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Over the years I have written several "book" or "booklets" and many, many, many newsletter and bulletin articles. Because the book market seeks writings to meet specific needs at specific times, my material has never been accepted. I have a tendency to write what is on my mind and so I am left with self publishing. So, with the encouragement from my wife and others, I am beginning this blog in order to put my "ramblings" "out there"! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer

Please note that while my intentions are to use good grammar, because of the way in which some of the material presented here is presented (orally) the grammar and syntax might not always be the best English. Also note that good theology is not always presented in the best English so there may be times when the proper grammar rules are purposely broken.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

JDL - Direction Six - Just Believe

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 (ESV))

Perhaps we have gotten ahead of ourselves? Maybe we should have begun with the question of why all this matters in the first place? Why does it matter if our ancestors were Christians? Why does it matter if our parents are Christian? Why does it matter if we are Christian? There are some who have made a good case for the likelihood that all religions lead to the same place. Does it really matter what or in whom you believe? Or is sincerity of faith and goodness of character what really matters?

It is interesting to read about people who put forth the theory that all religions lead to the same place. It is suggested that all religions believe in the same god, but they all call him by a different name. What is so interesting is that all those who tout this type of belief system address many of the issues that are similar in most or even all religions, except one issue, the most important issue. When it is suggested that all religions are the same with different trappings, the issue that is never broached is the issue of the resurrection. For in the resurrection, Christianity is set apart from all the other religions of the world. One can find the graves of Mohamad, Buddha, Confucius, and so forth. One can even find the supposed grave of Jesus, but the difference is that Jesus’ grave is empty.

There are basically two religions in the world. All the religions, faith, and belief systems can be classified into one of two categories. The first category includes all those religions, faiths, and belief systems that believe that one is saved or has some eternal existence as a result of one’s character. If a person is a good enough person, they will earn or merit some type of eternal afterlife existence. Thus, one’s fate from this world into the next is determined by one’s character. One must do, and then one may live.

This category stands in contrast to the second category, of which only one religion is a part. The Christian religion (and here, perhaps we might say that not all “Christian” denominations fit into this category) believes that one has an eternal existence, not by reason of the goodness of one’s character, not because one is a good person, but simply by God’s free, rich grace, and favor. In other words, eternal life is a gift given by God. As a result of that free gift, one is then encouraged and even compelled to live a God-pleasing life. One is given life so that one might live.

Thus, we see not only is one’s faith important, but the object of one’s faith is just as important. One might go to the medicine cabinet in the middle of the night and believing to grab the aspirin instead grabs a bottle of cyanide, which will truly cure the headache, to death. The object of faith is important. There is only one object of faith which will save, and that one object is Jesus. Jesus tells us He is the only way to eternal life. Apart from Him there is no other way.

We might think about it in these terms: why would Jesus go through the trouble, why would He allow Himself to suffer the most excruciating death, even death on the cross, if that would not be important for our forgiveness and salvation? It just does not make sense. He did it because the price for our sins had to be paid. The price for our sins was eternal spiritual death. We could not pay the price, so God sent Jesus to pay that price for us.

Our Christian worldview is a worldview that has a world with a beginning and an end. Our God is a God who has no beginning and no end. Our God has created us, and we have messed up what He has created. Our God has paid the price to “fix” what we have messed up. And our God continues to invite us to take part in His gift of being a part of His eternity in heaven.

Why does all this matter? Because our eternal life depends on it. Apart from Jesus there is only death, that is eternal spiritual death, hell. And do not be fooled, although we worship a good and gracious God, He has created a place called hell for Satan (Lucifer, the devil) and all his evil followers. There is only one way to eternal life in heaven, and that is through Jesus. Thanks be to God for Jesus and His invitation to be a part of His kingdom, for the ticket that He paid the price for our entrance, for the ride, for getting everything ready, and for giving us faith. We could go on and on as we recognize these are all gift.

Think About
Is the god you worship a god who needs you to do for him or her or them? Or is the God you worship the God who has done, is doing, and will continually do all things for you and give all things to you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking that You are just one of many gods or that You are just one of many ways to an eternal destiny. Forgive me for thinking that there is anything I can offer to reconcile myself with You. Thank You for Jesus who lived for me in my place, who paid the price for my sin, who died, and even more who rose for me. Thank You, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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