I enjoyed reading this:
Moses asked God to see His glory. This was God’s reply, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Exodus 33:19).
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). The word merciful is the Hebrew word rachum, it means to be full of compassion. This is the first word that God used to describe His glory. It reveals much about God’s glory and character.
The word gracious in Exodus 34:6 means to show favor, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness; longsuffering means to be patient; goodness means to show loving kindness; truth means to be faithful and trustworthy. All of these characteristics are seen as characteristics of love in 1st Corinthians 13. They are also seen in the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in (Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. The word fruit in Galatians 5:22 is singular, there is only one fruit of the Spirit, which is love. All the other traits mentioned are characteristics of love. Likewise, in Exodus 34:6 the first thing that God reveals about His character is that He is rachum-“full of compassion”. All of the other characteristics of Exodus 34:6 are contained in this compassionate love of God.
As Jesus moved with compassion the power and love of God was revealed.
We are called God’s vessels of compassion who were created to receive revelation of His glory. That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy (compassion), which He had prepared beforehand for glory.
Jesus has given us the same glory, the same love, which the Father gave Him. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:22-24) The glory of God and the Father’s love is now within us because of the New Covenant.
The glory of God is the manifestation and revelation of His love, in so many ways.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Are we bold enough to let go?
We should not confuse the pain that may be experienced as we transform on our Christian journey, with the agony of trying to please God through our efforts.
"Suffering to please God" is like banging your head against a wall repeatedly and wondering why it hurts - it's not an honorable pain, it's a foolish pain that can end...just stop banging your head!
Having said this, so many "christian sects" and religious vomit have latched onto the "light yoke" offered to us by Jesus Himself, and weighed it down, sadly. The repercussions is a degree of pain that might be felt during a good old gospel purge - freedom to flush out the vile.
Purging and refining is not purposed to hurt, but the pain of letting go of "doing something", and simply entering into a promise is what many battle with - many have deeply rooted pillars keeping them "stable", but sadly it's in the wrong foundation (legalism and the traditions of man), giving them a false sense of hope.
I like how someone once put it:
"Pain" is the friction between the lies that we have embraced - that have become our prison - and the truth that is revealed to us in Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.
The gospel is a declaration of freedom!
Are we bold enough to let go? :-)
"Suffering to please God" is like banging your head against a wall repeatedly and wondering why it hurts - it's not an honorable pain, it's a foolish pain that can end...just stop banging your head!
Having said this, so many "christian sects" and religious vomit have latched onto the "light yoke" offered to us by Jesus Himself, and weighed it down, sadly. The repercussions is a degree of pain that might be felt during a good old gospel purge - freedom to flush out the vile.
Purging and refining is not purposed to hurt, but the pain of letting go of "doing something", and simply entering into a promise is what many battle with - many have deeply rooted pillars keeping them "stable", but sadly it's in the wrong foundation (legalism and the traditions of man), giving them a false sense of hope.
I like how someone once put it:
"Pain" is the friction between the lies that we have embraced - that have become our prison - and the truth that is revealed to us in Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.
The gospel is a declaration of freedom!
Are we bold enough to let go? :-)
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Your purpose is predestined for you, not commanded of you
"The obvious impossibility of carrying out such a moral program should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way. The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you. Habakkuk had it right: “The person who believes God, is set right by God—and that’s the real life.” Rule-keeping does not naturally evolve into living by faith, but only perpetuates itself in more and more rule-keeping, a fact observed in Scripture: “The one who does these things [rule-keeping] continues to live by them.”
Let's TRUST, that the life that God "expects from us", He ACTUALLY HAS for us.
When Moses went up to have a chat with God on the mountain, those left waiting eventually occupied themselves with a gold calf, which, while I'm sure a difficult decision at first, became the accepted habit within the community.
How many personal and community based traditions and habits are we engaged in, that have become a distraction to our ACTUAL life in Him...distractions that we've convinced ourselves and each other, are good! (I would list many here, but I'll choose to postpone controversy)
Jesus said, "It is finished."
