The past few days we have examined purpose and meaning for life. We found (from Rick Warren) that life is a test, a trust and a temporary assignment. We know that God allows both difficulties and blessings in our life to build and reveal character. We know that our time on earth is brief compared to eternity. We seek treasure in heaven that will last. Our goal is to hear 'Well done! Good and faithful servant! You have used the talents and resources I loaned you well for my glory, so I will entrust you with more! Come join the party!"
This answers the question of how we should approach our lives. But why did God make us? How do we bring him glory? Let's review some great verses that help us understand our purpose.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (Colossians 1: 16)
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 19)
For I
was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave
me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me....Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25: 34-36, 40)
Jesus Prays for All Believers--“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)
Let's return to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. He summarizes how we fulfill our purpose to bring glory to God by--worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. You can explore each topic in his book or at his website: www.purposedriven.com
So we are to love God, find our purpose in bringing him glory, love Christians, help the needy, grow God's kingdom by teaching others of God's love and be unified as the body of Christ.
Jesus continues his prayer for believers. Take heart...
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.
Last time we asked if God's tests for us are pass/fail or graded tests. I believe the answer is both. The first test is definitely pass/fail. It is the choice of whether or not to believe in and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There's no halfway option. But that is just the beginning. After becoming a Christian and inviting God into our hearts, we will face additional tests and trials, perhaps more than we did before we were believers! These tests may not be pass/fail, but instead designed to strengthen our faith and endurance through time.
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13b)
Trusting God in the Good Times
Are God's tests only in the trials and hard times? Certainly he wants to see if we turn to God then, but what about when things are going well-- could that also be a test from God? What if we receive that promotion or good doctor's test results. What if we have a bit extra after the bills are paid and our children are succeeding. We turned to God in the foxhole, but now that we are home safe, do we still need God? This is when God's tests are a trust. He blesses us and watches to see what we will do. It's easy to become proud and believe we are strong on our own without trusting God. We must not forget that all blessings are from God and be thankful every day. We should continue to give God the glory and remember that he is entrusting us as stewards of the wealth and talents we have. We must use them wisely.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
A Temporary Assignment
Remember Rick Warren said that life is also a temporary assignment. It really helps put things in perspective when we know that we were not designed to live in this fallen world, but for eternal glory with God! We are merely visitors for a short while. Then we can see how ephemeral worldly things are and strive instead for what really matters, what lasts for eternity--God's approval! So let us strive for the best grade and share in eternal glory.
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:21)
It is reassuring to me that the characters of the Bible were human like us. They made mistakes, sometimes more than once. Samson had a temper problem and fell in love with the wrong woman. Jonah tried to run from God and lacked mercy for Ninevah. After calling God's fire from heaven, Ezekiel became scared and suicidally depressed. When we meet Rahab she was a prostitute in an evil city. Soloman took hundreds of foreign wives who did not believe in God, and was a poor father. David also took too many wives, seduced Bathsheba and was a horrible father. Aaron gave in to pressure and made a golden calf. Moses was cowardly and reluctant when faced with God's plan. Later he lost his temper and forgot to give God the credit for bringing water from the stone. Jacob and Rachel were schemers, stealing the father's blessing from Isaac. Sarah laughed at God's plan to give her a child in her old age. Abraham was so cowardly he didn't even try to protect his beautiful wife Sarah--lying to say she was his sister. Noah got drunk and passed out naked. Adam and Eve let themselves be enticed by the serpent and sought to become like God. The nation of Israel repeatedly forgot the God who saved them from Egyptian slavery, warring enemies, starvation and dehydration in the desert.
And yet...
And yet...
God still had a plan for them. He patiently cared for them and had a place for them in his plan. Nothing took God by surprise. He used their mistakes to teach them, to help them grow.
They questioned God. They asked about the purpose of existence and God's plan. How could God love us and let us suffer? Where is the justice? How long will I have to wait for God's blessing? What is the point?
Looking for answers
When we think about the meaning in life, many look to accumulate wealth, invent something new or make a scientific discovery, be famous and remembered, build something impressive, make something beautiful, or reach for inner peace or enlightenment.
None of these things can fill the void in our hearts. All human creations are subject to decay, all knowledge can be forgotten and people disappoint. Recall the story of Job. He was on top of the world when he lost it all: his wealth, family, reputation and health. We need to look to the One who does not fall short for the answer.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus expounds in the parable of the rich fool. He has an amazing harvest and has to build a bigger storehouse to hold it all. He is happy that he is so rich that he will no longer have to work, but will be able to relax and party instead. Many of us may be like the man, working hard to save up money. Saying 'if I make more money, I'll be able to buy the house or car I need...if I work extra overtime now, then I can make up for it with a vacation...if I can just work for five more years, then I can retire and live the life I've always wanted!' But God knows that we are missing the point of life. Working for things and making big plans for future success is not what he wants of us.
