When I was younger, I understood hell as a place I never wanted to end up in. I pictured a place with Satan smiling and laughing, while looking down on people suffering in an ocean of fire. This is a common image that our society has. However, what stands out to me from this disturbing image is that hell is a place of pain and suffering. Thus, the word "Hell" has always had a negative ring to it. In fact, when I was growing up, my friends and I were never to the use "H-e-double hockey sticks". Overall, this place was a disturbing place to think about.
On the other hand, Heaven has a joyous ring to it. Growing up, I understood Heaven as the ultimate perfect place from God. Can you imagine what the scenery of the most perfect place would look like? I believe it would be beautiful. Afterall, God created everything and "it was good", but Heaven seems like it would be better than "good". I think "good" was a description given to things created on this earth, but I do not think Heaven is on this earth. 2 Cor. 5:1 shows us that this place is not built by earlthly hands, but is eternal and built by God. Perhaps "marvelous" or "incredible" would be better fit words to describe heaven.
The bible talks about how the streets of heaven will be filled with gold. My mom taught me that heaven is not going to be filled with a select group of people, knowing that God's people come in all different shapes, shades and sizes. This literal heaven that I originally believed in has taken a different shape in my mind. As I have encountered numerous obstacles while growing up, I now look forward to the idea of heaven being a place where there is no loss, pain or sorrow. This also sounds like a beautiful place to me. A place with no pain and suffering sounds very relaxing (Revelation 7:16-17).
For those who do not have the saving knowledge of Christ, it is important to remember that our God is a just God. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 says "God's judgement is right and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God".
Personally, I would like to end up in heaven someday. I understand David's hope when he says, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" - Psalm 23:6.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Consecrated
“Me, me, me!” is a common whining cry we hear from toddlers. However, when you look at the values of the ‘grown-up’ world, sometimes adults do not look different compared to whiny children. Whether being a child or an adult, we all have times of being selfish. This is a very “me” focused state to be in as it is easy to get caught up in our own selfish ambitions. This is also not an uncommon state for Christians to be in. While some Christians may appear to have somewhat of this selfish aspect in their character, this does not mean it is right. As Christians, we are encouraged to set our minds “on things above, not on earthly things” (Col. 3:2).
Seeking things above relates to the meaning behind sanctification. It’s that whole idea of being set apart, again. This includes having careful thoughts, words and actions. The fact that this is easier said than done could explain why it is hard to see more “sanctified” people. Over and over again, the bible reminds us that we are called to greater things. Sometimes people forget this. Thus, the bible urges us to seek set apart ways that are pleasing to God.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” – Romans 12:1.
Knowing that this world is not perfect, the previous passage assures me that this is the reason why we are encouraged to be set apart from the world. God, through his responsibility in sanctification, provided us with this advice so we could see what He sees as “good and perfect”. After we understand His words, the responsibility should fall primarily into our hands at this time. However, I do not think that people realize this. If people rely on God or the prayer of others alone, they are lacking on their part. We should remember that sanctification is a process. This means that it should be something that is always growing. Thus, we should be continually striving to live a life that is glorifying to God.
Last week, our campus experienced a spiritual revival, also known as an awakening. While many were restored, it was clear that sanctification did not end on a one night experience with God. Those who were touched should remember that their changed and renewed lives should continually follow God. Thoughts of “what do I need to do to work on sanctification within my life” should be thought of. Overall, there should be a realization of living a life for a greater purpose. Rather, living a life "consecrated to Thee".
Seeking things above relates to the meaning behind sanctification. It’s that whole idea of being set apart, again. This includes having careful thoughts, words and actions. The fact that this is easier said than done could explain why it is hard to see more “sanctified” people. Over and over again, the bible reminds us that we are called to greater things. Sometimes people forget this. Thus, the bible urges us to seek set apart ways that are pleasing to God.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” – Romans 12:1.
Knowing that this world is not perfect, the previous passage assures me that this is the reason why we are encouraged to be set apart from the world. God, through his responsibility in sanctification, provided us with this advice so we could see what He sees as “good and perfect”. After we understand His words, the responsibility should fall primarily into our hands at this time. However, I do not think that people realize this. If people rely on God or the prayer of others alone, they are lacking on their part. We should remember that sanctification is a process. This means that it should be something that is always growing. Thus, we should be continually striving to live a life that is glorifying to God.
Last week, our campus experienced a spiritual revival, also known as an awakening. While many were restored, it was clear that sanctification did not end on a one night experience with God. Those who were touched should remember that their changed and renewed lives should continually follow God. Thoughts of “what do I need to do to work on sanctification within my life” should be thought of. Overall, there should be a realization of living a life for a greater purpose. Rather, living a life "consecrated to Thee".
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Santus Facio
Its not a sinless perfection, but a constant renewing. The idea of being set apart, pure and holy. This is my understanding of what it means to be sanctified. With such a merciful God, we sometimes take advantage of our actions knowing that our God is a forgiving God. However, we should also remember that He is gracious and just.
Sanctification is our responsibility and a responsibility that God chooses to have. Thus, this responsibility is not in His hands alone. I believe that this is, in part, also our responsibility because we are held accountable for our actions. When we accept Him into our hearts, we are made new. We could also look at this as a fresh start. This means there should be a change in the way we are living. He reminds us that our sins are forgiven, which is His responsibility. Then our responsibility falls in place. As sanctification is a process, the change we have in our life is what we should be accountable for.
The following verse shows how both God and ourselves share in responsibilities.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" - Galations 2:20.
Sanctification is our responsibility and a responsibility that God chooses to have. Thus, this responsibility is not in His hands alone. I believe that this is, in part, also our responsibility because we are held accountable for our actions. When we accept Him into our hearts, we are made new. We could also look at this as a fresh start. This means there should be a change in the way we are living. He reminds us that our sins are forgiven, which is His responsibility. Then our responsibility falls in place. As sanctification is a process, the change we have in our life is what we should be accountable for.
The following verse shows how both God and ourselves share in responsibilities.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" - Galations 2:20.
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