The "work" is done.
The purpose is DISCOVERY and GROWTH.
Discover who you are...and grow in the knowledge of it.
There's no prescribed cost to follow God. Even persecution is a fragrant aroma in the revelation of freedom.
What offends God, is us believing that our actions and omissions offend God.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. It is impossible to feel the release from the law if we don't understand the gospel and our freedom in its finality.
The gospel is a constant call...Both TO God, and AWAY FROM ourselves.
Continue in the freedom of His love and grace.
Let's TRUST, that the life that God "expects from us", He ACTUALLY HAS for us.
When Moses went up to have a chat with God on the mountain, those left waiting eventually occupied themselves with a gold calf, which, while I'm sure a difficult decision at first, became the accepted habit within the community.
How many personal and community based traditions and habits are we engaged in, that have become a distraction to our ACTUAL life in Him...distractions that we've convinced ourselves and each other, are good! (I would list many here, but I'll choose to postpone controversy)
Jesus said, "It is finished."
The "work" is done.
The purpose is DISCOVERY and GROWTH.
Discover who you are...and grow in the knowledge of it.
There's no prescribed cost to follow God. Even persecution is a fragrant aroma in the revelation of freedom.
What offends God, is us believing that our actions and omissions offend God.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. It is impossible to feel the release from the law if we don't understand the gospel and our freedom in its finality.
The gospel is a constant call...Both TO God, and AWAY FROM ourselves.
Continue in the freedom of His love and grace.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Persevere in Hope
Hope is the only defense that will keep death from crushing you. Hope in an eternal glory - eternity passed; eternity future.
A new earth...you cannot comprehend!
A new earth...you cannot comprehend!
This life is no doubt an emotional introduction to eternal glory.
We hurt, we cry, we laugh, we overflow with joy...it's a glorious 'hell of a ride'.
We hurt, we cry, we laugh, we overflow with joy...it's a glorious 'hell of a ride'.
We meet some who make it worth the effort; we meet some who inspire regret.
Rest assured, The creator waits, with childlike ecstasy, to embrace His bride.
Rest assured, The creator waits, with childlike ecstasy, to embrace His bride.
Some have crossed the line. They have left us with a burdened heart that beats heavily before our eyes close each night, but they smile. They smile. They smile. THEY SMILE.
There is no more pain.
New is being prepared...For you. Oh you have NO idea!
Whilst we are here, Love will ALWAYS create new and lasting memories.
Yesterday's memories may hurt like hell, love confirms it!
But today belongs to tomorrow's memories, don't spoil that.
But today belongs to tomorrow's memories, don't spoil that.
Christ's love (encountered through our fellow man) is the GREATEST remedy for restoration, for hope lost.
Letting people in to the deepest parts, is the most vulnerable act of trust. It opens you up and exposes you. It is where the seed of love best grows.
THIS IS FOR YOU, MY FRIEND.
THIS IS FOR YOU, MY FRIEND.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Love
"Accountability leads to pretense not freedom as people posture for the acceptance of others. The life of the church is based on love, service and encouragement where people are free to be authentic, to ask the questions that are on their heart and to discover the transforming power of Jesus that actually frees us from sin by the work he does. Our concern for each other’s brokenness and our honesty with people caught in sin is best expressed in love, not by trying to hold others accountable" - The God Journey
Friday, May 29, 2015
LOVE does not punish :-)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love - 1 John 4:18(ESV)
God is LOVE!
His PERFECT LOVE is not withheld from ANYONE ("For God so loved the world...").
But, whoever has FEAR prohibits themselves from fully understand or tasting the flavour of this love.
Where does fear come from?
FEAR finds its roots in even the slightest anticipation of PUNISHMENT.
Perfect love casts out fear - the more we open ourselves up to the mindset that God is a "punisher", the less accurate our revelation will be of His love for us, and thus, the less accurate our revelation of the TRUE GOSPEL and the FINISHED works of Christ will be.
