls in all of time. Not one will escape His grace, its logical progression and purpose of salvation -- the inevitable outcome in the infinite condition of divine guarantee. Amen
James
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Christian accountability and the bicycle
Many who actually take the time to read my writings may feel that I am too narrow in only talking about grace and the wonderful works of God. It seems to them that missing is the element of man's part in our relationship with our Creator.
Fair enough the assessment. And it is an important consideration as a Christian (or anyone interested in the topic of God) to ponder how man's role (responsibility) fits into the plan of a sovereign being whose will is preeminent. But if God is sovereign, but also demands full responsibility from man, how then to assign such a command in practical terms to the understanding of man?
It's called an "antinomy," where two distinct truths stand side by side as one singular expression, defined fully by one another yet irreconcilable with each other. In the discussion of man's responsibility in relation to and with God's sovereignty, where does one end and the other begin? The antinomical questions in this case are: Can God's sovereignty still allow man's exercise of responsibility (expectation of the gift of free will) to impact even to the smallest degree His will? And if allowed, to what extent the expected responsibility of man begins to erode the sovereignty of God?
I offer a third question: Is it possible for both to work in equal and full measure within the relationship without compromising the integrity of either? Is it a balance we seek or integration?
To the theologians and other thinkers, such seems an unsolvable dilemma. It is in their unnecessarily complex reasoning from a philosophical perspective that makes this a difficult concept to grasp. But I believe if we clarify how God defines "responsibility" it will shed light on the matter. And every intellectual exercises to explain it become so much earnest but wasted sophistry . All walks of Christianity understand much more clearly the full definition of God's sovereignty, but greatest of our disagreements stem from how we view man's responsibility in role and scope.
Many define "responsibility" in a way that interjects a critical element to the sustainability of the task and goal of what we are responsible for. For instance, if two people agree to lift a heavy rock where for only one it is impossible, then both have the responsibility to hold each end to sustain the integrity of their agreement. If one decides to drop his part the entire task and goal falls through. Theirs may be of unequal measure in strength, but both parts are indispensable. Worse still is a "responsibility" of payment for favor given, or a continuous servitude to amend for one's inadequacy (sin) and to justify favor (grace).
This is how a great number of sincere Christians view their spiritual responsibility towards God's salvation -- that they must do all things of God's command in order to assure or at least justify salvation. Such is their proper "response" to the call of God to obey and submit to His will. They see the grace as God's end of the agreement, but they must uphold their own end lifting up the rock no matter how difficult (actually impossible) a burden as the rightful completion of a pleasing relationship to God. While doing so they forfeit free grace in the diverting of an overflowing heart to the dead sea call of demand.
In all sincerity and integrity believers of this concept naturally take up that "responsibility" seriously and focusing on what they must learn and do in order to accomplish the task assigned, thinking this is what the Lord wants and expects of them. This is their sense of Christian accountability, and anyone disagreeing or failing such standard falls short of their duty. What we have here is at best a partnership, and more likely a master/slave relationship of that demand where the ministers of teaching are God's Egyptian taskmasters.
In the Old Testament Covenant this may be true and required if the demand of law continues unabated until the day of judgment; and so it is the practicing realm of the Jews, but not of a reborn Christian. For something happened two thousand years ago on the dark hills of Calvary. A lonely figure hung on a cross, Jesus Christ. The God who became man not only changed history, but He also changed how we are to face our Creator -- and now our Savior. But then it wasn't a change at all but God's plan all along. And more so it was an exchange quietly taking place on the cross that no man shall anymore bear the wage of his sin, and not even the cost of his salvation. For it is grace who paid for it all that to believe in Him we must forgo the past.
Then what is this new responsibility to this grace expected from our Heavenly Father? Is He not able to lift a rock or ten thousand all by Himself? Does He truly need our work of any kind to keep His grand plan from crumbling to the ground? The word "responsibility" is from two words: "response" and "ability." Our ability to respond to His call, to His love and to His grace is all that is needed. It is called faith. And in our response we are given the ability to carry out His commandments. The ability to respond means we are alive to Him, and to repent (become dead) from ourselves and our dead works. It is then He who works in us and through us that holds up the rock even as we pretend it is our own strength.
