From time to time I am asked questions which are not always easy to answer. I believe that God has given us His Word, the Bible, to guide us through life and any questions that may arise. Here is one recent question:
"I have a question for you, if you don't mind. I have been wondering lately about something. Are there sins that are not forgiven? For instance, Murder?? (not thinking of doing it...just to set you at ease). Two instances, if the person is saved before they commit the murder, and genuinely ask for forgiveness after the fact. The other, if they are not saved when they commit the Murder, but genuinely ask Christ to be their Savior after, and ask for forgiveness, (are they forgiven) even if they are put to death for that crime? I know I should probably already know this, but don't, so I was hoping you could offer some insight. Thanks."
My answer: This is a question that has fueled debates among Christians for generations. Two Scriptures to consider. First, Matthew 12.31 says "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." And second, 1 Timothy 1.15 "...Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." Jesus paid the penalty for all sin- everything a person has done or will do that is contrary to God's Word and His nature. Although Jesus did this, it is not credited to our account personally until we accept God's gracious gift of salvation. The blasphemy of the Spirit is not accepting what God has done for us, but choosing to go our own way. If we accept Christ and then blow it by committing a sin, we have a remedy in 1 John 1.9 which says, "If we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When we confess our sins, we agree with God that our acts are sin. We also bring them out of hiding and into His light. This begins to break the power of sin in our lives. Through confession we step back into God's light and into His righteousness. Can a believer commit murder or some other heinous crime? Unfortunately yes. All sin is forgiven through Christ, and although we may have a right standing with God, the consequences of our sins on earth will still need to be met. This means we need to ask forgiveness of those we sin against and face the consequences, such as broken relationships, time in prison or even execution.
God has given us a preventative strategy for this. Psalm 119.11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Galatians 5.16 "...live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature..." John 14.15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." Simply put: maintain your relationship with God through listening to Him, obeying Him, and following His Spirit. If you do these things, you will avoid the heartache of hurting others and displeasing God. If you have a question, feel free to email me and I will strive to give you a quick response.
At OCC we're in the middle of our 40 day Spiritual Adventure. The theme is servanthood. One way to serve God and people is finding a need and filling it. There are holes everywhere. People who have fallen through the cracks. A program that could use another hand. It may be something small, but if it is a hole that you are in, it is huge when someone comes along and lends a helping hand. Jesus said, "If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be a servant of all."
See any holes? Then fill them, in Jesus name and for His glory.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
God's Forgiveness Is The Key
The Bible tells us a lot about who God is and what He does. People often ask, "If God is a loving God, how can He send anyone to hell?" It is true to say that God is a loving God, however, God does not send anyone to hell. People choose their destination.
2 Peter 3.9 "The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Many Christians can quote this verse with ease and conviction, however, our own thoughts may not quite grasp its truth. We are not ready for the Lord to save and redeem everyone. For there are many that we wish the Lord would send down judgment on. Whether its Sadaam Hussein, Osama Ben Ladin, the thief that stole something from us or the murderer who stole our loved ones away, we desire judgment, not mercy. Revenge, not love. Hell, not heaven.
When we point fingers at some and say with certainty that God could never save or redeem that person, we are in essence sitting in the place of God. In judging others, we make ourselves to be much better than they. Though we like to think more highly of ourselves than we should, the reality is that all of us are standing in the need of prayer.
Passing judgment on others is never OK. But that isn't our only problem. Our theology of the cross of Jesus is distorted . Either Jesus died for all people or he died for a select few. As I read the Bible, I discover that through Jesus God expressed His love to the world and so the death he died, he died for all, that all may choose to live in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.15 "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." While Christ's death is sufficient for all people in all generations, yet it is not credited to them personally until they receive Jesus and confess Him as their Lord.
Since God loves all people and sent His Son to die for all people, believers ought to love people. When we judge others, we are in fact not expressing love but disgust. While some may be annoying and certainly some may hurt us, the real problem is with us, not them. We hold on petty things and refuse to forgive. But it is forgiveness that softens our hearts and frees us to truly live and give the way that Jesus desires to.
As believers, we have a message of love that needs to be proclaimed to all people. May we, who have been forgiven of our sins, be quick to forgive and express the same mercy and love that we have been given, that all people may know firsthand of God's precious love.