LOVE does not punish!
LOVE cherishes what it has and yearns intensely for what is doesn't!
FEAR finds its roots in even the slightest anticipation of PUNISHMENT.
Perfect love casts out fear - the more we open ourselves up to the mindset that God is a "punisher", the less accurate our revelation will be of His love for us, and thus, the less accurate our revelation of the TRUE GOSPEL and the FINISHED works of Christ will be.
LOVE does not punish!
LOVE cherishes what it has and yearns intensely for what is doesn't!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
The beautiful Wrath of God
A good friend of mine has taken the time to put together an awesome thread of biblical evidence, that God is indeed (and in FACT) head-over-heals in LOVE with YOU!
Grab a cup of coffee, settle down, and slowly read through a mind-altering journey:
The traditional understanding of The wrath of God is a huge stumbling block to believers all around the world. Because, when you boil it down to its essence, it essentially means that God is going to judge sin ...... again! (which obviously creates doubt as to the finality of Jesus work: Was it really "finished?")
So, what do we do?1) Well, we could just avoid all the texts that seem to refer to another future judgement and coming wrath from God
2) We could make up some stuff about "truth being in tension".. So, we can tell people, "Yes! it is finished.... BUT, well... it also is not completely finished yet - and then revert back to response No.1
3) We could just become more comfortable with having a schizophrenic god and make sure our gospel stays very "reformed". (You don't need to ask any real questions because your reformed theological suitcase was neatly packed for you over the last 400 hundreds so you never have to ruffle through it again.)
4) Lets start with who God is.
Scripture tells us that God loves the whole world (all people), and that nothing could ever separate mankind from His love - not even death!!(despite popular "christian" teaching)
But even further to the idea of Gods unconditional love for man is the reason this is so..... Because God IS Love! (1John 4:8)
Just as it is the nature of birds to sing, and dogs to bark, so too is it the nature of God to Love. Its who He is. Everything that He does is love flavored. He can do nothing that does not have love as its motive!
Grab a cup of coffee, settle down, and slowly read through a mind-altering journey:
The traditional understanding of The wrath of God is a huge stumbling block to believers all around the world. Because, when you boil it down to its essence, it essentially means that God is going to judge sin ...... again! (which obviously creates doubt as to the finality of Jesus work: Was it really "finished?")
So, what do we do?1) Well, we could just avoid all the texts that seem to refer to another future judgement and coming wrath from God
2) We could make up some stuff about "truth being in tension".. So, we can tell people, "Yes! it is finished.... BUT, well... it also is not completely finished yet - and then revert back to response No.1
3) We could just become more comfortable with having a schizophrenic god and make sure our gospel stays very "reformed". (You don't need to ask any real questions because your reformed theological suitcase was neatly packed for you over the last 400 hundreds so you never have to ruffle through it again.)
4) Lets start with who God is.
Scripture tells us that God loves the whole world (all people), and that nothing could ever separate mankind from His love - not even death!!(despite popular "christian" teaching)
But even further to the idea of Gods unconditional love for man is the reason this is so..... Because God IS Love! (1John 4:8)
Just as it is the nature of birds to sing, and dogs to bark, so too is it the nature of God to Love. Its who He is. Everything that He does is love flavored. He can do nothing that does not have love as its motive!
So, looking at "wrath" in scripture, when we start with who God is instead of our inherited traditions, bad bible translations and myths about "hell", we will reach a far different conclusion than what is mostly understood about Gods wrath. We will in actual fact reach a conclusion that God is for us and not against us.
These days if some Christians were asked to define or describe to what "wrath" is, they would probably say something like.... "It is fierce anger", or in a religious context, "Its how God will act towards sinners at the end of time when he displays his anger at them - ultimately expressed by allowing them to burn in a place called hell, forever and ever.... that's God expressing his wrath"
Well, that is what we have been led to believe about what wrath is by Tradition. However, what does the word that's been translated as "wrath" in our English bibles actually mean?
