Even the longest journey starts with a single step. When starting a project of this magnitude, and I hope to do just that, it is important for that step to be in the right direction. I kind of shuffled the last four years and got nowhere fast, so I am stepping out now, with the first step being the most important and the most profound. Now, I know there are eventually going to be people who come in on the middle of the discussion and miss this step. That is what I would call a "good problem" and I will direct those to this post, or some other seeker-oriented material. However, those of you who have stumbled upon this blog right here in the inception -- the true inception -- will be able to start firmly founded in the faith that has brought me through so much in the past and will carry me through to the next life. Sure, I could start with the teleological, ontological, cosmological, theological, oncological, etological, oompaloompalogical proofs of God's existence, but I'm going to start off assuming that God exists and has revealed himself through his Holy Bible. I may use any of several versions, but the one I will use the most for the time being will be NIV. In fact, unless mentioned otherwise, all quotes will be from the NIV. In short, the first step in this long journey will be the most important: Salvation.
According to the official statement of fundamental truths of the Assemblies of God, "WE BELIEVE...Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through 'Salvation' (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]" [Assemblies of God Homepage] Anyone can come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with the God of the Universe. Some may have accepted that calling a long time ago, some more recently. Some may be hearing that call of salvation but don't know how to respond or are afraid of what might happen. Some have hardened their hearts to that call, and some may not even be able to recognize it, but everyone receives the call of salvation at some point in his or her life and if you are hearing that call now, I'd like to help you take the right steps to respond to that call and become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Those that are already Christians, my hope is that you be able to express your salvation to the unsaved more easily so that they can hear the good news.
But I don't need saved.
While there are those rare people who are rotten to the core and may know they are doomed but either don't care or think they are too far gone to be able to be saved (not true, by the way), most people are basically good people who help out their fellow man, don't do any overtly evil act, and pretty much keep their noses clean. They may give to charity, or even tithe. They may pray a prayer over a holiday meal, volunteer, serve their country, or do any number of praiseworthy things. However, the sad truth is we are all lawbreakers and are guilty of sinning against God and carry an eternal sentence of spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Psalm 14:3 tells us that no one does good, not even one. The thing that gets everyone all confused here is the law. The role of the law is to do what civil law does today: condemn us for wrong-doing. That's right, and I know that sounds quite harsh, but it is articulated quite clearly for us in James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." It is in all actuality the most loving thing a loving God can do. Why? Because it shows us a need for a savior, and God has provided us with the best savior -- himself. If you've ever lied, cheated, put someone or something else before God, been selfish or envious, even a little bit, even only once, you are a lawbreaker and will stand trial and be sentenced to the second death -- eternal separation from God and His protection from evil. Romans 6:23a says, "For the wages of sin is death." Wages, as anyone who has ever traded their time for dollars knows, is what you earn for the effort you put into your job. Even though sin, as we've already found out, is quite effortless to commit, we earn death when we allow sin to be our master, even if it is unintentional. Just as with civil law, ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Where is the love, again?
That is the best part, the part that gives me the most joy to talk about, the part where, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) The gospel of John, incidentally, is the best place to start reading the Bible for the very first time. That followed by Romans and James, but that's another post. Romans 6:23b dovetails nicely here, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Even though we have EARNED death, we have a free gift available to us, that is the gift of life, and life more abundantly, so that we can enjoy it to the fullest extent. (see John 10:10) When Jesus laid down his life by allowing the religious leaders of his day to have him crucified, he not only gave his life, but gave us back out lives that we had squandered away.
According to the official statement of fundamental truths of the Assemblies of God, "WE BELIEVE...Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through 'Salvation' (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]" [Assemblies of God Homepage] Anyone can come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with the God of the Universe. Some may have accepted that calling a long time ago, some more recently. Some may be hearing that call of salvation but don't know how to respond or are afraid of what might happen. Some have hardened their hearts to that call, and some may not even be able to recognize it, but everyone receives the call of salvation at some point in his or her life and if you are hearing that call now, I'd like to help you take the right steps to respond to that call and become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Those that are already Christians, my hope is that you be able to express your salvation to the unsaved more easily so that they can hear the good news.
But I don't need saved.
While there are those rare people who are rotten to the core and may know they are doomed but either don't care or think they are too far gone to be able to be saved (not true, by the way), most people are basically good people who help out their fellow man, don't do any overtly evil act, and pretty much keep their noses clean. They may give to charity, or even tithe. They may pray a prayer over a holiday meal, volunteer, serve their country, or do any number of praiseworthy things. However, the sad truth is we are all lawbreakers and are guilty of sinning against God and carry an eternal sentence of spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Psalm 14:3 tells us that no one does good, not even one. The thing that gets everyone all confused here is the law. The role of the law is to do what civil law does today: condemn us for wrong-doing. That's right, and I know that sounds quite harsh, but it is articulated quite clearly for us in James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." It is in all actuality the most loving thing a loving God can do. Why? Because it shows us a need for a savior, and God has provided us with the best savior -- himself. If you've ever lied, cheated, put someone or something else before God, been selfish or envious, even a little bit, even only once, you are a lawbreaker and will stand trial and be sentenced to the second death -- eternal separation from God and His protection from evil. Romans 6:23a says, "For the wages of sin is death." Wages, as anyone who has ever traded their time for dollars knows, is what you earn for the effort you put into your job. Even though sin, as we've already found out, is quite effortless to commit, we earn death when we allow sin to be our master, even if it is unintentional. Just as with civil law, ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Where is the love, again?