"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’" (Luke 12:20)
Also heed the warning the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus the beggar, read Luke 16:19-31. The rich man has no pity for the beggar and ends up in eternal torment. Then he finally learns to regret how he lived his life, but it is too late. The Bible has many such warnings against materialism. So if getting more things is not the answer, what is?
Life is a test and a trust
In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says that life is a test and a trust and a temporary assignment. He points to the many tests and trials throughout the Bible that developed and revealed character. In four different passages God is referred to as the potter and people as the clay. Picture the potter sitting at the wheel, gently shaping the clay into something beautiful.
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold
that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.(1 Peter 1:7)
Through life's trials, temptations and hardships we must stand strong. Remember that those that endure to the end will be saved. The refining fire burns away those that have a week, superficial faith and the precious metal remains.
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. (John 15:2)
Being shaped as the clay doesn't sound so bad, but being put through the fire and pruned sounds painful! Mold us into righteousness through an arduous battle to overcome addiction, snip off our misplaced trust through a job loss, burn away our false faith through the heart-rending loss of a loved one. It is our response that builds and reveals our character. Do we continue to trust in God; that he loves us and this is part of His plan? Do we give him the glory on the mountain and in the valley? Say 'help my unbelief' and allow the Holy Spirit to sustain us.
We each experience God's test and refinement in different ways, but the goal is the same-- to become something strong, useful and beautiful for God's glory; holy and blameless before the Father.
So here's a question to ponder: is God's test pass/fail or graded? Is it just to make the cut or are their gradations of success in God's Kingdom?
"42!" ~~According to 'Deep Thought,' the computer who thinks about this question for seven and a half million years in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...
“Forty-two!" yelled Loonquawl. "Is that all you've got to show for seven and a half million years' work?" "I
checked it very thoroughly," said the computer, "and that quite
definitely is the answer. I think the problem, to be quite honest with
you, is that you've never actually known what the question is.” - link
Douglas Adams is a brilliant humorist with hundreds of entertaining books. He presents an interesting twist to the search for the meaning of life. We all search for purpose in our lives. Why do we get up each day? We go to work, make money, come home, eat, sleep, just to do it all again the next day. Sometimes it's like we're hamsters in a wheel, spinning but going nowhere, and we wonder if there is any point at all. We seek to know if we have a purpose and how to fulfill that purpose.
In the Bible Job had good reason to question God. God singled him out as a God-fearing and righteous man. Then God allows Satan to test him, taking away all his many blessings-- even his children and health. Job in his anguish regrets being born. He asks why God is punishing him and wonders why God gave him life at all--
"But I desire to speak to the Almightyand to argue my case with God." (Job 13:3)
"If the only home I hope for is the grave, if I spread out my bed in the realm of darkness...where then is my hope—who can see any hope for me?Will it go down to the gates of death?Will we descend together into the dust?” (Job 17:13, 15-16)
Job was questioning the point of life, wondering 'why was I even born?' He explains that one person has a wonderful life, always having what he needs, while another lives a bitter life, having none of the good things. Yet they both end up dead and buried, so what does anything matter in the end?
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my planswith words without knowledge?Brace yourself like a man;I will question you,and you shall answer me.“Where were youwhen I laid the earth’s foundation?Tell me, if you understand.Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!Who stretched a measuring line across it?On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angelsshouted for joy? (Job 38: 1-7)
Then Job replied to the Lord:“I know that you can do all things;no purpose of yours can be thwarted.You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,things too wonderful for me to know.“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;I will question you,and you shall answer me.’My ears had heard of youbut now my eyes have seen you.Therefore I despise myselfand repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)
I picture it like this-- Job is sick of his friends all giving him 'helpful' advice and telling him what he should do. He stands up from the dirt and looks up to heaven, 'God, aren't you good and righteous? How can you judge me and punish me? What is the point of it all? Why give life if this is how you treat it!' Then God comes in thunder and wind, whipping the dust into a tornado that lifts Job off his feet. It's better than one of those 360 degree theaters at Epcot as God marches the galaxy past him in an all-encompassing panorama and bass pumping surround-sound. God shows how he set the stars on their courses and the Earth at just the right distance and tilt for seasons and life. He formed the planet, lifting up the continents and mountains, sending forth the crashing waves and roaring waterfalls. He dedicated to each animal a unique role in the ecosystem from the great whales of the deep to the tiny bumblebees that flit across the flowers.