On the cross it is no more an antinomy but a divine union where no more we wrestle with how much God how much man, but all God and all man. Sovereignty of our responsibility in the responsibility of the Sovereign.
Any earthly father will recall with fondness and tenderness how when he brought home a gift for his child, maybe a bicycle, and putting it together. What he most wanted was not for the kid to pull out the toolbox and start assembling the parts together but just to see his little face light up with joy and appreciation! And while the father puts the bike into shape the child inevitably wants to help thinking he is contributing so much, but daddy doesn't mind and just smiles. Finally when it is all done both are completely satisfied, one riding the bike and the other watching and helping. This is the deep desire of God in restoring our rightful place next to Him, a joyful and complete relationship of Father and son.
What can we offer Him but our whole heart? And in the gift of a heart is contained all that is expected from our Father who gave up so much more. Amen
James
Fair enough the assessment. And it is an important consideration as a Christian (or anyone interested in the topic of God) to ponder how man's role (responsibility) fits into the plan of a sovereign being whose will is preeminent. But if God is sovereign, but also demands full responsibility from man, how then to assign such a command in practical terms to the understanding of man?
It's called an "antinomy," where two distinct truths stand side by side as one singular expression, defined fully by one another yet irreconcilable with each other. In the discussion of man's responsibility in relation to and with God's sovereignty, where does one end and the other begin? The antinomical questions in this case are: Can God's sovereignty still allow man's exercise of responsibility (expectation of the gift of free will) to impact even to the smallest degree His will? And if allowed, to what extent the expected responsibility of man begins to erode the sovereignty of God?
I offer a third question: Is it possible for both to work in equal and full measure within the relationship without compromising the integrity of either? Is it a balance we seek or integration?
To the theologians and other thinkers, such seems an unsolvable dilemma. It is in their unnecessarily complex reasoning from a philosophical perspective that makes this a difficult concept to grasp. But I believe if we clarify how God defines "responsibility" it will shed light on the matter. And every intellectual exercises to explain it become so much earnest but wasted sophistry . All walks of Christianity understand much more clearly the full definition of God's sovereignty, but greatest of our disagreements stem from how we view man's responsibility in role and scope.
Many define "responsibility" in a way that interjects a critical element to the sustainability of the task and goal of what we are responsible for. For instance, if two people agree to lift a heavy rock where for only one it is impossible, then both have the responsibility to hold each end to sustain the integrity of their agreement. If one decides to drop his part the entire task and goal falls through. Theirs may be of unequal measure in strength, but both parts are indispensable. Worse still is a "responsibility" of payment for favor given, or a continuous servitude to amend for one's inadequacy (sin) and to justify favor (grace).
This is how a great number of sincere Christians view their spiritual responsibility towards God's salvation -- that they must do all things of God's command in order to assure or at least justify salvation. Such is their proper "response" to the call of God to obey and submit to His will. They see the grace as God's end of the agreement, but they must uphold their own end lifting up the rock no matter how difficult (actually impossible) a burden as the rightful completion of a pleasing relationship to God. While doing so they forfeit free grace in the diverting of an overflowing heart to the dead sea call of demand.
In all sincerity and integrity believers of this concept naturally take up that "responsibility" seriously and focusing on what they must learn and do in order to accomplish the task assigned, thinking this is what the Lord wants and expects of them. This is their sense of Christian accountability, and anyone disagreeing or failing such standard falls short of their duty. What we have here is at best a partnership, and more likely a master/slave relationship of that demand where the ministers of teaching are God's Egyptian taskmasters.
In the Old Testament Covenant this may be true and required if the demand of law continues unabated until the day of judgment; and so it is the practicing realm of the Jews, but not of a reborn Christian. For something happened two thousand years ago on the dark hills of Calvary. A lonely figure hung on a cross, Jesus Christ. The God who became man not only changed history, but He also changed how we are to face our Creator -- and now our Savior. But then it wasn't a change at all but God's plan all along. And more so it was an exchange quietly taking place on the cross that no man shall anymore bear the wage of his sin, and not even the cost of his salvation. For it is grace who paid for it all that to believe in Him we must forgo the past.
