One of the benefits of social media is that you can discover
what and how people think about all sorts of things. It can be mentally
stimulating (and sometimes psychologically exhausting) to have limitless access
to the thoughts of others. Personally, I find the comments about religion &
faith most thought provoking. I tend to weigh and challenge those things
written by Christians most. Primarily,
because they are the ones most equipped to challenge me on things of the faith.
(Although there is no shortage of
non-Christians who are convinced they are best suited to interpret Scripture.)
It’s a form of spiritual “exercise.” Can I explain to
myself, or to another, why something is or isn’t true?
Keeps me on my toes.
On my list of ideas to challenge is one that has crept in
and out of Facebook “Top Stories” – the idea that we are all “Children of God.”
The current Pope has even stated that
there is no differentiation between believers and non- believers in God’s eyes.
According to him, even
atheists are in heaven. (Although, why
a loving, gracious Father would send His guiltless Son to die a death on the
cross if he was just going to give a free pass into Eternity to those who spent
a lifetime trampling the blood of Jesus is beyond me- and highly irrational.)
It’s puzzling to me that this is even debated –The evidence
is overwhelming. Scripture teaches that while we are all created in the image of God by God, and that He loves us all and wishes
none to perish it is clear that man is
either an enemy of God or a child of God. Some will go to heaven. Some will perish.
There is no third
category.
The Old Testament describes a history of God choosing a
people for himself to be holy and set apart. God is described as “Father” and His
chosen people, the nation of Israel, as His “Children.” The Redeemer would come
through the bloodline of set apart Israel so that the whole world would be
blessed through them. There is also the beautiful example in the book of Ruth of how God sees
beyond bloodlines and welcomes into the family those who have a heart for Him. (See
Lev.11:45, Lev. 25:38, Deu. 32:6, Jer. 31:9, Hos 1:10, Isa 1:2 for examples.) I could find no place where the word "children" was used in context as belonging to God apart from being in covenant relationship with Him.
Some will say, “We don’t live under the law of the Old
Testament. We live under grace in the New Testament.”
Here’s what the New Testament says:
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for
the day to overtake you like a thief would. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not
of the night nor of the darkness. So then we must not sleep as the rest,
but must stay alert and sober.” 1 Thes 5:4-6
(emphasis, mine)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his
blood, how much more shall we be saved
from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of
his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his
life!” Romans 5:8-10 (emphasis, mine)
“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you
wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were
entrusted. You have been set free from
sin and have become slaves to
righteousness.” Romans 6:17-18 (emphasis,
mine)
Consider the words of Christ: “Woe to you,
teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over
land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make
them twice as much a child of hell
as you are.” Matt: 23:15 (emphasis, mine)
I would like to quote something I heard recently, “God’s Grace has always preceded judgment.
And it always carries covenant obligation.”
There is obligation
on our part in the New Testament. We are not
our own.
In our desire to be seeker-friendly, non-confrontational,
all inclusive, and accepted by the culture, we have risked the ability to
correctly answer the question, “Did God really say?”
Let us tremble in reverence and holy fear at this: The God of the Universe has a standard. While
He reasons with us with long-suffering patience, He will not compromise.
We run the risk of doing what Jesus accused the Pharisees
of: “traveling over land and sea to win a single convert and making them twice
as much a child of hell” as we are. While God wishes that none perish, He
absolutely makes discernment between His children and His enemies.
Remember, part of a gospel is no gospel at all.
1 comment:
Well said, Rachel. And it needs to be said and preached and heard. While the gift of God's grace has been given for all, Scripture clearly teaches that not all will accept that gift.
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