2 Peter 3.9 "The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Many Christians can quote this verse with ease and conviction, however, our own thoughts may not quite grasp its truth. We are not ready for the Lord to save and redeem everyone. For there are many that we wish the Lord would send down judgment on. Whether its Sadaam Hussein, Osama Ben Ladin, the thief that stole something from us or the murderer who stole our loved ones away, we desire judgment, not mercy. Revenge, not love. Hell, not heaven.
When we point fingers at some and say with certainty that God could never save or redeem that person, we are in essence sitting in the place of God. In judging others, we make ourselves to be much better than they. Though we like to think more highly of ourselves than we should, the reality is that all of us are standing in the need of prayer.
Passing judgment on others is never OK. But that isn't our only problem. Our theology of the cross of Jesus is distorted . Either Jesus died for all people or he died for a select few. As I read the Bible, I discover that through Jesus God expressed His love to the world and so the death he died, he died for all, that all may choose to live in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.15 "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." While Christ's death is sufficient for all people in all generations, yet it is not credited to them personally until they receive Jesus and confess Him as their Lord.
Since God loves all people and sent His Son to die for all people, believers ought to love people. When we judge others, we are in fact not expressing love but disgust. While some may be annoying and certainly some may hurt us, the real problem is with us, not them. We hold on petty things and refuse to forgive. But it is forgiveness that softens our hearts and frees us to truly live and give the way that Jesus desires to.
As believers, we have a message of love that needs to be proclaimed to all people. May we, who have been forgiven of our sins, be quick to forgive and express the same mercy and love that we have been given, that all people may know firsthand of God's precious love.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Are You Doing Your Share?
My daughter recently had knee surgery to replace a torn ACL. While in physical therapy, her therapist noticed that her quad muscles were not responding to the signals from her brain. Even though other muscles were compensating for it, she was not progressing as she should in the recovery process. In order to get her quad muscles to respond, the therapist used shock therapy, sending electrical pulses into her quad muscles which stimulated them to re-engage.
I see some similarities with Beth's knee experience and the body of Christ. As Christians, we are all members of Christ's body. When one of us does not fulfill his/her role, it causes the whole body to slow dow and compensate for the mis-use or non-use of the one. In order to get it to work and engage again, God uses shock therapy. Well, He doesn't shock us with electrical impulses, but God does discipline us in order for us to grow and mature until we become what He wants us to be. God uses tough times, especially times of suffering to refine us and to cause us to listen and lean upon Him. The discipline is complete when we fully trust Him.
With this in mind, there are 2 questions to consider:
1. " What gifts has God given you that you are not using to build up the body of Christ?" Another way to ask this is, "why would one not use the gifts God has given?" We do not frame our actions or inactions in this way. Some think, "I do not need to go to Bible study, church or a gathering" or "I have more important things to do" or "I do not have the time to help" or "I do not get anything out of it." Reality is that God has designed us to need the very things we put off. The older Christian has something to offer the newer Christian. One has years of faith experience, tested and tried in the fires of life. They know that God is faithful and true. They bring confidence and maturity to the table when they gather with other believers. The newer Christian brings passion and excitement. It's all new, fresh, exhilerating. Both the older and the new Christian needs each other. That is how God designed it. When we do not contribute what we have been given and refrain from involvement with fellow believers, and keep our giftings to ourselves, then we cause the body of Christ to begin compensating for our lack of involvement. The church may be limping along, or other muscle groups taking on your role because you refuse to do so. God has given us gifts for a purpose. One day each of us will stand before the Lord and give an account on why we used or did not use the precious gifts He gave us.
2. "What discipline have you thrown off?" You see, when we do not learn the lesson God has in mind, He brings it around again and again until we learn it. Now some of us are a little stubborn and pigheaded. We don't get it the first time nor the second or third. How much easier would it have been if we had listened, learned and leaned upon God. Something may have come to mind as you read this. For we know our weak areas and faults. We see the patterns continue in our lives. So write it down. Meditate on it. Pray about it and ask God to shape you in this area so that God's discipline is complete and your character reflects the character of Christ.