Then what is this new responsibility to this grace expected from our Heavenly Father? Is He not able to lift a rock or ten thousand all by Himself? Does He truly need our work of any kind to keep His grand plan from crumbling to the ground? The word "responsibility" is from two words: "response" and "ability." Our ability to respond to His call, to His love and to His grace is all that is needed. It is called faith. And in our response we are given the ability to carry out His commandments. The ability to respond means we are alive to Him, and to repent (become dead) from ourselves and our dead works. It is then He who works in us and through us that holds up the rock even as we pretend it is our own strength.
On the cross it is no more an antinomy but a divine union where no more we wrestle with how much God how much man, but all God and all man. Sovereignty of our responsibility in the responsibility of the Sovereign.
Any earthly father will recall with fondness and tenderness how when he brought home a gift for his child, maybe a bicycle, and putting it together. What he most wanted was not for the kid to pull out the toolbox and start assembling the parts together but just to see his little face light up with joy and appreciation! And while the father puts the bike into shape the child inevitably wants to help thinking he is contributing so much, but daddy doesn't mind and just smiles. Finally when it is all done both are completely satisfied, one riding the bike and the other watching and helping. This is the deep desire of God in restoring our rightful place next to Him, a joyful and complete relationship of Father and son.
What can we offer Him but our whole heart? And in the gift of a heart is contained all that is expected from our Father who gave up so much more. Amen
James
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Answer to Matthew 25:31-46
Dear Txx,
Thank you for the kind comment! I try to share the revelation of the gospel as much as possible, and from a different point of view that focuses on the grace of Christ. It is something I feel lacking in much of today's teachings, which centers on man's role that is based on a religious tradition. True Christianity is about our relationship with Christ from beginning to end. But so few stay in that pure joy of receiving His grace, but by the continuous preaching of guilt and condemnation are pulled back into the worship by man's work that robs of the peace and enjoyment He dearly wants for us.
Regarding Matthew 25:31-46, the wording of "hell" certainly puts fear in a believer not wanting to be a goat, but which they can't be certain of. And it is a misinterpretation of such passages that puts a him under bondage and misleads him in a belief that salvation can only be more assured by "doing certain things" such as what Jesus described in these verses. But that becomes fruits of work and not of faith, and the motivation not of genuine charity but much more in self-preservation. Jesus will see through that charade though innocent from bad teaching, leaving the poor believer in a state of confusion.
Some say this particular passage is for unbelievers when they are being judged because neither group seems to have a clue what Jesus was referring to. But many also see it as for Christians who love God but neglect his fellow men. I have found that the anger and admonishing of Jesus in many of the parables and direct accusations are made toward the pharisees, who represent the attitude of self-righteousness and contempt/indifference towards the poor and needy, which are two sides of the same coin. It is a sad truth that loving (of the worshipful kind) God is easy but loving man is counter to carnal nature unless our hearts are truly moved and transformed by the gentle warmth of Christ in understanding how much His love shines in charity and forgiveness.
The church today is still full of the seeds of Pharisees. These Jesus will deny knowing. But it is not entirely their fault but for the traditional teachings passed down through the generations. Although each believer is responsible for rightly dividing the word of God, and to search the heart of Christ in spite of the weight of so much counter-grace doctrines forced upon them. It is only when we are relieved of the shackles of fear and obedience to the requirement of law that one is able to receive the true light of the gospel and the life of Christ living in us. The holy spirit is frustrated by our clinging to the law, yet most Sundays we sit at the pew such message reinforces the bondage.
Of great importance is the separation of sin from man. God hates sin, chief (and root) of which is self-righteousness (pride). Our repentance is not to turn away from sin but from pride, which keeps us separate from God even while professing belief. But any sin God will take away (burn), which is not to say He will destroy man but to liberate His children from the influence and accusation of sin. Judgment is nothing but separating one from another, and God's justice is for us even it is against sin; for to enter the Kingdom of God we must be pure and sanctified. Therefore the work of the holy spirit in us is to cleanse us, and on the day of the judgment God's own fire will cleanse those who had not yet received such cleansing. But worry not, this is not being sent to hell to burn forever as punishment (Greek: Kolasis, meaning discipline; and from root Kolazo, which is pruning in this context), but for a time (age, but mistranslated as eternal) the discipline (certainly not pleasant) of God's love works to burn away all fear and pride to prepare man a joyful return to His bosom.
