Matthew 7:1-2 "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."
When I was in the sixth grade I told someone they were going to hell because they didn't believe the same thing I did. Needless to say that was the last time we spoke. Also the last time I ever told anyone that phrase. This idea has shattered many relationships and alienated countless others. I think this phrase is used because we as Christians want to feel special and we are, but it so happens so is everyone else. I also think it is a lame attempt to scare others into believing what we believe and that that is easier than actually loving someone.
Luke 12:5 "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Why fear God? Because he has the ability...Ability...ABILITY to throw you into hell. That doesn't mean he will.
Romans 9:14-16 "What then shall I say? Is God unjust? not at all! For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' It does not therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."
Fear is just the beginning and also the sign of an immature Christian. If the only reason you are a Christian is because you fear hell, then you need to continue to study. 1 John 4:18. How much more awesome and more loving is God if he allows those who don't fully understand him or know him at all mercy because of his love for them as sons and daughters. I'm not saying all paths lead to God but its not a black and white issue. I can take comfort in the fact that God is just and righteous. He is the one who justifies us. God defines himself as a relationship not a single personality, but a relationship between the Father and the Son. It is the Father who is holy and the enforcer of justice, but it is the Son who takes on the punishment of that justice so that others can be redeemed and justified. God can only justify the wicked because of the mercy made possible because of the Son who became our sin so that we can become his righteousness. (2 Cor 5) Even in the holy of holies both justice and mercy were represented side by side---there was judgement and there was the atonement or mercy seat. God’s justice---perfect justice—is both restitution and mercy.
i saw a verse today that fits well with what you are saying.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 1:7
"The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Romans 2:12-16
ReplyDelete"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,
since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares."