God is Good

In my last post, I ventured into the subject of Biblical Eschatology.  Please understand that I am a layman, not a clergyman, and I have not had the benefit of seminary (cemetery).  Further, in the interest of full disclosure, I want to share with you that, although my views are my own, my beliefs about “end time” events have been strongly influenced by Hal Lindsay (www.hallindsey.com) and Jack Van Impe (www.jvim.com).  Please understand that I realize that scripture on this subject is open to interpretation, and that in most cases people should not divide over such interpretation.

With all that said, let me proclaim that God is good and kind! (Ps 25:8-11, Lk 6:35) Many people raise the objection that a good and loving god would not send people to hell.  That is the argument of the criminal.  It is blaming God for the consequences of the choice the person makes to do wrong.  If you spend time talking to incarcerated felons, you will find that they frequently blame anyone and everyone but themselves for their incarceration; rather than accepting the responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

God is love. (1Jn 4:16) He loved humanity so much that He gave the His only begotten Son as a substitute; to die the death we deserve for the wrongs we have done. (Jn 3:16, Rom 8:3) Sin brings death (Rom 6:23), but God has provided eternal life through Jesus Christ (Jn10:27-30); if only we will just accept it. (Acts 11:30-31)

Since the fall of Satan (Is 14:12, Rev 12:7-9), there has been an ongoing conflict between good and evil.  If we choose the good, and follow Jesus, we will inherit an eternal life full of blessings and joy in the very presence of God. (Lk 15:10, Jude 24-25, 1Thes 4: 13:18) If we choose evil, we will be cast into the lake of fire, along with Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet (Rev 20).  And, the smoke of our torment will rise up forever and ever. (Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3)  How we end up depends on what we choose.  It is not because God is mean, but because good and evil cannot coexist in the kingdom that the Father will give to Jesus when he puts His enemies at His feet.  Good will triumph in the end. (Rev 19,20,21)

God knew that no man can be completely righteous. (Rom 3:10) Compared to the righteousness of God, the best we can do is like filthy rags. (Is 64:6) God does not want anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance. (2Pet 3:9) He gave His Son to provide a way, the only way (Jn 14:6), of salvation. We cannot save ourselves with good deeds.  We are saved by grace and grace alone.  Why?  In order to do the good deeds that God has prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:6-10) We must set aside our sinful nature, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. (Lk 9:23)

You can’t serve both God and evil. (Mt 6:24) The love of the things of this world is hatred of God. (1Jn 2:15, Jas 4:4) That is why there is so much opposition to the teachings of the Bible in today’s world.  Give your life to Christ, and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, and you will keep the commandments of God (Rom 8:4-11, Gal 5:16-25).  Choose the side of the good, or you will be led by the Devil into hell. (2Thes 2:9-10)  And, you will not be able to blame anyone but yourself.