As we have children, even when they do wrong we do not turn away but love them still more, so our God who is love defined will not leave nor forsake us living in sin. Such is the love man has never known but is the very power that raises us from the dead and gives us eternal life -- all because He laid down His own life on the cross and washed our feet with His blood. Amen
James
Thank you for the kind comment! I try to share the revelation of the gospel as much as possible, and from a different point of view that focuses on the grace of Christ. It is something I feel lacking in much of today's teachings, which centers on man's role that is based on a religious tradition. True Christianity is about our relationship with Christ from beginning to end. But so few stay in that pure joy of receiving His grace, but by the continuous preaching of guilt and condemnation are pulled back into the worship by man's work that robs of the peace and enjoyment He dearly wants for us.
Regarding Matthew 25:31-46, the wording of "hell" certainly puts fear in a believer not wanting to be a goat, but which they can't be certain of. And it is a misinterpretation of such passages that puts a him under bondage and misleads him in a belief that salvation can only be more assured by "doing certain things" such as what Jesus described in these verses. But that becomes fruits of work and not of faith, and the motivation not of genuine charity but much more in self-preservation. Jesus will see through that charade though innocent from bad teaching, leaving the poor believer in a state of confusion.
Some say this particular passage is for unbelievers when they are being judged because neither group seems to have a clue what Jesus was referring to. But many also see it as for Christians who love God but neglect his fellow men. I have found that the anger and admonishing of Jesus in many of the parables and direct accusations are made toward the pharisees, who represent the attitude of self-righteousness and contempt/indifference towards the poor and needy, which are two sides of the same coin. It is a sad truth that loving (of the worshipful kind) God is easy but loving man is counter to carnal nature unless our hearts are truly moved and transformed by the gentle warmth of Christ in understanding how much His love shines in charity and forgiveness.
The church today is still full of the seeds of Pharisees. These Jesus will deny knowing. But it is not entirely their fault but for the traditional teachings passed down through the generations. Although each believer is responsible for rightly dividing the word of God, and to search the heart of Christ in spite of the weight of so much counter-grace doctrines forced upon them. It is only when we are relieved of the shackles of fear and obedience to the requirement of law that one is able to receive the true light of the gospel and the life of Christ living in us. The holy spirit is frustrated by our clinging to the law, yet most Sundays we sit at the pew such message reinforces the bondage.
Of great importance is the separation of sin from man. God hates sin, chief (and root) of which is self-righteousness (pride). Our repentance is not to turn away from sin but from pride, which keeps us separate from God even while professing belief. But any sin God will take away (burn), which is not to say He will destroy man but to liberate His children from the influence and accusation of sin. Judgment is nothing but separating one from another, and God's justice is for us even it is against sin; for to enter the Kingdom of God we must be pure and sanctified. Therefore the work of the holy spirit in us is to cleanse us, and on the day of the judgment God's own fire will cleanse those who had not yet received such cleansing. But worry not, this is not being sent to hell to burn forever as punishment (Greek: Kolasis, meaning discipline; and from root Kolazo, which is pruning in this context), but for a time (age, but mistranslated as eternal) the discipline (certainly not pleasant) of God's love works to burn away all fear and pride to prepare man a joyful return to His bosom.
As we have children, even when they do wrong we do not turn away but love them still more, so our God who is love defined will not leave nor forsake us living in sin. Such is the love man has never known but is the very power that raises us from the dead and gives us eternal life -- all because He laid down His own life on the cross and washed our feet with His blood. Amen
James
Friday, March 18, 2011
Grieving gospel
Saw this quote I would like to share:
"Even when we believe the scripture is 'without error,' it's a risk to think our understanding is without error."
This bit of wisdom is from a gay Christian who disclosed the persecution -- often bloody and tragic -- of homosexuals by supposedly loving and God-fearing Christians citing the "law of God" as high authority and justification of violent actions to cleanse the world of such vile sin.
