I have heard and read non-believers state that they cannot believe in a God who sends those He created to hell. That would be unjust, they say, for there to be an infinite punishment for a finite error.I beg to differ.
An acknowledgement of divinity is an acknowledgement of infinity. To know that our existence is eternal requires a decision based on that eternity. Those who do not choose heaven, by their very decision (or indecision) select the alternative.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10 KJV)
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV)
This is the reality that most Christians wish to avoid discussing. It saddens us to consider what our family members, friends, acquaintances are exchanging for what they consider happiness in this world. We pray their hearts will be opened and their acceptance of God’s gift will come in time.
I speak from experience. Close to twenty years of prayer for one specific family member. Several others were praying, too. His life was centered on things that brought him a sense of pleasure and fulfillment, nothing at all related to church, Christ or anything related to religion. All failed him. When he came to us with the news, we spoke to him of how Christ could help. His response? “I know it’s important to you, but religion just isn’t important to me.” It took another few weeks, lots of discussion with a variety of Christians witnessing, giving their testimony. Then one evening, out with friends, I received the call that he had come to understand and had accepted Christ as his savior. He was baptized the following Sunday.
Until he made that decision, he was among them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Not because of God but in spite of God’s gift of eternal life.
How?
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)
Why?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 KJV)
And then?
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (Ephesians 2:19 KJV)
We are offered eternity. Disregarding it lasts an infinity.
I've never thought about it that way before. I was blessed to understand salvation at a very young age. I accepted Christ when I was five-years-old. Its hard for me to conceive life without God, let alone why others would want to reject Him. Thank you for the reminder, that it takes prayer, love, and patience to win others. Also, an honesty and boldness in witness is needed. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It warms my heart when I hear things like this. "An acknowledgement of divinity is an acknowledgement of infinity." This is something I needed to hear. Thank you.
ReplyDelete