Sin's Horrors and Christ's Hope

During camp last week, I was asked many times about what the Bible says about hell.  There were questions like, "If God is so powerful, why doesn't He destroy hell?"  Well, the Bible says someday He will (Rev. 20:14).  Another question was, "If God loves people so much, why did He create hell?"  The Bible reveals that hell was originally created for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41).  When man chooses to be a devil and rebel against God, he chooses his own destruction.  God has demonstrated His love for man by sending Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of all who repent and trust in Him in the world.  God has made a way of escape available to all.  It is folly to blame God for allowing eternal destruction when He has not only warned all, but given us the means to be saved through faith.

Hell is a real place of eternal torment, even as heaven is a place where Jesus shall wipe every tear from our eyes.  Hell is described as a place of outer darkness where people are bound, weeping in anguish (Matt. 25:30).  Jesus again and again and again spoke of how those in torment will have worms feeding on them that die not and their fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44, 46, 48).  It is a place of eternal suffering, pain, regret, and sorrow.  All of us have had a share of physical and emotional pain and suffering in this life, but those who die in sin will have it multiplied beyond imagination - and forever.

The knowledge of the terrors of hell ought to have a singular effect on us who still walk this planet:  it provides insight of how detestable, destructive, and evil sin truly is.  An eternity in the fires of hell is the only just punishment for a single lie.  Think about it!  We might lie and think nothing of it, just like a habitual shoplifter with sticky fingers.  When the thief is caught he must return the item, pay a fine, and perhaps spend time in jail.  Many legal systems declare this a just punishment for the crime.  Hell is a just penalty for a single sin:  that's how awful sin is!  The trouble is, we often don't see the punishment of hell as fit for the crime.  People complain God is too severe.  That is because we do not recognise the horror of sin.  Looking at the description of hell given us by Jesus shows us with crystal clarity how bad sin is.  A good judge ensures justice is satisfied, and God is righteous and good to judge the wicked.  Man's pathetic excuses to justify his sin before God will not stand, for the Law shuts the mouth of the most self-righteous and reveals our guilt (Rom. 3:19).

The Bible gives man the true facts concerning the nature of suffering, pain, sickness, and death in this world:  they are all results of sin entering the world.  These are merely symptoms of sin's infection.  The pain and suffering in this world is a direct result of man's rebellion from God and passed down every generation until now.  There was no death in this world until sin entered in (Romans 5:12).  This world has been forever polluted by sin and will someday be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10).  God will make a new heaven and new earth founded upon His righteousness where no sin can enter.  Praise God He has made a way of salvation for all who repent and trust in Him!  God demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).  The existence of hell is not evidence of God's wickedness or weakness, but His justice.  The fact Christians will be brought faultless before the Father with joy reveals His love, grace, and mercy.  God is compassionate and patient, not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

It is reasonable all men deserve hell for their sins, and impossible that a sinner should be ushered into heaven's glory.  Yet what is impossible with men is possible with God.  Man through sin brought suffering into the the world, but through Christ's death this can be reversed.  Someday we will put off these bodies of flesh and be raised incorruptible with Christ forever.  Revelation 21:3-8 says, "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." ⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." ⁶ And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. ⁷ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. ⁸ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Our days spent on this earth in a sense is a little slice of both hell and heaven.  For Christians it is the closest we will ever be to hell, and for unbelievers it is the closest they will ever be to heaven.  Which side of that line are you on?  Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Be Still and Know God

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! ¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah"

Psalm 46:10-11

The world is moving at a frenetic pace.  The advance of technology and transport has changed the way we live, work, and play.  Leisurely trips which at one time took weeks now are finished in hours.  It used to be people could go on a holiday and take a break from the intrusions of the office, but now mobile devices and internet connections carry the office with them.  It profits us nothing to lament the days gone by, wishing we had lived in a simpler, less technologically-savvy day.  What does profit us, however, is to consider the simple command of God today:  "Be still, and know that I am God."