Any believer -- I especially should heed -- can insist on his/her understanding of scripture in fervent sincerity; but that understanding must be consistent not to the letter (literal interpretation) of the word, but the loving spirit of Christ. Many tout the need for "Biblical World View" as the essential foundation of correct Christian living. I say that is not enough, for a direct quote from the Bible without the proper consideration of context and filtering of grace revelation through the living word of the gospel of Jesus Christ, leads often to gross misinterpretation of the intent of God in the grand scheme of salvation for man. What ends up becoming are fragmented and peripheral arguments in the absence of grace, love and forgiveness, which drives to fever pitch abhorrence of certain sin to a point such hatred also consumes the sinner.
God hates sin, but loves so much the sinner. His intention is never the destruction of His children but the cleansing of sin's destruction from him. We man have sense enough to favor rehabilitation over imprisonment and punishment, how not God's loving purpose also to turn us from darkness to light with understanding and patience?
Never one word of condemnation for homosexuality came out of the mouth Jesus Christ. Who are we to presume authority on its severity hindering man's walk in holiness? The righteous anger of Jesus aims directly and squarely at the Pharisees who outwardly does no wrong and all right things, but inwardly are puffed up with pride and contempt for the "sinners" in their eyes. It is not the sins of sexuality or other offenses that keeps the love of God away but the self-righteousness and unforgiveness in man's heart -- especially a believer who keeps the veil over his eyes and conscience in the defense of God's holiness that grieves the forgiving heart of our Savior.
Where in the Bible does it say a sin of sexual immorality is a greater offense than others? In God's justice isn't sin just that, sin, for all fall short of the glory of God? And in terms of importance by the number of mention, much more of other sins Christians ignore/tolerate on a regular basis then sexual sin are in the Bible. What makes us the authority on gradation of sin, and why is it so many are obsessed with sex (worthy of psychology analysis as to why that is!) ? In the Book of James it says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
Is homosexuality a sin? Certainly! But is it not a sin when we judge, when we horde, when we take pride, and when we forgive not? Is anyone better than a sinner when he offers not love but levels condemnation on another who Christ loves dearly and equally? When we see someone going astray, is it our privilege to accuse and exclude? Or is it our sacred promise to the One who had already forgiven us to forgive and accept in grace, and lead them back to the light by the washing of living water available to all alike the gospel of our wonderful counselor Jesus Christ?
Are we perfect with the label of "Christian believer?" If not, then be patient with a brother or sister who turns to Christ in heart though not yet in full understanding and deed. For the one who lives inside us by the invitation of faith will work out His salvation in His own way, His own time. And ours is only to encourage and love with a love that moves mountains and sweeps the seas. Amen
James
"Even when we believe the scripture is 'without error,' it's a risk to think our understanding is without error."
This bit of wisdom is from a gay Christian who disclosed the persecution -- often bloody and tragic -- of homosexuals by supposedly loving and God-fearing Christians citing the "law of God" as high authority and justification of violent actions to cleanse the world of such vile sin.
Any believer -- I especially should heed -- can insist on his/her understanding of scripture in fervent sincerity; but that understanding must be consistent not to the letter (literal interpretation) of the word, but the loving spirit of Christ. Many tout the need for "Biblical World View" as the essential foundation of correct Christian living. I say that is not enough, for a direct quote from the Bible without the proper consideration of context and filtering of grace revelation through the living word of the gospel of Jesus Christ, leads often to gross misinterpretation of the intent of God in the grand scheme of salvation for man. What ends up becoming are fragmented and peripheral arguments in the absence of grace, love and forgiveness, which drives to fever pitch abhorrence of certain sin to a point such hatred also consumes the sinner.
God hates sin, but loves so much the sinner. His intention is never the destruction of His children but the cleansing of sin's destruction from him. We man have sense enough to favor rehabilitation over imprisonment and punishment, how not God's loving purpose also to turn us from darkness to light with understanding and patience?
Never one word of condemnation for homosexuality came out of the mouth Jesus Christ. Who are we to presume authority on its severity hindering man's walk in holiness? The righteous anger of Jesus aims directly and squarely at the Pharisees who outwardly does no wrong and all right things, but inwardly are puffed up with pride and contempt for the "sinners" in their eyes. It is not the sins of sexuality or other offenses that keeps the love of God away but the self-righteousness and unforgiveness in man's heart -- especially a believer who keeps the veil over his eyes and conscience in the defense of God's holiness that grieves the forgiving heart of our Savior.
