HOW COULD A GOOD AND LOVING GOD SEND SOMEONE TO HELL?

 

Why can’t God just forgive and let everyone into heaven? Why will someone go to hell? In asking these questions, they reveal that they do not understand the love and goodness of God and the wickedness of sin. God’s love is a holy love, not an emotional love. God is loving, yes, but that’s not all He is. He’s also a good judge. Should a loving human judge allow the criminals to go free? Of course not. If we, with our finite justice system, think it is necessary to punish criminals in civil court, how much more should an infinite God judge our crimes or our sins against Him. The Bible tells us that God alone is holy, He is the standard of all that is right, virtuous, and good. His nature is pure.

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 

People will go to hell when they die because they have sinned and violated the moral laws of God the Ten Commandments (1 John 3:4). Some people reject the reality of hell. Creating a false image of God in your mind, anything you love, treasure, or prioritise more than God is a form of idolatry, which is sin.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25 

Think of it like this: if we were to light a match and place it next to a dried-out leaf, what would happen? Well, the fire consumes the leaf? Why? It is because they’re different, their natures are opposed to one another. In the same way, God and man’s nature are opposite. On the day of judgement, sinful man will not be able to stand in the presence of a holy God because of their opposing natures. The issue is not God’s love, the issue is His holiness. He is described as a consuming fire who dwells in unapproachable light.

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29 

God has no pleasure in wickedness, hates workers of sin (iniquity), and destroys those that speak leasing (lying, falsehood). Sadly, not everyone will go to heaven, many will go to hell.

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. Psalm 5:4-6 

God is good, and that is why He does something about sin. He will judge righteously. God has no respect of persons. God will be so thorough that he will consider hatred to be murder of the heart and will judge all humanity right down to our words, thoughts, and intents of our hearts.

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11 

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 

In our evil, wicked, sinful state, there is no way we can approach God. Our only hope is to somehow take on the same nature as God. We must be Born-Again.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:3-7 

When you repent to be sorry for who you are and what you are, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, God will impute His righteousness to you. It is imperative that you are given this new nature (born-again) since each of us is headed towards our own personal judgement day. He is coming to judge the world. He will judge the world in righteousness.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31

Jesus Christ's precious blood shed on the cross is more than enough to cleanse you from all your sins. God will change you inwardly (born-again) through the Holy Spirit and you will be saved from the wrath to come. Please read the Bible daily and ask God to help you to obey what you read.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:22 

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9 

The problem isn’t with God, the problem is our sin! How about you? Where do you think you will go after you die? Heaven or Hell?

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

 

ARE YOU A PEOPLE PLEASER?

 

A people-pleaser is someone who finds it hard to say no to others and earnestly tries to please them. Someone who cares a lot about whether other people like them and feels good to be liked by others. People-pleasers appear to be selfless, kind, and generous. They strive to please everyone because oftentimes they are trying to appease themselves.

Jesus Christ loved, served, healed, and gave all of Himself to save people from their sin, but He was also not afraid to say what needed to be said, even when people got angry. He rebuked religious people in public for their hypocrisy and their lack of faith (Matthew 23). He lived to glorify, obey, and please the Father.

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. John 8:29 

The apostles told the truth and obeyed God, rather than acting on the opinions and expectations of others, they were not afraid to tell the truth to the people.

 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19,20 

The gospel of Jesus Christ, is the only gospel. The Bible says if anyone preach any other gospel unto you let him be accursed. The apostle Paul did not please men but rather served and lived for Christ.

As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:9,10 

People-pleasing is sin. People commit idolatry when they create a god in their minds to suit themselves by seeking approval from human beings rather than seeking God. When we meditate on God’s word, we will overcome any temptations of sin.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 

Even in Jesus' time, some people believed His message but refused to follow Him because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. People-pleasing can lead to separation from God.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42,43 

We must find motivation by reading and meditating on the word of God, which tells us that everything we do is for the glory of God.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:13 

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 

Our goal is to please God and be led by the Holy Spirit to live in order to honour and please His name, not to please others or ourselves. 

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10 

You either saved or unsaved. Jesus judged the people due to their sin. You cannot bribe the Lord of the Universe. If there’s a sin in your life and you don’t deal with it, He will deal with you. If you lied, you’re a liar. If you steal, you’re a thief. If you take God’s name in vain, you’re a blasphemer. If you hate someone, you’re a murderer at heart. He will judge your heart and your thoughts.

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11 

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12 

You can be set free from the bonds of sin and people-pleasing when you believe, repent and trust alone in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. His precious blood will cleanse you from all sin. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit, born-again, with a new heart and desire to serve God and please Him. Please read the Holy Bible daily and ask God to reveal Himself to you through His holy words and help you obey what you read.