The Greek word used for Wrath is "Orge'" - it is defined as any expression of intense emotion or Desire
In fact this self same word, "Orge" (wrath) is where we get our English word, "Orgy" from as well as "Orgasm" - yes that's right!
Continuing: The root of "Orge" is defined as "straining or reaching out in an intense or violent way for the object of one's desire. (In Gods case - thats mankind!!)
Q: So, from the modern traditional view of Gods wrath, when will God "pour our his wrath"
A: (from a modern traditional stand-point) At the end of time - when there will be YET ANOTHER JUDGEMENT. God will then Judge the world again and pour out his wrath on sinners...
(this common view is based on a very confusion view of the Revelation, which hopefully ill write about in a post soon)
Well, here's a thought. Scripture actually tells us what Gods "wrath" being poured out looks like, and that it also seems to be happening now - in this age as well:
What does His wrath look like? How is this outworked?
Paul continues:
So to conclude: Gods wrath upon people is a Good thing!! - It's His full commitment to see them free from the ravages of sin - and be fully who they were made to be. (God will continue to reveal the riches of his Grace to us through Christ Jesus in ALL the AGES TO COME (Eph 2).
God will continue to have his wrath rest on unbelievers until they finally see who He really is, that God is LOVE. Trust/Faith works through LOVE.
These days if some Christians were asked to define or describe to what "wrath" is, they would probably say something like.... "It is fierce anger", or in a religious context, "Its how God will act towards sinners at the end of time when he displays his anger at them - ultimately expressed by allowing them to burn in a place called hell, forever and ever.... that's God expressing his wrath"
Well, that is what we have been led to believe about what wrath is by Tradition. However, what does the word that's been translated as "wrath" in our English bibles actually mean?
The Greek word used for Wrath is "Orge'" - it is defined as any expression of intense emotion or Desire
In fact this self same word, "Orge" (wrath) is where we get our English word, "Orgy" from as well as "Orgasm" - yes that's right!
Continuing: The root of "Orge" is defined as "straining or reaching out in an intense or violent way for the object of one's desire. (In Gods case - thats mankind!!)
(side note: Some brothers - including me - have historically misunderstood Gods wrath. They love to quote John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them." - I wrote specifically on this verse a few years back: click here to read: Gods Wrath on unbelievers)
Q: So, from the modern traditional view of Gods wrath, when will God "pour our his wrath"
A: (from a modern traditional stand-point) At the end of time - when there will be YET ANOTHER JUDGEMENT. God will then Judge the world again and pour out his wrath on sinners...
(this common view is based on a very confusion view of the Revelation, which hopefully ill write about in a post soon)
Well, here's a thought. Scripture actually tells us what Gods "wrath" being poured out looks like, and that it also seems to be happening now - in this age as well:
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel (Good News): for it is the power of God unto salvation (Understand Sozo: the Zoe life of God in and through you - NOT an 'in' or 'out' of heaven issue.) to everyone that believeth (Read, "Trusts the Good News" ); to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is *revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. (the Good News *uncovers the reality of your position of Right Standing with God. We can participate in that Freedom when we Believe/Trust that its true)
Rom 1:18 For (Therefore) the wrath (intense Agape Love desire) of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness;
(His Desire is to see Man - the object of his affection - free from that which harms him. The goal of his wrath is to SEPARATE man from the things that prevent him from seeing who God truely is - His Lover.)
What does His wrath look like? How is this outworked?
Paul continues:
Rom 1:24 Because of this, God gave them up (read: "entrusted" them to) to impurity in the lusts of their hearts, their bodies to be dishonored among themselves,
Rom 1:26 Because of this, God gave them up (read: "entrusted" them to) to dishonorable passions, for even their females changed the natural use to that contrary to nature.
Gods wrath, his intense love and desire for them, causes Him to "entrust them over" to encounter the consequences of sin and ultimately reach the conclusion on their own - that He is the True Love. The True Life.