Where in the Bible does it say a sin of sexual immorality is a greater offense than others? In God's justice isn't sin just that, sin, for all fall short of the glory of God? And in terms of importance by the number of mention, much more of other sins Christians ignore/tolerate on a regular basis then sexual sin are in the Bible. What makes us the authority on gradation of sin, and why is it so many are obsessed with sex (worthy of psychology analysis as to why that is!) ? In the Book of James it says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
Is homosexuality a sin? Certainly! But is it not a sin when we judge, when we horde, when we take pride, and when we forgive not? Is anyone better than a sinner when he offers not love but levels condemnation on another who Christ loves dearly and equally? When we see someone going astray, is it our privilege to accuse and exclude? Or is it our sacred promise to the One who had already forgiven us to forgive and accept in grace, and lead them back to the light by the washing of living water available to all alike the gospel of our wonderful counselor Jesus Christ?
Are we perfect with the label of "Christian believer?" If not, then be patient with a brother or sister who turns to Christ in heart though not yet in full understanding and deed. For the one who lives inside us by the invitation of faith will work out His salvation in His own way, His own time. And ours is only to encourage and love with a love that moves mountains and sweeps the seas. Amen
James
Monday, March 14, 2011
Assured of heaven
Many scripture verses the church interprets as evidence of the existence of hell and eternal punishment are also words that instill doubt in one's assurance of going to heaven. Even many professing great faith and the love of God will be denied entry to heaven. With that, if one hold true to the doctrine of hell, and no clear assurance of entering heaven even in all sincerity, what is the predominant emotion that drives his spiritual journey? Is it peace in his faith or fear in his doubt?
So many teachings say just confessing faith in Jesus as savior is not enough and empty, but demanding fruit and more fruit. The obsession with fruit-bearing is based on fear that one is not good enough or doing enough to assure of salvation. Is that really the faith Jesus wants us to have? To constantly prove our faith? I say it is not the adornment of our faith in all its false glitter that pleases the Lord, but our faith that He is faithful in saving us and loving us that brings peace not as the world gives. For the world gives peace only upon payment (the Hebrew root word for "shalom" is "shalam," which means "making compensation"), where God's peace is without demand but wholeness restored fully in grace.
God's will is to save us, and if we believe he will do so no matter what by our seeing His love on the cross, then that is the faith He receives as fragrant offering. yet the church teaches: Do not be self-assured of salvation but be fearful of not being acceptable in His eyes, and constantly adding credit in the form of work (confession, obedience, mission...etc.) to show Him on the day of judgment. But Jesus will deny knowing them because these are the fruits of self-righteousness, selfishness and fear, and not of true acceptance of Christ living out His life through faith.
Therefore, the doctrine of hell and not knowing one's ultimate destination keeps a believer in bondage and fear, and the natural consequence of that is an obsession with earning entry into heaven. But if by the ample evidence of love in His shed blood we are assured of God's will to save us, the peace within allows the flow of living water where true faith is revealed in all manners of good fruit on earth.
A loving father's heart grieves when his child does not trust him to abide by him always, but may one day abandon him for whatever condition not met. A loving father does not give up looking into the distance for His son's return, but waits day after day, and without rebuke upon the son's change of heart...
How much more our Father in Heaven?
James
So many teachings say just confessing faith in Jesus as savior is not enough and empty, but demanding fruit and more fruit. The obsession with fruit-bearing is based on fear that one is not good enough or doing enough to assure of salvation. Is that really the faith Jesus wants us to have? To constantly prove our faith? I say it is not the adornment of our faith in all its false glitter that pleases the Lord, but our faith that He is faithful in saving us and loving us that brings peace not as the world gives. For the world gives peace only upon payment (the Hebrew root word for "shalom" is "shalam," which means "making compensation"), where God's peace is without demand but wholeness restored fully in grace.
God's will is to save us, and if we believe he will do so no matter what by our seeing His love on the cross, then that is the faith He receives as fragrant offering. yet the church teaches: Do not be self-assured of salvation but be fearful of not being acceptable in His eyes, and constantly adding credit in the form of work (confession, obedience, mission...etc.) to show Him on the day of judgment. But Jesus will deny knowing them because these are the fruits of self-righteousness, selfishness and fear, and not of true acceptance of Christ living out His life through faith.
