This question never occurred to me until a few years ago when I heard a pastor say it during his sermon. He said what if all the things that we think are so important to this awesome, all knowing, forgiving God barely mattered at all? What if God truly judges the heart and the intention where we have been taught previously that He judges every little thing that we do? What if Christ died to FREE US from the damaging, torturing, religious endeavors and practices of the average church? What if everything we THINK Christianity is SUPPOSED to be is the opposite of reality?
Listen, I know there are a LOT of religious nuts out there so allow me to say that I'm NOT suggesting that living in total sin is acceptable. I am, however, saying that you might consider that God in His infinite wisdom actually accepts us EXACTLY as we are and that the church should never put such huge pressure on New Christians to change. Also, is it not ridiculous and religious to assume that when we make a mistake God is looking at us in judgment instead of love? I submit that those whom have been taught that our jobs are to be an example of shining perfection to the world are deceived and lead sad, sad lives. Nobody is perfect and God KNOWS that. I cannot believe that this awesome God I serve is so petty as to say that every little thing we do, whether right or wrong, means something and is being scrutinized.
Has it ever occurred to us that the life Jesus died to give us is one of true freedom? Freedom from oppression not just of Satan but of the church and other people. (christians included)
The point is that while sin is still sin and right and wrong still exist I believe it's our duty as followers of Christ beyond all other duties (except for loving god) is to love people and that means accepting them as they are. Is there anything more important that we can do as Christians? Yes we MUST have a relationship with God but if you call yourself a Christian and don't show love to others regardless of who they are and what they believe you are NOT fulfilling the will of God in your life. When was the last time a single non-believer gave their life to Christ on the message that they're going to burn in hell? Have you EVER seen a homosexual respond positively to being called a F.A.G or being told they'll burn in hell? The answer is no because the love of Christ does not exist within those messages.
Sound off. Get mad at me. Prove me wrong. Prove me right. I don't care just be respectful. :-)
Yes, indeed. Our witness is not the mask we put on to try to appear good. Our witness is of Christs provision to express the love of God through forgiveness. This purpose, performace driven christian life is a lie straight from hell.
Humility and appreciation for what God has done and is doing because He loves His creation is our witness. We are the living gospel because God has redeemed us and we live a good news life of redemption from sin.
As far as the teaching about hell. It is as confused as the teaching concerning heaven.
ask this question to someone a christian or non believer. Why is it that you want to go to heaven? The answer will speak volumes.
The first thing out of their mouth should be because God is there. Nothing else matters in comparison. Heaven is heaven because Gods presence exists there and hell is hell for lack of Gods presence.
Individuals who prefer religion over relationship with God will express someother reason based in self and those who do not want to be in heaven will not be due to some selfish reasons also.
God will give those rejectors their fullfillment. Those who use the name of Jesus for selfish gain and He will say to them depart from me you who work iniquity, I never knew you. Just as He will give the rejectors of Him their reward. The fulfillment of the path they have chosen.
Just take a look at the life of Jesus and you will have all your answers. Jesus was loving, Jesus was obedient, Jesus showed us the way to go, Jesus pointed out sin and hypocrisy, but he didn't condemn. He wept over Jerusalem and her hypocritical religion. I agree with you that stamping the sin out of people is a horrible thing for us to try to do, but revealing what is sin is the most important, loving thing that a christian can do. What I mean is, it is not our job to get rid of the sin in other people, or to hate them for their sin, but if we just watch them destroy their lives without saying anything, we are accomplices in their destruction. So yes, God does "just love us", and because he loves, he rebukes and chastens, like a father trying to protect his children, and I think he calls us to do the same for our "siblings". After that, Paul tells us not to associate with someone who calls himself a "brother", but lives in open sin/rebellion to God, not even to eat with such a person. That's saying a lot, considering we're encouraged to eat with thieves and prostitutes.
Ezekiel 33
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
"Whilst we were still sinners, Christ died for us", and that Satan is the great accuser who delights in reminding us (and God) of our failings. Thankfully we have an advocate before the throne!
I have to remind myself that not only is God more just and righteous than I, but also much more merciful - the woman caught in adultery will testify to that...
Yet, all are subject to God's righteous judgment.(that, in part, is what the book of Revelation is about)....except repentant sinners who have accepted Jesus Christ's and His substitutionary death on the cross....
God's love has opened a door of escape for us sinners, Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
It's the sinners move to accept the gift of God's love.
God does love is as we are. But He expects us to grow in wisdom and knowledge and become more Christlike.
The Bible is clear on the punishment for sin...Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin are death (Hell), but the gift of God is eternal life (Heaven) through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yes, too many religions focus on behavior...it is liberating to realize that salvation is eternal. I grew up inan oppressive denomination but was fortunate to learn that eternal means eternal...
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive ours sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We can't NOT talk about Hell, we need to help sinners realize the punishment for their sins...only Jesus's death on the cross is an acceptable substitution for our individual death penalty.