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:8 

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay
https://onewaytograce.com

IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

 

                   

 

Our names are a very important part of our identity. They carry personal, family, and historical connections. These can be first names or family names. The Bible talks of a book in heaven that belongs to the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:27), which records the names of the people who will inherit eternal life.

To have one’s name written in the Book of Life means that the names of the believers in the Lord, who are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, will have everlasting life. These are those who overcame the trials and tribulations and were faithful to the end. Once a name is written in the Book of Life, Jesus promises that he will never blot it out, giving them eternal security.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5 

The Book of Life is a book in which all those who have been redeemed and have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, are recorded. It is the Book of Life, in which the names of the Apostles and Paul's co-workers are written in heaven.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20 

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3 

Moses offered to have his name blotted out of the Book of Life so that the Israelites could be forgiven of their sins. 

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Exodus 32:31-33 

Is your name written in the Book of Life? In order to answer the question, please examine yourself according to God’s laws (the Ten Commandments). If you tell a lie, that makes you a liar. 

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. 

Proverbs 12:22

If you’ve used God’s name in vain, you’re a blasphemer. 
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

If you steal anything, regardless of its value, you’re a thief. 

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Leviticus 19:11

If you hate someone, you’re a murderer at heart. 

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal 

life abiding in him.1 John 3:15

If you’ve looked with lust, you’re committing adultery at heart. 

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

It is not only breaking the Ten Commandments but also knowing what is right and not doing it.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

We have all sinned against the Almighty God. This applies to all of humanity and will also apply once we reach the age of accountability and understand what is right and wrong. That is why we all die because of our sins.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 3:22 

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 

Again, the Book of Life is a book in which all those who have been redeemed and have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, are recorded. On the cross, He bore all of humanity's sins, but only those who appropriate the atonement will inherit eternal life. This happens when you believe, repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone, in His death, burial, and resurrection, His holy and precious blood shed on the cross will cleanse you from all of your sins. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit and born again from within (change inwardly).

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7 

You should be aware of the importance of having your name written in the Book of Life, because if not, hell is waiting, and that is not God’s will for you. So please make the right decision about where you will go after you die; your soul is precious to God. You are not guaranteed tomorrow; now is the day of salvation.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 20:14-15 

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)2 Corinthians 6:2 

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay
https://onewaytograce.com

CHRISTIAN VIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE

 

Some scientists believe that greenhouse gas emissions are damaging to the environment and are causing climate change. Some environmentalists are so worried about protecting the earth. Others promote climate change for financial gain.

 As Bible-believing born-again Christians, we are not denying that we should care for creation and our environment as God commands us.

 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28

 What does the Bible say about climate change? Not much. The Bible prophesied of what could be considered climate change would be the end times of disaster. Yet these prophecies which are yet to happen have nothing to do with greenhouse gas emissions as these are the result of man’s doing which we are all a part of.

 One day God’s wrath shall pour out justice on an increasingly wicked world.

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Revelation 16:8,9

There is nothing wrong with going green, trying to reduce carbon footprint, solar panels, windmills, and other energy sources but we must remember what saves mankind is the Christian gospel which needs to be heard, especially with the united voice of the world that seems like climate change is the issue above all others. That is a lie from Satan. The Bible tells us that this whole world lieth in wickedness.

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1 John 5:19

We remember that God is Sovereign and this world is not our home. God will one day destroy this present earth in which there will be fervent heat and the earth will be burned and replaced with the New Heaven and New Earth.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

Many people nowadays are so worried about climate change and its effects, which lead to environmental challenges such as images of droughts, melting glaciers, floods, wildfires, etc are heart-breaking but how much more terrifying fire awaits people who die without Jesus Christ, there is no second chance, for those whose names are not written in the Book of Life.

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:7

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15

However, we should not let environmental changes consume our thoughts, where things that God created are held in higher esteem than God (which is idolatry). The most urgent need for people throughout the world is to get priorities right. Instead of glorifying climate change, it is time to repent (to be sorry for who you are and what you are. To change your mind from unbelief to belief in Jesus Christ). Jesus says,

 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

When people believe, trust, and have faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone to save them, through His death, burial, and resurrection, His precious divine blood then cleanses them from all of their sins, then you are born again. God will fill you with the Holy Spirit and change you inwardly. Please read the Holy Bible and ask God to help you obey what you read.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

The message of hope we proclaim is not a hope in human endeavour, nor hope in this world but the hope of the eternal world to come. There is only one name whereby we must be saved Jesus Christ alone!

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 

  

Blessings in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com