Question from Sunday, October 7, 2012

In reference to Matthew 7, what about people who accept Christ at the end of their life? "Death bed confessions of faith" have often been a source of contention for long-time Christians.  They wonder how someone could live their life in such a non-Christian manner and then be forgiven days before dying and spend eternity in heaven.  We look at that as unfair.  We reason, "I spend my entire life trying to live the Christian faith in order to stay out of the "danger zone" described in Matthew 7, meanwhile, this big sinner confesses Christ at the end of the their life and make it to heaven.  What gives?"  First, this is an example of the amazing grace of Jesus.  Only He can find it within His heart to forgive someone who has had a life of great sin but wants to repent at the end of life.  God doesn't care about fairness in that situation.  He cares about the person's heart.  And if someone's heart is truly repentant for their past and wants to confess Christ, then He will welcome them with open arms.  Part of their confession in Christ is admitting their past life was a mistake and lived improperly.  Jesus isn't like us, who hold records of wrong, even after someone seeks forgiveness.  Second, we see this with the thief on the cross hanging next to Jesus when He said to the repentant thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise."  Even though this may seem unfair, think about how much better your life is living for Christ your entire life rather than living the sin-filled life with all its consequences.  When we see a person who rejected Christ their entire life, make a death-bed confession, its almost like we say, "Hey, wait, so I could have had fun all my life and thrown caution to the wind and repented in the end?"  Go ahead and try that.  First, the consequences of your lifestyle will haunt you daily with all the problems you will bring upon yourself.  Second, what if you die in the middle of that rebellion?  Oops.  There is so much more that could be talked about relating to this subject, but I hope this helps.  Thanks for the question!

QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

How do you go back to the parents who are no longer here on the earth? (to ask for forgiveness) This question is in regards to a statement I made during my sermon that those of us who are adult children should go back to our parents and seek forgiveness for how we disrespected them when we were teenagers.  Obviously if your parents are no longer living, you will be unable to have this conversation with them.  However, I think the first step is to seek forgiveness from God.  1 John 1:9 clearly tells us that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  Because of this, we do not have to worry about not being forgiven for past sins against our parents who are no longer living.  God is just and will still forgive.  There is also some evidence in the Bible that those who have passed away are aware of events happening on the earth.  What exactly is revealed to those who have passed on is unclear, but perhaps, if you were to ask forgiveness for past sins against your parents, God may let them know of your repentance.  Wouldn't that be cool?  I appreciate your heart to seek that forgiveness and I know God will honor your heart.