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!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
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.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012
What were the quotes and Bible verses put on the projector at today's service on Sept 16? The passages I referenced Sunday were; Luke 15:11-32, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 3:4 and 5, and Philippians 2:3.
If a person believes in God, has learned about Christ, but does not accept Jesus as their savior will they go to heaven when they die? Before I answer this question, I need to be clear. God is the only one who will determine who makes it to heaven and who does not. I am not the judge. All I can do is tell you what the Bible says about salvation. First of all, Romans 10:9 and 10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." This passage clearly defines a saved person as one who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord. Jesus being the Lord of your life is the key. And as this passage says, you must believe that with your heart and only God knows someone's heart. The Greek word for "Lord" in that passage is recognizing Christ as the ultimate authority in your life. Or viewing Him as master and you as slave. So you see here, recognizing Christ as Lord is a life altering decision in someone's life. We also see in James that its not enough just to believe in God. James 2:18-20 says, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" Here we see that our faith in Christ as Lord must be evidenced by the way we live. Someone can't just say the believe in Christ, they must live with Him as Lord, or they are no different than the demons who believe Christ is who He said He is. Finally, Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Here we see some sobering words from Jesus. Jesus is again clearly drawing a differentiation between one who says Jesus is Lord and the person who backs up the Lordship of Christ by the way they live. So to answer your question, I think one definitely needs to do more than simply believe in God and learn about Christ. Recognizing Him as Lord and Savior is essential to one's salvation according to Scripture. Jesus called us to be authentic, committed, followers, not half-committed acquaintances. Thanks for your question!
If a person believes in God, has learned about Christ, but does not accept Jesus as their savior will they go to heaven when they die? Before I answer this question, I need to be clear. God is the only one who will determine who makes it to heaven and who does not. I am not the judge. All I can do is tell you what the Bible says about salvation. First of all, Romans 10:9 and 10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." This passage clearly defines a saved person as one who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord. Jesus being the Lord of your life is the key. And as this passage says, you must believe that with your heart and only God knows someone's heart. The Greek word for "Lord" in that passage is recognizing Christ as the ultimate authority in your life. Or viewing Him as master and you as slave. So you see here, recognizing Christ as Lord is a life altering decision in someone's life. We also see in James that its not enough just to believe in God. James 2:18-20 says, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" Here we see that our faith in Christ as Lord must be evidenced by the way we live. Someone can't just say the believe in Christ, they must live with Him as Lord, or they are no different than the demons who believe Christ is who He said He is. Finally, Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Here we see some sobering words from Jesus. Jesus is again clearly drawing a differentiation between one who says Jesus is Lord and the person who backs up the Lordship of Christ by the way they live. So to answer your question, I think one definitely needs to do more than simply believe in God and learn about Christ. Recognizing Him as Lord and Savior is essential to one's salvation according to Scripture. Jesus called us to be authentic, committed, followers, not half-committed acquaintances. Thanks for your question!
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