In Fact, Jesus himself gives us this exact same scenario when He was explaining what God is like:
In Luke 15 Jesus tells a parable of a son who wanted his inheritance early from his father. He didn't want to stay in His fathers house.
So, what did his loving Father do?
He gave him what he wanted... he entrusted him over to worldly riches and his selfish desires so that he would reach the end of himself and realize his Fathers Goodness.
Q: Did the Father's love and desire for his son diminish towards his son at any stage?
A: Nope, in fact the Fathers desire to have his son back with him remained relentless as evidenced by his continuous searching for him - "even while he was a long way off, his Father saw him" Luke15:20
This is what Gods wrath does! It remains on those who do not believe (which is to Trust the Good news). His INTENSE Love for them (his wrath) will graciously allow them to reach the end of themselves, then when they turn around, there is - running towards them with arms wide open and kisses of unconditional forgiveness!
How perverted has modern western churchianity made this beautiful parable that Jesus told?
To the unbeliever churchianity says, "Repent!! Come to the Father and then He will be Good to you" (This is Crazy!! ... and NOT THE GOOD NEWS, this is religious crap!)
Scripture tells us that it is His Goodness that comes first and then repentance:
"..do you despise the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the GOODNESS of God leads you to repentance"
(It certainly seems as if most modern believers today actually DO despise Gods goodness towards ALL men.....)
Continuing: So Gods wrath - His intense Desire and love for mankind - will often allow unbelievers to reach the end of themselves. Remember, God is Love.....Love is patient, Love is kind, ......does not dishonour others, is not self seeking, Love keeps no record of wrongs.
All instances in Scripture of seemingly future "wrath"and "judgement" MUST be seen through the lenses of the *FINISHED work of Jesus and the Nature of God.
There can be no future judgement that in anyway dishonors the judgement that Jesus endured.
*On the Cross, when Jesus said "it is finished" he wasn't talking about the wine he was offered on the sponge!!
He was talking about completing what he was sent to do. He uses the word "Tetelestai" which means that nothing further can be added to the work. It is absolutely complete. As a master painter would stand back after painting a masterpiece and say, "It is finished". Not one additional brush stroke needs to be added. The work is perfect.
Now, with "Tetelestai" in mind:
1) Remember that just before Jesus went to the cross he said, "Now is the hour of the Judgement of the world..."
Q: So, is there another judgement of the world to come?
A: No, the judgement of the world is Tetelestai) * Of course this raises questions about "future Jugement"in Revelation. Once again, i will go through the book of Revelation soon, and point out how its all about Jesus and what was ALREADY accomplished through him.
2) John, "Behold! the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
Q: Did the Lamb of God TAKE AWAY the sin OF THE WORLD?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there still sin that separates Man from God?
A: NO! The worlds sin has been taken away. It is Tetelestai - "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed or sin from us". - Ps 103:12)
So, will God really pour out His anger on unbelievers (as commonly understood), or will he pursue the very last one because he sees the intense value in all his creation?
Lets continue:
In Luke 15, while talking about the prodigal son, he also tells of a Shepard who had 100 sheep and one goes astray. He relentlessly tracks it down until he finds it and brings it back home. The parable ends with a party over the found sheep and Jesus says that in just the same way there is great joy over one sinner who "changes his mind!" (repents)
Q: What made the one stray sheep (sinner) change his mind (repent)?
A: The goodness of God.
Scripture says, "we ALL like sheep have gone astray, each has turned to his own way..." Isa 53:6
and then that text in Isaiah carry's on to say that he will not count our sin against us....
Then immediately after this - same sitting - Jesus tells a parable of a lady who looses a valuable coin and how she relentlessly searches for it until she finds it. The point Jesus was making is that this is what God is like!
Then again he says there is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who changes his mind (repents).
Again, here Jesus is comparing the lost coin to a lost sinner. And the owner searches and searches until it is found. This is what God is like.
He has WRATH towards the lost sheep, lost coin, lost son.
