"For from His fullness we all have received, grace upon grace." John 1:16
I will forever be grateful to God for His grace. God's grace is receiving what we don't deserve. I don't deserve to be in His family, yet I am deeply loved and have been adopted into His spiritual family. And if you have placed your trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross to save you, as I have, then you are part of God's family, too. And you are living in a constant state of grace. We're receiving God's constant favor and blessings, and we have done nothing to earn them. Nothing.
What are we "saved" from? Hell. Eternal separation from God. We don't hear much about Hell anymore. Even in churches. We're so afraid of offending someone that we'd rather keep silent about the truth of Hell and let people perish rather than explain what the Bible teaches about Hell and lead them to repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior. This is tragic, and Satan loves it. I admit that I hesitate to talk about Hell because to an unbeliever it sounds so judgmental and cruel. But if there is no Hell, if there is only Heaven and everyone's going there no matter what they believe, then what was the point of Jesus dying on the cross? And of His resurrection -- His victory over death, and our victory over death when we place our trust in Him? God is not cruel and His judgment of sinners is just. He has provided an escape route from Hell through Jesus. What could be more loving, more kind, than sacrificing His Son so that sinners can be saved? (See John 3:16.)
There's not a day that goes by that I don't recall some thing I said or did in my past that was outside the will of God. My sinful past often comes back to haunt me; Satan accuses me all the time. That is when I recall that God has forgiven every sin, and that He only sees the righteousness of Jesus when He looks at me now. My sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Constantly I receive grace upon grace upon grace. It's a wonder to me. It's amazing.
Today's music video is Grace Upon Grace by Matthew West. Listening to the lyrics I am encouraged not to be burdened by my past, and instead to praise God for His abounding grace. I pray it will encourage you in the same way.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
I truly believe in Hell and I wonder why the ministers of today do not teach in
ReplyDeletetheir sermons what is actually in the Bible. The truth will set you free. If you
know it, you can try to amend your ways to those fitting for the kingdom of heaven.
It's so important to be in a Bible believing and teaching church, Lynn. I'm hearing that they are harder and harder to come by. Thankfully, I'm in a church where our pastor preaches directly from the Bible. I praise God for that. Enjoy your week! xx
DeleteBeautiful song. It is beautiful that God loves us and forgives us. We humans are flawed but by God's Grace we are saved from all our sins and loved unconditionally. In this world we live I am so thankful that we have the safety of God's love always. Happy New Week Nancy. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%, Kris. The world may shift and change, but God's love never does! Have a great week!
DeleteAbsolute truth. Thank you, my friend. God bless you! Hugs.
DeleteThose voices are accusing and not from God. I get them too and have to remind myself, I am forgiven. Stop!
ReplyDeleteYes, I sometimes say "stop it!" out loud. Of course, I only do that when I'm in the privacy of my own home. LOL
DeleteSuch a good post! I too believe in hell and agree that it's sad that so many churches only preach love and acceptance. There is love, but God is a just God.
ReplyDeleteGreat song too!
Thank you, Mari. Glad you liked the song. I have been listening to it over and over. Great lyrics.
DeleteThank you for this post today Nancy. I have often wondered why the preachers of today don't preach about hell. I remember my childhood and I surely heard about it back then. If all people hear is that everyone goes to Heaven, no matter whay they will never change their ways. I'm SO grateful to Jesus for dying for me. I thank Him everyday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
I think one reason hell is not preached from the pulpit is that some pastors are afraid they'll lose congregants, and thus they'll lose financially. Not in every case, of course, but I do believe there are churches where this is true. Another reason is that there are ministers who are themselves not saved. It's scandalous to say this, I know, but if you've read or listened to sermons from these pastors you know they can't possibly be true followers of Christ. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Betsy. God bless you. xx
DeleteHis steadfast love is hard to comprehend. I'm grateful to be covered by the righteousness of Jesus when He drew me to himself and hearing the Gospel I repented of my sins and received God's grace. Hoping to finish strong in the faith. Happy Spring to you Nancy!
ReplyDeleteI was raised Roman Catholic and hell was featured in a big way. When I converted to Presbyterian I sat in church and was amazed when during the service we were told to think about our sins for the week and then moments later the minister told us to "hear the good news, you're forgiven". I was like what?? That's it?? How could that be?? No little box to confess my sins, no Hail Marys or rosaries to say?? It was a very different experience than the one I was used to...and a much more forgiving God, for sure. I still find myself doubting it sometimes, but I guess the teachings of childhood are hard to shake!! Interesting post, Nancy! I love a thinker!! Hugs!!
ReplyDelete