When each believer participates in the body of Christ, the body is healthier and able to cope with the tough times of life. If a body is acting on only a percentage of its muscles, it is far weaker, because the other muscles are over working and are now tired. May each of us rise up and use what God has given us, not for our sake, but for the glory of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
I see some similarities with Beth's knee experience and the body of Christ. As Christians, we are all members of Christ's body. When one of us does not fulfill his/her role, it causes the whole body to slow dow and compensate for the mis-use or non-use of the one. In order to get it to work and engage again, God uses shock therapy. Well, He doesn't shock us with electrical impulses, but God does discipline us in order for us to grow and mature until we become what He wants us to be. God uses tough times, especially times of suffering to refine us and to cause us to listen and lean upon Him. The discipline is complete when we fully trust Him.
With this in mind, there are 2 questions to consider:
1. " What gifts has God given you that you are not using to build up the body of Christ?" Another way to ask this is, "why would one not use the gifts God has given?" We do not frame our actions or inactions in this way. Some think, "I do not need to go to Bible study, church or a gathering" or "I have more important things to do" or "I do not have the time to help" or "I do not get anything out of it." Reality is that God has designed us to need the very things we put off. The older Christian has something to offer the newer Christian. One has years of faith experience, tested and tried in the fires of life. They know that God is faithful and true. They bring confidence and maturity to the table when they gather with other believers. The newer Christian brings passion and excitement. It's all new, fresh, exhilerating. Both the older and the new Christian needs each other. That is how God designed it. When we do not contribute what we have been given and refrain from involvement with fellow believers, and keep our giftings to ourselves, then we cause the body of Christ to begin compensating for our lack of involvement. The church may be limping along, or other muscle groups taking on your role because you refuse to do so. God has given us gifts for a purpose. One day each of us will stand before the Lord and give an account on why we used or did not use the precious gifts He gave us.
2. "What discipline have you thrown off?" You see, when we do not learn the lesson God has in mind, He brings it around again and again until we learn it. Now some of us are a little stubborn and pigheaded. We don't get it the first time nor the second or third. How much easier would it have been if we had listened, learned and leaned upon God. Something may have come to mind as you read this. For we know our weak areas and faults. We see the patterns continue in our lives. So write it down. Meditate on it. Pray about it and ask God to shape you in this area so that God's discipline is complete and your character reflects the character of Christ.
When each believer participates in the body of Christ, the body is healthier and able to cope with the tough times of life. If a body is acting on only a percentage of its muscles, it is far weaker, because the other muscles are over working and are now tired. May each of us rise up and use what God has given us, not for our sake, but for the glory of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Does God Ever Fail?
It's On My Heart...July 2010
I felt sad for a driver recently when I saw a bumper sticker on his car that said "All God's fail!" Bumper stickers are placed on cars because people identify with the statement or they want to be identified with the logo, such as SF Giants. They promote their team.. Sometimes it strikes a chord with what they believe. Other times it is simply funny. But what would lead a person to advertise on his car that "All God's Fail?"
People today joke about "the gods." When sick, people say they knelt before the porcelain god. In sports, it is not uncommon to hear someone mention the baseball god, or the weather god. People know that these are not true gods. It must be confusing for the seeker of truth to wade through all of the religions and gods. How are they to know the difference between a man-made god and the God who made man in His image?
The Bible says a lot about God. For instance, the Bible says that God is so faithful that He is like the sun rising every day. God keeps His promises, for He always does what He says. God provides just what we need when we need it. God made all things that exist and holds it all together. God isn't quiet, for He speaks through His Word, nature, and by design, in our inner man. For even in our conscience we know the difference of right and wrong. Where did this come from except that there is One who is Absolute right and good. In addition, man has an innate sense that God exists for even the atheist will cry out to God in a moment of great need. The Bible says a lot about God, especially how to find Him. The Bible says that if we seek God we will find Him if we seek Him with all our heart.
Lots of things fail, but not God. Refrigerators fail. Cars fail to start or fail to stop. People fail. But God never fails. If you are going through a tough time, lean on God. If you have an impossible circumstance, trust Him. If things are going great, praise Him. For God is an awesome God, for He never fails.
