[218 words]
Modem people have a hard time getting around the concept of hell and a “loving God.” They can’t imagine a loving God consigning multitudes of people to an eternal punishment.
We have come a long way, it seems, from the “hell fire and damnation” sermons of a by-gone age. We have also ignored fifty percent of the character of God: “Note then the kindness and severity of God: Severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off’ (Romans 11:22, ESV).
We need to reevaluate our understanding of what sin is, who sins, and how severe a condition it is. I know this isn’t easy; looking at our sin in the clear light of God’s will is a little like staring into the sun. It is painful, tear-wrenching, and concentrates the mind wonderfully.
God’s grace reminds us of his profound love and our profound debt. Grace induces both deep relief and chest constricting fear. Grace teaches us the price of forgiveness and the cost of sin. Dear reader, grace teaches us both, not one or the other!
We test God when we think of His forgiveness as His debt to us. He owes us not a thing; we owe Him everything.
via Grand Blanc church of Christ
Grand Blanc,MI