Perspective

We tend to think that the universe revolves around the souls of men, where God and Satan are in a cosmic battle to win the souls of men, being the ultimate prize to be won. But rather, the universe revolves around the Almighty God, it's primary purpose to bring Him glory.

We tend to think that God and Satan are arch-enemies, equal in power and strength. But rather, Satan is a created being, subject to God and His command.

We tend to think that Jesus died on the cross to save us ("win us") because He loves us and wanted to defeat Satan. But rather, Christ died on the cross primarily to absorb the wrath of God.

We tend to think that we have control over our lives, that we are free to choose what we will do from one day to the next, that the outcome of our lives depend on us. But rather, God is soverign. His hands direct our lives, and only by His mercy we live one day to the next.

We tend to think that our faith saves us, that if we can believe enough in Jesus that we will escape hell. But rather, Christ's work on the cross was finished, it is only He who inspires true saving faith, only He works in us to will and to do the things that please Him.

We tend to think that humanity is good at it's core being, that every person has some good in him. But rather, we are all born into a sinful nature, that makes us wicked in all we do, with the ultimate result that, apart from Christ, we are enemies of God.

We tend to think that God's character only portrays love, mercy, and kindness. But rather, we forget that He is the Almighty, who demands that we reverence and fear Him. The One who has poured out His wrath upon the nations and takes pleasure in His glory. The One who has the power to destroy both body and soul.

We are arrogant in our thinking. We are completely centered upon ourselves. Humanity wants to believe that we are little gods, that the Almighty God is so captivated with us that we have control. Our perspective is skewed. We can call ourselves Christians but still believe in a man-centered religion.

Who are we compared to the Almighty, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent God? Who are we to question Him? Who are we to demand from Him? Who are we to say what is just? Are we more intelligent than He? Shall we serve a God who is limited in power and might?

We need to see the One True God. We need to allow His truth to penetrate our hearts. We need to be passionate about His glory. We need to be centered upon Christ. We need Him.

We need a new perspective.

The World Around Us Disappears

After reading Jonathan Edward's "Sinners in the hands of an angry God," and some of Clint's recent posts, I have been contemplating the condition of those who surround me everyday. I have become numb to the piercing truth that many people I know and love are inevitably bound for hell. Just writing that makes my heart cringe. The knowledge of this epidemic should give me an urgency to declare the true gospel, that they should repent and trust in Jesus or their sins will surely be paid for by an eternity in hell.

Although, all too often I find myself "encouraging" and "appeasing" those around me. I make them feel like their condition is acceptable, like convincing them they are not sick when I have the antedote to their ailment. I would like to think that I am gently bringing truth by example, but in all honesty, I am a self-centered coward.

I care more about what those people think of me than their disgusting eternal condition. I would rather be "nice" and tell people things like "Jesus loves you," in the guise of compassion, than to have the truest kind of love and compassion of communicating their rotting condition of sin and the cure of Jesus Christ. I would rather rationalize my lack of concern by saying that "God will draw them to the truth," but denying His use of me as His vessel of truth. It has been said of me that I am the queen of excuses, and in this regard, I cannot deny the stark truth that statement brings. My own actions condemning me before The Judge.

I am selfish. I am afraid. I love my own life too much to truly love those around me. I enjoy my comfortable christian bubble while the world around us disappears.