His Wrath is his Intense love and desire to see ALL the sheep in one flock, All the valuable coins together again, All the lost sons come home again. He is NOT angry at the lost object. He loves them and he Saves them!
Q: What causes them to be saved?
A: The relentless Goodness of God
In fact Jesus actually said that the very reason He came was to seek and save (sozo) the lost!!
Q: Did Jesus accomplish all he came to do?
A: Yes. He even said, Father i have accomplished all you sent me to do (John17:4).
So when he said "It is Finished", it really was finished.
If he said that He came to seek and save the lost, then it is Finished/complete.
If, like John said, he is the Lamb of God that takes away the Sin OF THE World, then, it is Finished!!
Is God counting sin against man still OR has Sin been removed as far as the east is from the west?
So, is God's wrath to punish sinners OR is it to rescue them from the detrimental effects of living as a sinner so instead they can live in the freedom he always intended?
If sin has been removed by God himself and he "remembers it no more", then having "wrath"(as wrongly interpreted) against unbelievers is the height of hippocracy. - LOL!!, unless you make up some stuff about truth being in tension....
It IS finished.... already. The Good News of this reality, when we trust (believe/have faith) it causes us to partake in His freedom.
But Andrew!! People have to make a decision to follow God (who, by the way, scripture calls "The Great Shepard")
Well, that's not what Jesus himself explained as mentioned above. He said the Shepard (God) went looking for the one who chose NOT to follow him (unbeliever).... and found it and brought it home to be with the rest of the followers.
LOL - i can hear some already... Am i saying now that nobody need follow Jesus because he is just going to save everybody anyway?
I am saying that according to scripture some will choose Him in this age as they hear the GOOD NEWS and some wont hear the Good News in this age (Or perhaps they will hear but have too much baggage or indoctrinated minds about who God REALLY is and reject him out of ignorance).
The Great Shepard will bring in every last one! This we can be assured of.
We don't need to try to force a decision out of them by fear-mongering. If people believe and "choose" to follow God out of fear of torment (bad interpretation of wrath) then its NOT the Gospel they have believed - and it is NOT freedom they are living in, it IS BONDAGE.
Friends, we MUST see that the Gospel message is one of LOVE, not Fear. There is NO fear in love.
Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1 in Rom 10:20 when he says that Isaiah said BOLDLY about God, "I will be found by those who were NOT looking for me and i will reveal myself to those who DID NOT ask for me".
It seems to me that God loves people more than our modern western fickle "gospel"will allow for.
We want "WRATH" (bad def.) and judgement on unbelievers and so we have developed - over time - a doctrine to make room for this.
Meanwhile, God desires MERCY over Judgement.
(Remember when the disciples wanted to call down fire on the unbelieving Samaritans.... and Jesus rebuked them saying they are of the wrong spirit?)
In Luke 15 Jesus tells a parable of a son who wanted his inheritance early from his father. He didn't want to stay in His fathers house.
So, what did his loving Father do?
He gave him what he wanted... he entrusted him over to worldly riches and his selfish desires so that he would reach the end of himself and realize his Fathers Goodness.
Q: Did the Father's love and desire for his son diminish towards his son at any stage?
A: Nope, in fact the Fathers desire to have his son back with him remained relentless as evidenced by his continuous searching for him - "even while he was a long way off, his Father saw him" Luke15:20
This is what Gods wrath does! It remains on those who do not believe (which is to Trust the Good news). His INTENSE Love for them (his wrath) will graciously allow them to reach the end of themselves, then when they turn around, there is - running towards them with arms wide open and kisses of unconditional forgiveness!
How perverted has modern western churchianity made this beautiful parable that Jesus told?
To the unbeliever churchianity says, "Repent!! Come to the Father and then He will be Good to you" (This is Crazy!! ... and NOT THE GOOD NEWS, this is religious crap!)