That is the best part, the part that gives me the most joy to talk about, the part where, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) The gospel of John, incidentally, is the best place to start reading the Bible for the very first time. That followed by Romans and James, but that's another post. Romans 6:23b dovetails nicely here, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Even though we have EARNED death, we have a free gift available to us, that is the gift of life, and life more abundantly, so that we can enjoy it to the fullest extent. (see John 10:10) When Jesus laid down his life by allowing the religious leaders of his day to have him crucified, he not only gave his life, but gave us back out lives that we had squandered away.
So, what do I do?
Now you see that you have sinned and fall short. Just to put that into perspective, there is a gulf between heaven and earth, between this life and life eternal, and that gulf is so wide and long that no amount of puny human effort can get us from one side to the other. Some may make it farther than the rest, but no one will be able on their own to go to the other side. There is a bridge, a bridge that only a few find, but those who do and step out on that bridge in faith will be welcomed into heaven with open arms to enjoy eternal life with the Creator of the Universe, heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. That bridge is God himself manifest in the flesh. That bridge is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 tells us that, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" He also said, "13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) By trusting in His name, and accepting this free gift, anyone can inherit eternal life, Jew, Gentile, slave, free, man, woman, old, young. All you have to do is stop following your own leadership and start following Jesus' leadership in your life. While most preachers tell you exactly what to say when you pray and ask for this gift, I don't believe that is the biblical model, so I don't use that. As I said, all you have to do is ask. Sit down someplace quiet and private and pray from your heart. Remember what you've learned here: That you are guilty of sin and sentenced to death, but there is a gift given, that is Jesus Christ and through his death on the cross we do not have to perish in Hell, but we may be an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life. Then commit to following Jesus wherever he may lead. This may be a bit uncomfortable at times, and even a real hardship at others, but the rewards are more than worth it.But, how can I tell?
That's easy -- you'll know. I know it sounds a bit simplistic, but when you accept Jesus into your life, you become one with him. According to Romans 8:16, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." So, you know because he tells you, right in your spirit. This is much better evidence than anything you can see, hear, or touch, because when you know, you know. There is no doubt. One person said that if the thought that Jesus is returning gets you excited then you are saved. This evidence, as good as it is, is not without further support. Titus 2:11-12 says, "11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." You will see in yourself a desire to do what is right and a loss of desire to give in to worldly passions. It is important to note that this is not a prerequisite of salvation, but is instead the natural result of salvation. A free life, one that has experienced true freedom, the freedom from sin, will give up selfish desires and actions and replace them will selfless acts and kindness towards others.
The journey has begun.
Whether you have given your life to Jesus for the first time, or have been a Christian for many years, this is the first step to what is an incredible journey. Whether this blog survives or not is immaterial. What is important is whether or not Jesus is the ruler of your life. This is the first step among many, and it is the most important step, and the step in the right direction. Even I, who authored this post, have been gently reminded by the Holy Spirit what my salvation means to me, and to others. Hopefully, you will share with me on this journey. I'll have some topics that are heavy and deep, and others that are fun, but my prayer is that God be glorified and His word preached to the lost.
That's easy -- you'll know. I know it sounds a bit simplistic, but when you accept Jesus into your life, you become one with him. According to Romans 8:16, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." So, you know because he tells you, right in your spirit. This is much better evidence than anything you can see, hear, or touch, because when you know, you know. There is no doubt. One person said that if the thought that Jesus is returning gets you excited then you are saved. This evidence, as good as it is, is not without further support. Titus 2:11-12 says, "11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." You will see in yourself a desire to do what is right and a loss of desire to give in to worldly passions. It is important to note that this is not a prerequisite of salvation, but is instead the natural result of salvation. A free life, one that has experienced true freedom, the freedom from sin, will give up selfish desires and actions and replace them will selfless acts and kindness towards others.
The journey has begun.
Whether you have given your life to Jesus for the first time, or have been a Christian for many years, this is the first step to what is an incredible journey. Whether this blog survives or not is immaterial. What is important is whether or not Jesus is the ruler of your life. This is the first step among many, and it is the most important step, and the step in the right direction. Even I, who authored this post, have been gently reminded by the Holy Spirit what my salvation means to me, and to others. Hopefully, you will share with me on this journey. I'll have some topics that are heavy and deep, and others that are fun, but my prayer is that God be glorified and His word preached to the lost.
1 comment:
Excellent beginning. I am curious if you will be exploring theology along the lines of Mere Christianity because if you are I think an interesting followup post would be a proof of our depravity through natural reason like Lewis does.
Word Verification: faday
The day of the fad, which is essentially redundant but whatever.
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