Do you believe in a literal heaven and hell? What happens to people who die without a saving knowledge of Christ?
I believe in heaven and hell. Numerous Biblical passages talk about rewards in heaven. Matthew 6:20 says, “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Jesus makes various references to the frailty of life here on earth and to the eternal life found only through Him. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." It is through a relationship with Jesus Christ that one is able to live eternally in heaven.
We all deserve death. Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The neat thing about God’s grace is that He freely offers it even when we don’t deserve it. When people die without a saving knowledge of God’s grace, they suffer the pain of hell. Matthew 10:28 says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This points out how the soul can’t be destroyed in heaven, but in hell both the body and soul are abolished.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Why don't we see more "sanctified" people?
If sanctification is God’s responsibility, then why don’t we see more “sanctified” persons around us – especially among older adults, those who are supposed to be more mature Christians?
Sanctification is more than just a one time decision. Living a sanctified life means intentionally living a Christian lifestyle. One thing that stood out to me from last week’s spiritual renewal emphasis at Taylor was a quote from pastor Chris Williamson. “If you’re not intentionally following God, you’ll naturally fall away,” he said. Although the initial act of sanctification, or being set apart, is done by God, the daily choice to follow God is each person’s responsibility.
Let me refer back to the definition of sanctification – “the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion.” The point I want to emphasize is growth. Being a Christian is not just a one time commitment. It’s a continual choice each day to live according to God’s word. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a process.
So why don’t we see more “sanctified” people? Perhaps it’s because we’re not continuing to grow in our relationship with Christ. As I stated earlier, being a Christian is an intentional decision to live according to God’s word. I don’t think there is ever a point when someone reaches complete maturity in Christ. Even the most “spiritual” people can continue to grow. That’s the whole point of a relationship with Christ – continual development. Sanctification is a process – one that leads to greater insight and knowledge of Christ.
Sanctification is more than just a one time decision. Living a sanctified life means intentionally living a Christian lifestyle. One thing that stood out to me from last week’s spiritual renewal emphasis at Taylor was a quote from pastor Chris Williamson. “If you’re not intentionally following God, you’ll naturally fall away,” he said. Although the initial act of sanctification, or being set apart, is done by God, the daily choice to follow God is each person’s responsibility.
Let me refer back to the definition of sanctification – “the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion.” The point I want to emphasize is growth. Being a Christian is not just a one time commitment. It’s a continual choice each day to live according to God’s word. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a process.
So why don’t we see more “sanctified” people? Perhaps it’s because we’re not continuing to grow in our relationship with Christ. As I stated earlier, being a Christian is an intentional decision to live according to God’s word. I don’t think there is ever a point when someone reaches complete maturity in Christ. Even the most “spiritual” people can continue to grow. That’s the whole point of a relationship with Christ – continual development. Sanctification is a process – one that leads to greater insight and knowledge of Christ.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Is sanctification our responsibility or God’s?
When I begin to explore a certain idea, I typically begin by looking up key words associated with the concept. In this case, I looked up sanctification. Our fearless Webster defines sanctification as, “the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion.” Sanctification is the act of a sovereign God who sets apart a person, place, or thing in order for his purposes to be accomplished. For a Christian, this process begins when we accept Christ and are transformed by his grace.
As a Christian, we are justified through Jesus’ death on the cross. We are saved by what he has done and there is nothing we can do to earn it. Sanctification occurs after salvation. When we are sanctified, we are released to freely live the life God has planned for us. But sanctification isn’t just a one-time deal. Being sanctified doesn’t mean we will never sin. It means that we recognize our sinful nature and chose to allow God to work through us despite our downfalls.
So whose responsibility is it to sanctify us? Since sanctification means to be set apart and made holy, I believe it is only God who can make this happen. It is only through Jesus’ death on the cross that we are free from sin – there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
As a Christian, we are justified through Jesus’ death on the cross. We are saved by what he has done and there is nothing we can do to earn it. Sanctification occurs after salvation. When we are sanctified, we are released to freely live the life God has planned for us. But sanctification isn’t just a one-time deal. Being sanctified doesn’t mean we will never sin. It means that we recognize our sinful nature and chose to allow God to work through us despite our downfalls.
So whose responsibility is it to sanctify us? Since sanctification means to be set apart and made holy, I believe it is only God who can make this happen. It is only through Jesus’ death on the cross that we are free from sin – there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