Scripture tells us that it is His Goodness that comes first and then repentance:
"..do you despise the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the GOODNESS of God leads you to repentance"
(It certainly seems as if most modern believers today actually DO despise Gods goodness towards ALL men.....)
Continuing: So Gods wrath - His intense Desire and love for mankind - will often allow unbelievers to reach the end of themselves. Remember, God is Love.....Love is patient, Love is kind, ......does not dishonour others, is not self seeking, Love keeps no record of wrongs.
(In fact God has made an oath to remember mans sins no more - Isaiah 43:25, Hebrew 8:12, Hebrews 10:17)
Gods wrath is LOVE flavored because God is love.All instances in Scripture of seemingly future "wrath"and "judgement" MUST be seen through the lenses of the *FINISHED work of Jesus and the Nature of God.
There can be no future judgement that in anyway dishonors the judgement that Jesus endured.
*On the Cross, when Jesus said "it is finished" he wasn't talking about the wine he was offered on the sponge!!
He was talking about completing what he was sent to do. He uses the word "Tetelestai" which means that nothing further can be added to the work. It is absolutely complete. As a master painter would stand back after painting a masterpiece and say, "It is finished". Not one additional brush stroke needs to be added. The work is perfect.
Now, with "Tetelestai" in mind:
1) Remember that just before Jesus went to the cross he said, "Now is the hour of the Judgement of the world..."
Q: So, is there another judgement of the world to come?
A: No, the judgement of the world is Tetelestai) * Of course this raises questions about "future Jugement"in Revelation. Once again, i will go through the book of Revelation soon, and point out how its all about Jesus and what was ALREADY accomplished through him.
2) John, "Behold! the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
Q: Did the Lamb of God TAKE AWAY the sin OF THE WORLD?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there still sin that separates Man from God?
A: NO! The worlds sin has been taken away. It is Tetelestai - "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed or sin from us". - Ps 103:12)
So, will God really pour out His anger on unbelievers (as commonly understood), or will he pursue the very last one because he sees the intense value in all his creation?
Lets continue:
In Luke 15, while talking about the prodigal son, he also tells of a Shepard who had 100 sheep and one goes astray. He relentlessly tracks it down until he finds it and brings it back home. The parable ends with a party over the found sheep and Jesus says that in just the same way there is great joy over one sinner who "changes his mind!" (repents)
Q: What made the one stray sheep (sinner) change his mind (repent)?
A: The goodness of God.
Scripture says, "we ALL like sheep have gone astray, each has turned to his own way..." Isa 53:6
and then that text in Isaiah carry's on to say that he will not count our sin against us....
Then immediately after this - same sitting - Jesus tells a parable of a lady who looses a valuable coin and how she relentlessly searches for it until she finds it. The point Jesus was making is that this is what God is like!
Then again he says there is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who changes his mind (repents).
Again, here Jesus is comparing the lost coin to a lost sinner. And the owner searches and searches until it is found. This is what God is like.
He has WRATH towards the lost sheep, lost coin, lost son.
His Wrath is his Intense love and desire to see ALL the sheep in one flock, All the valuable coins together again, All the lost sons come home again. He is NOT angry at the lost object. He loves them and he Saves them!
Q: What causes them to be saved?
A: The relentless Goodness of God
In fact Jesus actually said that the very reason He came was to seek and save (sozo) the lost!!
Q: Did Jesus accomplish all he came to do?
A: Yes. He even said, Father i have accomplished all you sent me to do (John17:4).
So when he said "It is Finished", it really was finished.
If he said that He came to seek and save the lost, then it is Finished/complete.
If, like John said, he is the Lamb of God that takes away the Sin OF THE World, then, it is Finished!!
Is God counting sin against man still OR has Sin been removed as far as the east is from the west?
So, is God's wrath to punish sinners OR is it to rescue them from the detrimental effects of living as a sinner so instead they can live in the freedom he always intended?
If sin has been removed by God himself and he "remembers it no more", then having "wrath"(as wrongly interpreted) against unbelievers is the height of hippocracy. - LOL!!, unless you make up some stuff about truth being in tension....