We spend a lot of time pursuing our interests.  For instance, at the moment I am trying to resolve an issue with a local company.  In good faith I paid for a product which was supposed to be shipped to my address.  Weeks have passed and still no delivery.  I have called, emailed, and called again - without response.  I found the issue was not only taking up my time but occupying my mind.  God's Word this morning spoke to my heart wonderfully.  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."  As I was scrambling around trying to control my unfortunate situation, God remained in complete control.  Using the world's way of dealing with problems is our natural tendency.  We can look to our legal rights to give us a sense of security.  We can assure ourselves that we have a right to take the fight to the next level without trusting God at all.

As long as I seek to press my interests, I will never know God's peace, power, and deliverance as I should.  Is God's arm shortened that He cannot save?  Is He ignorant of injustice?  Is He powerless to act righteously in trials we face?  Our part in coordination with God is to be still.  Allow Him to speak.  Grant Him through your stillness the permission to perform miraculously.  Realise the rest we have in Jesus Christ.  Jesus was unjustly crucified and felt intense pain, yet He opened not His mouth to threaten those who did so.  He spoke forth forgiveness.  The refuge offered by the world is temporary and ultimately useless, for this world and the memory of it are passing away.  When you are treated unfairly, how do you respond?  Who is your refuge?

Be still, and know that God is God.  This is not an excuse for apathy or complacency.  Rather than promoting, defending, or seeking our own interests we are to purposefully seek and find rest in God.  The LORD is with us, and He is our refuge.  Instead of seeking to exalt ourselves, may we live to exalt Him according to His will.  He will do it!  May we learn to ever be casting our cares upon the LORD, for He cares for us.

Open Book Exams

Have you ever faced a "pop quiz" you were unprepared for?  I remember many times groaning inside as my delighted teacher instructed all pupils to stow our books for an unexpected test - without notes.  Even when I had a fair grasp of the material I didn't appreciate "surprise" exams.  I often felt unprepared and anxious because I hadn't carefully studied the material.  As uncomfortable as a surprise quiz made me feel, what relief was mine when we had an "open-book exam."  The freedom to reference all our notes and textbooks was a great consolation.  I cannot remember any nervousness facing an "open book test" because I felt assured of a strong showing.

As we live out our days on earth following Jesus Christ, God allows many tests and trials.  Most of these tests come suddenly and unexpectedly.  When tragedy or trials come, it is natural for us to feel uncertain about the future.  We feel uncomfortable because we were not given the opportunity to adequately prepare for what we are facing.  But it is a great comfort to know that all tests we face are "open book exams."  God has given us the scripture, faith, and the Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers all followers of Jesus Christ.  We are free at any time to seek guidance and recall the promises of God through scripture.  Boldly we can approach Christ in the throne room of grace seeking mercy and grace to help (Heb. 4:16).  We do not need to be afraid, for Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will not leave or forsake us in our time of need.

1 Peter 4:12-13 says, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."  The greater we suffer, the greater consolation God provides.  When the trial hits people ask, "If God was so loving and kind, why does He allow suffering?"  This is a question asked from a position of doubt in God's character as revealed through scripture.  The scriptures teach because God is loving and kind, He allows suffering.  God demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, He allowed His only Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for our sakes and to pay the penalty for our sin.  God allows us to face suffering and pain as well, and we can know God will accomplish His divine purposes for our good and His glory.

God does not test us for His benefit, like a teacher who is not certain his students have mastered their lessons.  Unpleasant as surprise tests are, they are for our good.  God tests us so we might recognise our helplessness, our need for transformation, and the sufficiency of His love and promises.  Should the test cause us to be angry with God or run from Him, it opens our eyes to see our hearts are not as loyal to Him as we have assumed.  God is good and loving to open our eyes to our hypocrisy so we might repent and trust, and uncertainty and trials are effective tools to do so.  Praise God every test we face is an "open book exam," and He gives us more than mere answers:  He has provided Himself!