Therefore, the doctrine of hell and not knowing one's ultimate destination keeps a believer in bondage and fear, and the natural consequence of that is an obsession with earning entry into heaven. But if by the ample evidence of love in His shed blood we are assured of God's will to save us, the peace within allows the flow of living water where true faith is revealed in all manners of good fruit on earth.
A loving father's heart grieves when his child does not trust him to abide by him always, but may one day abandon him for whatever condition not met. A loving father does not give up looking into the distance for His son's return, but waits day after day, and without rebuke upon the son's change of heart...
How much more our Father in Heaven?
James
Chosen people
God's elect is nothing new in the Bible. And it certainly does not mean the unelected were not loved and deserving of God's grace. But some would have you think only certain people will go to heaven because they are the "chosen" people of God. God played favoritism throughout the narrative of Judeo-Christian history. He favored Abel over Cain, Jacob over Essau, Issac over Ishmael, David over Saul. He did so because Christ was on His mind and the shadow of His son was in each favored character. God made the Israelite His people not because they were more righteous but to tell the world of His gospel plan through their story. But in it God loves each and every one of His children, and shed His blood for all.
Israel probably thought they were the only special people to be saved by God, and not the Gentiles. But God's love went beyond their understanding when Christ went to the cross for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Joseph had a special love for Benjamin, but he did not forget his other brothers and took cared of them as well. Now that the Gentiles are the "chosen" favorites and body of Christ, they reject others who are not part of the elect, the bride of Christ, and eagerly accept their fate in hell. Many see that as divine justice and even uphold the logic of damnation.
But Christ warned of such pompous self-righteous attitudes many times in the Bible. He especially had contempt for the pharisees who profess to know God, love God and obey God to the point where they reject all they see as sinners unworthy of their holy standards. These Jesus will deny knowing in the days of His coming. Yet, the church is full of teachings that exult the self-righteous and look down upon sinners not fit to step into the inner sanctuary of God. Many who are forgiven forgives not others and insist on their fate to burn forever in hell. They defend the Justice of hell with even more fervor than the love of God.
We will be judged not by how much we profess to love and obey God, but how much He lives in us in our love and forgiveness of one another. It is then that even if damnation is inevitable we protest earnestly in the heart and shed tears for the brothers of such fate, and believing that the God we love will somehow justify not the punishment of sins but the forgiveness in love, for He is above all else -- love. Amen.
James
Israel probably thought they were the only special people to be saved by God, and not the Gentiles. But God's love went beyond their understanding when Christ went to the cross for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Joseph had a special love for Benjamin, but he did not forget his other brothers and took cared of them as well. Now that the Gentiles are the "chosen" favorites and body of Christ, they reject others who are not part of the elect, the bride of Christ, and eagerly accept their fate in hell. Many see that as divine justice and even uphold the logic of damnation.
But Christ warned of such pompous self-righteous attitudes many times in the Bible. He especially had contempt for the pharisees who profess to know God, love God and obey God to the point where they reject all they see as sinners unworthy of their holy standards. These Jesus will deny knowing in the days of His coming. Yet, the church is full of teachings that exult the self-righteous and look down upon sinners not fit to step into the inner sanctuary of God. Many who are forgiven forgives not others and insist on their fate to burn forever in hell. They defend the Justice of hell with even more fervor than the love of God.
We will be judged not by how much we profess to love and obey God, but how much He lives in us in our love and forgiveness of one another. It is then that even if damnation is inevitable we protest earnestly in the heart and shed tears for the brothers of such fate, and believing that the God we love will somehow justify not the punishment of sins but the forgiveness in love, for He is above all else -- love. Amen.
James
Sunday, March 13, 2011
He will not forsake
Does anyone else find it absurdly ironic that Christians are applauded for the truth of warning of unbeliever's fate in hell, but condemned for the heresy of assuring them a home in heaven? Which one is the sensible message of love from a God who demonstrated His deep devotion in the willingness to die for us and save us?
Many want to call on justice in making their case for hell. And without the cross that may very well be. The problem the cross presents for such argument is that God's justice is satisfied by the cross so that He is not only merciful but justified (righteous) only in saving all His children, and is in fact either unjust or unable if one is left unsaved.
