It is human nature to want to belong somewhere
It is human
nature to want to belong somewhere. Belonging to a group can be by choice or
entitlement. For example, we have nothing to do with which gender, ethnic
groups and families we’re born into; but we get to decide who we want for
friends, what professions we pursue, which associations we join, and which
other groups appeal to us. Other times, we belong to a group based on our
beliefs, likes, and dislikes.
For
instance, when it comes to the issue of spirituality, each individual fits into
one of four groups. People in group one think they are good enough the way they
are, and will go to heaven. In other words, they think they qualify to go to
heaven because they do enough good and are morally good people. People in group
two think they are so sinful that God would want nothing to do with them; they
live under self-condemnation and hopelessness. Group three believe they are
sinners, but not beyond redemption. They understand from the Bible that Jesus
died to pay for their sins. They have gratefully trusted Jesus with their sins,
and look forward to going to be with Him in heaven when they die. In other
words, they are heaven-bound, but based only on God’s grace and faith through
Jesus, and not on anything they have done. People in the last group believe
there is no God; they are called atheists.[1]
The Bible
makes it clear that no one can get saved by obeying the law or being good. The
apostle Paul explains it this way, “Now when a man works, his wages are not
credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does
not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as
righteousness” (Romans 4:4-5 NIV). Nobody is good 100% of the time, and those
who try to keep the law are unable to keep it 100% of the time. In addition, if
salvation became available to us based on how good we were, it could be easy
for us to boast about getting into heaven on our own merit. Salvation,
according to the Bible, is only by grace through faith.
For those
who think there is no hope for them, I have excellent news! God loves you so
much He’s already made plans for you to be forgiven and restored to live a
productive life, and for your name to be written in the book of life. He is
willing and able to forgive your past, no matter how horrible. Consider the day
Jesus was crucified; two thieves were crucified as well, one on each side of
Him. One thief asked for forgiveness; he petitioned Jesus to remember him when
He got into His kingdom. Jesus forgave him and promised the thief that they’d
be together in paradise (see Luke 23:43). Similarly, there is hope for you; God
is able to, and will forgive you if you
repent!
The
Israelites were in-and-out of favor with God so much because of their frequent
unfaithfulness. To them, He promised, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like
wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV). Your responsibility is to admit to God that indeed you
are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, and accept His forgiveness. He will forgive and indwell you through His
Spirit. You will then become a new creature, because the Bible says, “if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2
Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
The people
in group three are the people whose names are written in the book of life,
because they have placed their faith in Jesus. They understand that they cannot
keep the law perfectly, and there is nothing they can do on their own to gain
God’s favor (see Isaiah 64:6). The grace of God has set them free from sin and
hell, and like the thief on the cross, they will be in heaven with Jesus
someday.
Although atheists
believe there is no God; that belief will not change the fact that God does exist.
It will also not excuse them from punishment for rejecting God. Contrary to the
atheists’ belief, the Bible says they do know God exists, because “The
requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also
bearing witness” (Romans 2:15 NIV).
So which of
these four groups can you honestly identify with? Have you trusted Jesus for
salvation? If not, why not; what’s holding you back? You might be a good
person, but God is not looking for good people; He is looking for perfect
people like Himself (see Matthew 5:48). You cannot be perfect until Jesus’
righteousness is credited to you, and that comes only after you’ve placed your
faith in Him. You cannot get into heaven on your own merits!
If you are thinking you are hopelessly sinful,
I invite you to try praying to God in Jesus’ name. Ask Him to forgive you and
make you His child, and He’ll do that! You’ll be amazed at the result. You’ll
never know until you take this step. You’ll prove 2 Corinthians 5:17 to
yourself and people who know you.
Free will is
a gift from God, but our choices have consequences. Each person is free to
choose what they want to believe, whether they have facts to support it or not.
Similarly, God has the right and the responsibility to honor His Word! Jesus
once announced to a crowd, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke
13:3). Do you claim to be an atheist? Please understand that your belief will
not excuse you from God’s wrath and judgment. You need to rethink your position
and put your faith in Jesus before it is too late.
God is in
the business of renewing, remaking, and restoring. Until you place your faith
in Him, you are spiritually dead. Only He gives new life; avail yourself of
that today!
No comments:
Post a Comment