Job falls prostrate in the dust before God, humbled at his insignificance before the wonders of the cosmos and the God who rules all. He recognizes his insignificance like a grain of sand on the beach next to the overarching greatness of God and the intricate plan of His Creation!
God brings Job low, and then brings him up again. His fortune is restored with twice as much as he had before, including seven new sons and three daughters. He lives 140 years to see his children and grandchildren to the forth generation. (Job 42)
Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains, "God did not answer Job’s question of “Why?”—He instead overwhelmed Job
and his friends with the truth of His majesty and sovereignty. Job came
away with a deeper sense of God’s power and splendor, trusting Him more...Instead of asking where God is in the midst of your pain, the book of
Job affirms God’s control and asks us, “Where are we in our pain? Are
we trusting our Creator, even though we cannot understand our
circumstances?” -link
"And so Job died, an old man and full of years." (Job 42:17) So we do good, we try hard, raise our children right, try to make the world a better place...and then we die. Is that it? Is that the end? Are we left like the writer of Ecclesiastes saying "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?...What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again;there is nothing new under the sun....I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:3, 9, 14)
If we keep searching, in the Old Testament we see foreshadowing of the hope to come, even in the great times of darkness...
There will be a time of distress such as has
not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time
your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.(Daniel 12: 1b-3)
Daniel speaks clearly that we will live forever. God does have a plan and we are part of it. This is one of the first mentions of the Book of Life. We are to be wise and shine God's light, teaching others about God's righteousness. Through the prophets God warns about ultimate judgement for evildoers and everlasting reward for those who fear God. And he foretells of The One who would fulfill both judgement and hope for redemption.
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7: 13-14)
We will continue from here next time, exploring our part in God's plan, which gives us purpose and hope for an everlasting future in the light of His Love.
What will we be like in the ever after? (By 'we' I mean true believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.) The Bible gives several tantalizing hints. It is worth exploring; remember Paul's encouragement---"our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) So the descriptions of life after death are meant to encourage us to press on to the end. Also recall when Jesus was giving signs of the end times (Matthew 24: 9-14), he warned there would be persecution of Christians and false prophets deceiving them. This would cause many to turn away and denounce Christianity rather than suffer-- Christians only so far as it is comfortable.
"The love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." We must press on to run the race before us, keeping a heavenly perspective of the big picture. We know that this world and its suffering will not last. Our joy in heaven with Christ will be everlasting. So what will we be like?
First, what will happen...
Resurrection of the Body
A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voiceand come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28b-29)
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thes 4: 16-17)
After that we go to the 'wedding feast,' the great celebration to commemorate the union of Jesus Christ with his church. But I've wondered this, why do the dead in Christ need to be raised up? Weren't they already with Christ? Where have they been since they died? Were they 'asleep' in their graves? Did they fall out of space-time and fast forward to the Second Coming of Christ?
Remember the thief on the cross-- Jesus told him that "today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43b) This statement indicates that he would experience real space-time in heaven today! So why would the dead need to rise from the grave at the end times?
When we die our suffering ends as our spirits leave our bodies and go to heaven. Then at the trumpet call our spirits reunite with our bodies which are transformed into their permanent glorified state. Remember Christ's triumph over the grave and death? This will be proven again as we take part in the bodily resurrection after the trumpet sounds!
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains the triumph of the resurrection starting in verse 12. He says that without the truth of the resurrection we have no hope and then goes on--
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him....The last enemy to be destroyed is death.For he “has put everything under his feet.” (1 Corin 15:20-27)
This is saying that Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected, then those who belong to him will be resurrected in the same way! Paul goes on to describe how this will come about, saying that to grow a plant, a seed must first die, and that the type of plant depends on the type of seed.
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. (vs. 42-44)
So our new bodies will not die, will be powerful and glorified and will be of the spirit. As a wheat seed grows a wheat plant, so our new bodies will have a 'type' according to our physical bodies, but will be quite different as well. (The most important seed differentiation is Christian vs. non-Christian, which impacts whether we raise to life or the second death of hell.) Remember that the disciples recognized Jesus after the resurrection, though they often didn't know him at first. Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener until he said her name! (John 20:11-18) Doesn't that bring to mind that "sheep follow him because they know his voice"? (John 10:4b)
Since Jesus was the 'firstfruits' of the resurrected, we can look to him as an example of what to expect.