Others say that salvation is a choice we make, leaving God powerless to intervene, therefore blameless in His helplessness watching billions of His children burn forever in hell. Does that really sound remotely like an omnipotent and omniscient God who is the beginning and the end of the universe, whose grand plan is sovereign, and whose will will be done without compromising one ounce of mercy and justice in heaven, and freedom and obedience on earth?
Is God's salvation just a limp robe hanging into the pit of darkness for whosoever is lucky enough to touch it, grab it and climb up to safety? Did God just reach down his hand to scoop up a few to save, leaving the rest to burn? No! God jumped into the pit to carry each child on His back time after time after time until not one remains!
Grace is irresistible for a soft heart, but a hard heart is unmoved by it in favor of obedience, or untouched by it in the ignorance of unbelief -- both set firmly in self-righteousness. Yet in time Christ will show Himself to all the wounds of His body and burn away all pride and the veil covering man's heart so that all will believe.
Universal salvation does not void the work of Jesus on the cross but is the only possible outcome of a complete divine work. It is only by the blood of Christ we are saved, and it IS by His blood that every last one will be saved -- each in his own order.
All will be saved does not mean we turn away and wait until the last minute to jump in, for great is the sweet reward of fellowship in Christ in the now. Whoever seeks love wants to wait when a perfect lover is near? And whoever has a mansion already chooses to live in a shack? When truth and beauty of the gospel is proclaimed, a yearning heart will accept readily and gratefully, but those who understands it not will still choose the world where pride remains pleasurable.
The elect becomes the bride of Christ and has many rewards, but those left behind He will not forsake.
Many want to call on justice in making their case for hell. And without the cross that may very well be. The problem the cross presents for such argument is that God's justice is satisfied by the cross so that He is not only merciful but justified (righteous) only in saving all His children, and is in fact either unjust or unable if one is left unsaved.
Others say that salvation is a choice we make, leaving God powerless to intervene, therefore blameless in His helplessness watching billions of His children burn forever in hell. Does that really sound remotely like an omnipotent and omniscient God who is the beginning and the end of the universe, whose grand plan is sovereign, and whose will will be done without compromising one ounce of mercy and justice in heaven, and freedom and obedience on earth?
Is God's salvation just a limp robe hanging into the pit of darkness for whosoever is lucky enough to touch it, grab it and climb up to safety? Did God just reach down his hand to scoop up a few to save, leaving the rest to burn? No! God jumped into the pit to carry each child on His back time after time after time until not one remains!
Grace is irresistible for a soft heart, but a hard heart is unmoved by it in favor of obedience, or untouched by it in the ignorance of unbelief -- both set firmly in self-righteousness. Yet in time Christ will show Himself to all the wounds of His body and burn away all pride and the veil covering man's heart so that all will believe.
Universal salvation does not void the work of Jesus on the cross but is the only possible outcome of a complete divine work. It is only by the blood of Christ we are saved, and it IS by His blood that every last one will be saved -- each in his own order.
All will be saved does not mean we turn away and wait until the last minute to jump in, for great is the sweet reward of fellowship in Christ in the now. Whoever seeks love wants to wait when a perfect lover is near? And whoever has a mansion already chooses to live in a shack? When truth and beauty of the gospel is proclaimed, a yearning heart will accept readily and gratefully, but those who understands it not will still choose the world where pride remains pleasurable.
The elect becomes the bride of Christ and has many rewards, but those left behind He will not forsake.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Love wins
If God is love, does He not want to save all His children? Is He satisfied with 99 sheep in His bosom and find justification to abandon the one that strays?
What makes Satan the happiest but to see God's children burn in eternal torment? If just one is left in hell, who wins in the end? God or Satan?
Even if Satan is destroyed, he is victorious to perish with just one child of God.
If God's love does not save all in the end, Jesus have not conquered death.
Is salvation complete with only a few saved? Can a perfect God do an incomplete work?
Is it so that hell is necessary to justify heaven? To argue that is saying God can only be defined by the existence of Satan. No. God's light defeats darkness and even shines into hell.
If in Adam all died no matter their goodness, then all (not some) will be made alive in Christ no matter their sin.
In the "mystery" of eternal torment for God's children, does love win?
Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess of His name.
Love saves all...
Amen
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