It IS finished.... already. The Good News of this reality, when we trust (believe/have faith) it causes us to partake in His freedom.
But Andrew!! People have to make a decision to follow God (who, by the way, scripture calls "The Great Shepard")
Well, that's not what Jesus himself explained as mentioned above. He said the Shepard (God) went looking for the one who chose NOT to follow him (unbeliever).... and found it and brought it home to be with the rest of the followers.
LOL - i can hear some already... Am i saying now that nobody need follow Jesus because he is just going to save everybody anyway?
I am saying that according to scripture some will choose Him in this age as they hear the GOOD NEWS and some wont hear the Good News in this age (Or perhaps they will hear but have too much baggage or indoctrinated minds about who God REALLY is and reject him out of ignorance).
The Great Shepard will bring in every last one! This we can be assured of.
We don't need to try to force a decision out of them by fear-mongering. If people believe and "choose" to follow God out of fear of torment (bad interpretation of wrath) then its NOT the Gospel they have believed - and it is NOT freedom they are living in, it IS BONDAGE.
Friends, we MUST see that the Gospel message is one of LOVE, not Fear. There is NO fear in love.
Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1 in Rom 10:20 when he says that Isaiah said BOLDLY about God, "I will be found by those who were NOT looking for me and i will reveal myself to those who DID NOT ask for me".
It seems to me that God loves people more than our modern western fickle "gospel"will allow for.
We want "WRATH" (bad def.) and judgement on unbelievers and so we have developed - over time - a doctrine to make room for this.
Meanwhile, God desires MERCY over Judgement.
(Remember when the disciples wanted to call down fire on the unbelieving Samaritans.... and Jesus rebuked them saying they are of the wrong spirit?)
So to conclude: Gods wrath upon people is a Good thing!! - It's His full commitment to see them free from the ravages of sin - and be fully who they were made to be. (God will continue to reveal the riches of his Grace to us through Christ Jesus in ALL the AGES TO COME (Eph 2).
God will continue to have his wrath rest on unbelievers until they finally see who He really is, that God is LOVE. Trust/Faith works through LOVE.
We really need to toss the vile doctrine of Gods Wrath involving punishment and torment of unbelievers!!
Perfect love casts out all fear because fear has to do with torment - 1 john 4:18
Thanks for reading. It is for freedom that you have been set free, so do not go back under a yoke of slavery again. God is GOOD. God is LOVE. It IS Finished.
PS: I am fully aware that for some reading this, the playing field (or lenses through which you read this) may not be even and you may have hundreds of questions.
1) If you believe in the modern western traditional of "hell" where God throws people into fire for all eternity this blog post will make no sense to you.
2) If you are unaware that the word "eternity" and "forever" are not actually in the original language of scripture, but rather the word "aeon" refers to an age - a space of time with a starting and ending point, then this post might not make any sense to you. read here
3) If you believe that God only loves Christians, then this post might not make sense to you.
4) If you believe that the book of Revelation is a future tense event and not the revelation of Jesus and what he accomplished, then this might not make sense to you
Perfect love casts out all fear because fear has to do with torment - 1 john 4:18
Thanks for reading. It is for freedom that you have been set free, so do not go back under a yoke of slavery again. God is GOOD. God is LOVE. It IS Finished.
PS: I am fully aware that for some reading this, the playing field (or lenses through which you read this) may not be even and you may have hundreds of questions.
1) If you believe in the modern western traditional of "hell" where God throws people into fire for all eternity this blog post will make no sense to you.
2) If you are unaware that the word "eternity" and "forever" are not actually in the original language of scripture, but rather the word "aeon" refers to an age - a space of time with a starting and ending point, then this post might not make any sense to you. read here
3) If you believe that God only loves Christians, then this post might not make sense to you.
4) If you believe that the book of Revelation is a future tense event and not the revelation of Jesus and what he accomplished, then this might not make sense to you
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