So like Jesus, our new forms will probably look different, and yet still recognizable as human-shaped and as ourselves.
Of special note, Jesus twice appeared to his disciples while they were in a locked room; He disappeared after talking to the two disciples in Emmaus; Jesus rose up into the clouds and will return in the same way. This indicates that His glorified body was not limited as our physical bodies are by the laws of physics. Recall Paul promise of a future spiritual body. As resurrected beings, we won't necessarily be subject to gravity, acceleration, momentum, speed of sound and light, etc! Will we still be subject to the plodding progression of time? God already knows the future and is somehow outside the dominion of time. Perhaps we will be also as we thrive on in eternity at Christ's side.
While resurrected Jesus could appear and disappear at will, he also clearly had a physical presence. He showed his disciples that he was not an ephemeral ghost or spirit. To prove to Thomas that it was really Jesus, he had Thomas touch His scars. He also cooked a breakfast of bread and fish for the disciples on the beach and ate with them. (John 20:19-31, John 21, Luke 24:13-32, 36-43) Therefore, while we will not have to obey the laws of physics, we will still be able to affect the physical world and enjoy things. We will celebrate and enjoy food, drink, beauty, music and community. Revelation describes how beautiful the restored Earth and new Jerusalem will be. We will partake of the Tree and River of Life and sing, dance and play instruments to God without limitations!
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13: 12)
We will be face to face with God and Jesus and we will know the whole plan! We will understand it all!
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)
We are joint heirs with Christ, who rules over everything!
But those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Obviously our human bodies do get tired, so Isaiah is giving a promise of hope for the future. Our future bodies will not get tired! Imagine all the exhilaration of running with none of the pain or weariness! You can climb a mountain without shortness of breath! For me, I plan to swim around the whole world just for the fun of it!
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the
people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away....The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:3-4, 23-27)
It will be a whole new world, no night or darkness. Sin will not have a stronghold, so there will be no more sorrow. Isaiah prophesied that the predators would eat plants instead of meat; lambs, children and babies would not fear dangerous animals because "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord." (Isaiah 11: 6-9) With nothing to fear, we will continue in Christ's love forever!
Death Where is Your Sting?
Let's go back to the encouraging words of Paul. He spoke with such conviction by the Spirit!
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.When
the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal
with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death
has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corin. 15: 51-58)
Come and receive the Free Gift!
The Spirit and the bride
say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is
thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water
of life. (Revelation 22:17)
It seems hard to believe that a God who loves and cares for us, who made us each special to him, would want us to perish. But he doesn't. He desires for each of us to come to a saving knowledge of his grace, repent of our shortcomings, and put our faith in Jesus Christ.
So why does he judge people? Why will he judge the whole world in the end? It is because he is holy and good. He cannot allow injustice to continue unchallenged, or he would not be the Good Father. He cannot let sin continue to rule the world; selfishness, pride, greed, lust, evilness cannot continue unchecked. Instead he gives each of us a choice. We have to choose either self or God, we cannot serve both. We choose God and the redemption of the precious blood of Christ. We choose the narrow path toward righteousness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
He will judge the world and separate the goats from the sheep. The goats will be sent to torment to answer for the wrongs that they committed. The sheep will join in the celebration as Jesus Christ establishes his rule of peace forever as the Good Shepherd. He will not permit evil to remain, but we will rule with him in a world set to right. No more taking advantage of the weak or poisoning the earth. No more killing or sickness. With evil gone forever, only good will remain. And God wants all of us at the party. What excuse is there? I'm too busy, I'll seek God later...I'm doing just fine on my own...I don't want God meddling in my life.... Why would anyone reject the invitation? He's knocking at the door, we need to open it and let him into our lives today! Realize that what he has planned is so much better than the selfish plans and desires we cling to!
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Matt 16:26a)
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
“Then he sent some more servants
and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my
dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything
is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business.The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.
“Then
the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him
outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth.’
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:1-14)
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.8 But
the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually
immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lakeof burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:6-8)
Unrepentant heart - Rejects Jesus
But
because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are
storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (Romans 2:5-8)
But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. (John 12:48)
Light or Darkness
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.But
whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen
plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3: 16-21)
God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.For
since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal
power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from
what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
For
although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave
thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts
were darkened.Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. (Romans 1: 18-25)
The Faithful Remnant
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.