I felt sad for a driver recently when I saw a bumper sticker on his car that said "All God's fail!" Bumper stickers are placed on cars because people identify with the statement or they want to be identified with the logo, such as SF Giants. They promote their team.. Sometimes it strikes a chord with what they believe. Other times it is simply funny. But what would lead a person to advertise on his car that "All God's Fail?"
People today joke about "the gods." When sick, people say they knelt before the porcelain god. In sports, it is not uncommon to hear someone mention the baseball god, or the weather god. People know that these are not true gods. It must be confusing for the seeker of truth to wade through all of the religions and gods. How are they to know the difference between a man-made god and the God who made man in His image?
The Bible says a lot about God. For instance, the Bible says that God is so faithful that He is like the sun rising every day. God keeps His promises, for He always does what He says. God provides just what we need when we need it. God made all things that exist and holds it all together. God isn't quiet, for He speaks through His Word, nature, and by design, in our inner man. For even in our conscience we know the difference of right and wrong. Where did this come from except that there is One who is Absolute right and good. In addition, man has an innate sense that God exists for even the atheist will cry out to God in a moment of great need. The Bible says a lot about God, especially how to find Him. The Bible says that if we seek God we will find Him if we seek Him with all our heart.
Lots of things fail, but not God. Refrigerators fail. Cars fail to start or fail to stop. People fail. But God never fails. If you are going through a tough time, lean on God. If you have an impossible circumstance, trust Him. If things are going great, praise Him. For God is an awesome God, for He never fails.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Signs of the Times
There is a future day which is written only on God's calendar. Though its specific date is unknown, God has made clear many details about the coming of His Son. Have you ever had the feeling that the Lord had returned and you had been left behind? The church in Thessalonica thought that the Lord had already come. Paul taught them to not worry, for certain things must take place first. In 1 Thess.2 Paul said that a great falling away would occur first. We are in essence, seeing a falling away on greater proportions than ever before. Society has rejected values and principles based upon God's Word. One aspect of this is seen in rejecting the Divine order established at creation. God made man and woman in His image and presented the woman to the man. The breakdown in marriages as well as the acceptance of gay marriage reflects societies rejection of the order God established.
Paul went on to say that the man of lawlessness would be revealed. We do not know who this individual is, but the Bible says that he will be working in concert with Satan and will set himself up as God in God's temple. The temple was destroyed about 2,000 years ago. However, orthodox Jews are preparing for the rebuilding of their temple now. It may sound strange, but utensils and the altar table have been prepared for use in the new temple. Paul said that the Anti-Christ would set himself up in the temple and declare himself to be God. The temple being planned for now is the temple that the Anti-Christ will use.
Paul goes on to say that the restrainer will be taken out of the way. If this is the church, then the church will be sidelined or as many believe, will be raptured and taken to heaven. If the restrainer is God's blessing and protection, then we see His hand lifting as more and more weather events and worldwide crisis erupt. The European nations are in crisis as their economies nosedive. US currency is not far behind. Our government has placed our country on the threshold of bankruptcy. What would emerge from a world economic meltdown? John taught in Revelations 13 that the Anti-Christ would make everyone receive a mark in order to buy and sell. Those that reject the mark will not be able to buy anything.
The prophet Zechariah said in chapter 14 that the nations would rise up against Israel and before the Day of the Lord, the nations would attack Israel. They will be supernaturally destroyed. Ezekiel 38 predicts this event and names the people groups who reside north of Israel. Israel is surrounded by nations that want to destroy her. Their hostility will build up until the day they attack and God intervenes.
As we watch the worldwide crisis continue, what is it that we should do? We are to keep watch and pray. We should keep looking up, because our redemption is near. Whether the day is close or still far way, the times in which we live present us with unique opportunities. The prophet Malachi said that the distinction between good and evil will become more evident. Live the life that God has called you too. Believers need to stand firm and be the church that God has called them to be. As people struggle and look for answers and hope, we have the answer, Jesus Christ. May we exalt Him until that final day when He returns to take us home.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Paul went on to say that the man of lawlessness would be revealed. We do not know who this individual is, but the Bible says that he will be working in concert with Satan and will set himself up as God in God's temple. The temple was destroyed about 2,000 years ago. However, orthodox Jews are preparing for the rebuilding of their temple now. It may sound strange, but utensils and the altar table have been prepared for use in the new temple. Paul said that the Anti-Christ would set himself up in the temple and declare himself to be God. The temple being planned for now is the temple that the Anti-Christ will use.
