I heard a sermon today (Colossians 1:9-14) that was very well-organized and thoughtful. The pastor did a masterful job presenting it, and it centered on us moving in the direction of being like Jesus. Who could fault that?
Prelude to the Sinner's Prayer
My concern is what he said afterward. As with Sunday services at most churches, the pastor asked if there was anyone ready to make a "decision for Christ." Again, not unusual, but it's what he said just before taking everyone through the sinner's prayer. He said:
"look, it's not about getting out of hell, it's about being like Jesus!"
To someone who's never picked up a bible before, this sounds reasonable. After all, if they've ever been to another church, hell was probably not mentioned there, either -- or they, like so many others, denied its existence.
What is Being Saved Really About?
If being saved is not about staying out of hell, what could it be about? Way too many pastors, preachers, elders, and ministers make it about this:
While all these benefits, hopes, and mandates are wonderful to move toward, it's not the reason why God sent his only begotten Son. Here's the verse we all know so well:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV
This verse isn't saying that whoever believes in him shall:
Eternal spiritual death.
Well, that doesn't sound so bad, right? After all, everyone knows you're going to die sometime past 80 years old, anyway.
Who Was John 3:16 Written For?
I believe John 3:16 was written for those who understand what's at stake. They know the contrast between heaven and hell, and they fear God's immutable wrath.
I'm no theologian, but I've seen the verses where Jesus talks about hell as being a place where there's weeping and gnashing of teeth. Other verses point to a lake of fire and the outer darkness. That's enough for me.
Children talk About Heaven and Hell
When I was a child, my neighbor friend and I obsessed about heaven and hell. We were curious and frightened at the same time. I'm now learning -- since I have a young son of my own -- that kids often obsess about heaven and hell and that we lose that curiosity when we become "adults."
Our Responsibility as Believers
We, as followers of Christ, are responsible for telling the truth to the unsaved about hell. It's an ugly place that should frighten us to our core. I think anyone with an imagination could figure that out. I don't think God has revealed everything about it. It's so nasty, he wants to spare us all the details.
Still, I think we have enough information to conclude that we wouldn't want our worst enemy spending eternity in hell. Therefore, I think it's okay to bring it up in conversation with the unsaved. Don't you?
Prelude to the Sinner's Prayer
My concern is what he said afterward. As with Sunday services at most churches, the pastor asked if there was anyone ready to make a "decision for Christ." Again, not unusual, but it's what he said just before taking everyone through the sinner's prayer. He said:
"look, it's not about getting out of hell, it's about being like Jesus!"
To someone who's never picked up a bible before, this sounds reasonable. After all, if they've ever been to another church, hell was probably not mentioned there, either -- or they, like so many others, denied its existence.
What is Being Saved Really About?
If being saved is not about staying out of hell, what could it be about? Way too many pastors, preachers, elders, and ministers make it about this:
- Having a better life (God has a perfect, wonderful plan for it)
- Being a better person
- The Gifts of the Spirit
- Living a Godly life
- The Great Commission
- Being more like Jesus
While all these benefits, hopes, and mandates are wonderful to move toward, it's not the reason why God sent his only begotten Son. Here's the verse we all know so well:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV
This verse isn't saying that whoever believes in him shall:
- Drive a nicer car
- Live in an awesome house
- Join the middle class
- Have a perfect marriage
- Be a Godly man or woman
- Be like Jesus
- Go preach the Gospel
Eternal spiritual death.
Well, that doesn't sound so bad, right? After all, everyone knows you're going to die sometime past 80 years old, anyway.
Who Was John 3:16 Written For?
I believe John 3:16 was written for those who understand what's at stake. They know the contrast between heaven and hell, and they fear God's immutable wrath.
I'm no theologian, but I've seen the verses where Jesus talks about hell as being a place where there's weeping and gnashing of teeth. Other verses point to a lake of fire and the outer darkness. That's enough for me.
Children talk About Heaven and Hell
When I was a child, my neighbor friend and I obsessed about heaven and hell. We were curious and frightened at the same time. I'm now learning -- since I have a young son of my own -- that kids often obsess about heaven and hell and that we lose that curiosity when we become "adults."
Our Responsibility as Believers
We, as followers of Christ, are responsible for telling the truth to the unsaved about hell. It's an ugly place that should frighten us to our core. I think anyone with an imagination could figure that out. I don't think God has revealed everything about it. It's so nasty, he wants to spare us all the details.
Still, I think we have enough information to conclude that we wouldn't want our worst enemy spending eternity in hell. Therefore, I think it's okay to bring it up in conversation with the unsaved. Don't you?
- 3
- Show all