“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:16-18)
See https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Book-Of-Life
Faith and Actions Working Together
James asks, 'What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?...But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.'Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder....Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did....As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:14,18-19, 21-22, 6)
Acknowledging Christ
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)
Forgiveness
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. (Matthew 6: 14-15)
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-3)
Known by their fruit
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:16-20)
God's Love is Patient
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly livesas you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. (2 Peter 3:9-15)
The United States and many of western nations are considered 'Christian'. But does that label still have meaning? The U.S. was founded on a belief in God but that foundation has been shaken. While the Christian Church is growing in many parts of the world, a majority of Americans do not truly understand the fundamentals of Christianity. There are many confusing viewpoints, some with a hint of truth. These false ideas are dangerous because they lead people astray and besmirch the true Church of Christ Jesus.
Legalism - doing the right thing to save yourself
In Jesus' day, the leaders of the temple were more concerned with following laws and appearing righteous than caring for people. Later, the Catholic church distorted Jesus' teaching, uplifting Catholic traditions over Biblical truth. Catholics believe baptism (not faith) starts the justification process, continued through good works. (https://www.gracechurch.org/about/distinctives/roman-catholicism)
Other hopefuls have a vague idea of God and heaven based primarily on television. They see God as the eternal scorekeeper. If your pluses outweigh your minuses, you make it to heaven.
Jesus warned many times against doing the right thing for the wrong reason. He is the way to salvation--belief in Jesus as the son of God sent to die in our place. (John 3:16, John 14:6)
Universalism - do what feels right to you
Another trend today is universalism or spiritualism. This purports that we should look internally to find truth, there is no set truth for everyone. There are many paths to God/Enlightenment/Heaven. There is no hell nor Satan. There is no danger of eternal damnation, but instead people should look for the good in everyone. This has superficial appeal of inclusiveness. This viewpoint seeks to discredit Christianity as old-fashioned, stuffy, self-righteous and judgemental. The Anti-Christ will be a universalist, seeking to unify the world for peace while hypocritically persecuting Christians for their 'intolerance.' Eventually the Anti-Christ will require all to worship him.
In Romans 3, Paul discusses God's authority to judge us and shows how God's law reveals our sin; vs 20 'Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.' and vs 23-24 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.'
Note that as Christians, it is not our job to judge others and put them down, but to point to God's righteousness and loving grace.
False Teaching
False prophets add their own philosophies to the Word of God, claiming to have divine inspiration. RLDS, Christian Scientist, cult leaders all slander Christian ideals. Mormans add additional teachings, denigrate the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witness distort the truth of the Bible by changing it (The New World Translation.) Christian Science claims that false beliefs cause sin and disease--Man is not matter but part of the divine mind. These distortions of the truth can easily confuse someone without a solid trust and knowledge of the Word of God.
Buy a ticket to heaven
Others espouse the Bible and outwardly believe in Jesus and do the right things, yet still fall short of true salvation.
"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 in your name perform many miracles?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"(Matt 7: 22-23)
The problem is that these type of people were just checking the boxes, seeking a 'just in case' eternal insurance policy, or trying to sneak through at the last minute. They claim to know Jesus, but never had a change of heart. Perhaps they never truly repented, never gave over control to Jesus. Perhaps they sought honor, fame or wealth for themselves over God's glory.
Jesus said that judge not, lest you be judged...We will be forgiven in the same way we forgive others. For those who proclaim His name before men, He will proclaim them before His Father in Heaven.
James asks, 'What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?...But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.'Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder....Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did....As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:14,18-19, 21-22, 6)
The belief in God and Jesus by the demons does not save them; they harbor unrepentant pride. Abraham showed his faith in God through his actions. He did not withhold his son as God commanded because he believed God's promise to protect his family. James knew that if we do not act according to God's commands, we do not truly believe that he is in charge, loves us, and will work everything for our good!
True Church - Followers of Jesus Christ
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt 7: 13-14)
Jesus says that you will know them by their fruit-- 'Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.' (Matt 7:19) We are to make progress for God's Kingdom. Do not hide your talent but invest it for a heavenly harvest!
Followers of Christ believe Jesus is the son of God, that He died in our place and rose again and reigns in heaven. Followers repent of their sins (turn away from them.) Does that mean Christians never make a mistake? No, but the pattern of their lives is righteousness. This happens when they allow the Holy Spirit to change them and guide them--to break-down 'strongholds' like pride, selfishness, addiction and materialism.
Followers seek to know God more by reading the Bible and praying. They seek to fellowship with other believers, help those in need and share the gospel (the good news of Jesus). They are characterized by fruits of the spirit like love, joy, forgiveness and peace.
*****
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The
King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" (Matt 25:34-40)