Affinity in Christ

After a week speaking at a teen camp, I am ready to jump back into the fray of the ever-demanding blog.  I find it is a most useful exercise in better developing thoughts of a spiritual nature I have throughout the day.  The fact others can also benefit from these musings is a wonderful secondary benefit.  I pray that through these musings all who read them may be encouraged, challenged, and seek to apply biblical truth to their personal lives.  Until the LORD directs me to apply my efforts elsewhere for His glory, it is a joy and privilege to continue writing in this format:  free of charge, open and transparent, instructive, and frequent when possible - all to the glory of God!

As I spent time becoming acquainted with the teens at camp, many things became apparent.  Kids today are growing up in an era of great confusion, both in society and within themselves.  They have many questions, but most seem to only accept answers which agree with their prior knowledge.  I encountered Christians who did not have a high regard to the Word of God as being absolutely true and do not necessarily believe the scriptures are the sole basis for knowing God.  In fact, I met with some non-believers not far from the kingdom of God who seemed to believe the truth of the Bible with greater conviction.  Though not limited to youth, I noticed how many sought to discover their own identity through worldly things!  This is not all bad news, for Jesus came to seek and save the lost, set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and raise the dead to life.  The hypocrites who think they see are those whose blindness remains.  I once was one of those hypocrites, and God saved me by His grace.

It is an interesting study to observe the many things people seek to find identity in:  style of dress, preferred music, the shows or movies one enjoys, sexuality, career choice, political views, gender, age group, hobbies, support of sport or teams, diet, living in a particular suburb, hometown, country of origin, attending a school or youth group.  The list could stretch on forever.  How important it is for Christians to realise our identity is found in Christ!  There are many followers of Jesus who identify themselves as "Christians" instead of identifying with Jesus Christ.  There is a difference.  When we derive our identity from a group of people, we look to them to set the pace and parameters for how we fit in and how we ought to live.  The bar is often set far too low.  Affinity with Jesus Christ transcends all else.  After we become new creations through the Gospel, our identity is not found in a denomination, particular church, pastor, or youth group.  These points of reference will someday be dissolved, as will our blood relations.  Finding our identity in Christ goes beyond culture, behaviour, gender, or calling.  Jesus Christ deserves to be our all in all.

Sometimes I am asked a question prefaced with, "As a pastor, what would you...?"  I am careful not to answer this question without clarification, because I do not primarily find my identity in the fact God has called me as a pastor.  My aim is to answer all questions from my identity in Jesus Christ.  We can answer questions as "a pastor," "a man," "a father or mother," "husband or wife," "an American or Australian," but all these limited perspectives are passing away.  I am not saying it is wrong to acknowledge you are a pastor, man, father, or husband.  But we are to seek to discover our identity in Christ through those roles, not in the role itself.  Because I am a child of God, purchased and redeemed with the blood of Jesus by grace, that should directly affect the way I live as a pastor, man, father, and husband.  If my identity is in Christ according to God's Word, I will not be led astray by vain philosophies of the world.  The world is happy to volunteer how a man, father, and husband should act.  But I will never be the man, father, or husband God created me to be until my identity is found in Christ alone through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Having affinity in Christ removes the identity confusion that is rife in the world and even among believers.  The last part of Acts 11:26 tells us, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."  The followers of Jesus had such an affinity and resemblance to Jesus Christ Himself they were called Christians.  Our prime affinity is not to be with other followers of Christ, but with Christ Himself.  This brings us to a place of intimacy and closeness with God where we begin to resemble Christ, not resorting to copying those who might only claim to know Him.  "Telephone" is a interesting and fun party game where a sentence is whispered around the circle and even with a small group inevitably is quite divergent from the original statement.  What a tragedy, to run circles with sheep when we can follow the shepherd.  If we only follow other sheep around, how can we know they are heading in the right direction?  Praise God Jesus is for us the Good Shepherd, and we can follow Him!