|
|
All have sinned. It has destroyed (or at least marred) all right
relationships - not only our relationship with God, but also our
relationship with other people and with all of creation. Creation itself
(including the environment) has suffered as a consequence of sin
entering the world. This sin has even impacted our own natures, and
renders us helpless and hopeless (and often unaware of our condition). Because of our sin, we have earned
a judgment of death.
Yet because of what Jesus did - and only
because of this - there is hope of salvation. This salvation - if it
exists in a person's life - will influence not only his eternal
destiny, but every aspect of his life even now. It will influence
both the way he thinks and the way he acts.
The Bible's concept of "death" involves separation.
It does not mean that a person ceases to exist. When a person dies
physically, he may cease to exist in the body (until the
resurrection), but he still exists somewhere. Spiritual death involves
separation from God. Eternal death is an ongoing existence
of being separated from God, and from everything that reflects
God's goodness and his blessings.
Because God is a righteous and holy God, he must
deal with sin. Some aspects of judgment may occur in this present life.
This may include judgment administered by humans (such as civil
authorities who are sent by God to punish evildoers - Romans 13), but it
can also include the natural consequences of a person's choices, as well
as large-scale calamities (such as "acts of God"). God can also use the
"every-day" forces of nature to accomplish his purposes.
Nevertheless, there will also be injustice in this present
life, for the effects of sin are all-encompassing. For complete and
final justice, we must look forward to the "Day of Justice," in which
each person will stand before God and will give account for everything
he ever did. On that day, all will "get what they deserve" - except
for the disciples of Jesus. This is because Jesus got the punishment
they deserved, when he was put to death on the cross. He
experienced the punishment of death - separation from God (and all its
consequences) - which we (his disciples) deserve.
God offers you the opportunity to not "get what you
deserve" at the Day of Justice. Don't throw it away! Turn to him for
salvation and for a change in heart that results in new life!
|
SIN
|
|
A look at various issues related to the general topic of
"sin," including some of its effects. (Specific issues are examined at the appropriate locations
elsewhere.)
|
|
|
SALVATION
|
|
A look at various issues related to the general topic
of "salvation." (Specific issues are examined at the appropriate
locations elsewhere.)
|
|
|
The Issue of REPENTANCE
|
|
Repentance is the first "step" of salvation. It
refers to the changes in the way a person thinks and acts. We live
in a day in which repentance is largely ignored, and is often
considered unnecessary - even by people who call themselves
"Christian." Yet such a view rejects the testimony of God himself,
who commands that all people must repent! This section looks at
some of these issues.
|
|
|
Compromise & REVIVAL
|
|
Both saved and unsaved can be hurt by compromise with
sin, or can benefit from revival - though in obviously different
ways. This section looks at some of the issues related to these two
"opposite" concepts.
|
|
|
JUDGMENT
|
|
Articles dealing with judgment-related issues - not
only eternal judgment, but also judgment that takes place in
this present world.
|
|
|
"END TIMES" Issues
|
|
Here, we focus on specific issues related to the end
times. Note that if you are interested in speculations, opinions,
date-setting and the rest, you will have to look for some other website.
|
|
|
The Bible says...
For the wages of sin is death, but the free
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
|
|