Paul goes on to say that the restrainer will be taken out of the way. If this is the church, then the church will be sidelined or as many believe, will be raptured and taken to heaven. If the restrainer is God's blessing and protection, then we see His hand lifting as more and more weather events and worldwide crisis erupt. The European nations are in crisis as their economies nosedive. US currency is not far behind. Our government has placed our country on the threshold of bankruptcy. What would emerge from a world economic meltdown? John taught in Revelations 13 that the Anti-Christ would make everyone receive a mark in order to buy and sell. Those that reject the mark will not be able to buy anything.
The prophet Zechariah said in chapter 14 that the nations would rise up against Israel and before the Day of the Lord, the nations would attack Israel. They will be supernaturally destroyed. Ezekiel 38 predicts this event and names the people groups who reside north of Israel. Israel is surrounded by nations that want to destroy her. Their hostility will build up until the day they attack and God intervenes.
As we watch the worldwide crisis continue, what is it that we should do? We are to keep watch and pray. We should keep looking up, because our redemption is near. Whether the day is close or still far way, the times in which we live present us with unique opportunities. The prophet Malachi said that the distinction between good and evil will become more evident. Live the life that God has called you too. Believers need to stand firm and be the church that God has called them to be. As people struggle and look for answers and hope, we have the answer, Jesus Christ. May we exalt Him until that final day when He returns to take us home.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Parental Side of God
Several special days occur in May, such as May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Occidental Community Church's picnic and Mother's Day. A huge thank you to all moms! In honor of mothers (and fathers since Father's Day is next month) I want to focus on a verse in the Old Testament that describes the parental side of God. Zephaniah 3.17 "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Nothing is more comforting to a child than the mere presence of mom or dad. God is always with us. His presence is never passive, but active. We see this in the actions described in this verse. God is mighty to save. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. We may face difficult challenges and possibly face defeat or failure, yet God is with us and He is able to save. God can turn any negative into a positive.
Parents take great delight in their children. At birth, moms and dads count toes and fingers numerous times. They even will wake the baby up, just to make sure everything is ok. They delight in their child at birth and that continues even into adulthood. Parents delight in their children even during the teen years. If you are a parent of a teenager, I simply refer you back to the preceding paragraph. God delights in us. He made us, redeemed us, called us. We belong to Him. God rejoices over you each and every day.
God also quiets us with his love. A child can get all worked up. It is the soothing love of a parent that will calm the child down. God's love is much deeper than any parent's love for their child. It would be hard to imagine how much God does love us except for the fact that He sent His Son Jesus to earth to die on the cross for our sins. The reason for this gracious act is that God loves us.
When my children were young, I would carry them in my arms and lean them upon my shoulder. I would often sing to them to quiet them as well as calm my own nerves. Singing is a wonderful way to express emotion and prayer requests. God rejoices over us with singing. I wonder what song God sings over you? Whatever song it is, it expresses God's heart for you! God rejoices over you. He is with you. He is able to save, in fact mighty to save. God takes great delight in you, loves you and rejoices over you in song.
Why not take a few moments right now and thank God for being your "heavenly Father."
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Nothing is more comforting to a child than the mere presence of mom or dad. God is always with us. His presence is never passive, but active. We see this in the actions described in this verse. God is mighty to save. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. We may face difficult challenges and possibly face defeat or failure, yet God is with us and He is able to save. God can turn any negative into a positive.
Parents take great delight in their children. At birth, moms and dads count toes and fingers numerous times. They even will wake the baby up, just to make sure everything is ok. They delight in their child at birth and that continues even into adulthood. Parents delight in their children even during the teen years. If you are a parent of a teenager, I simply refer you back to the preceding paragraph. God delights in us. He made us, redeemed us, called us. We belong to Him. God rejoices over you each and every day.
God also quiets us with his love. A child can get all worked up. It is the soothing love of a parent that will calm the child down. God's love is much deeper than any parent's love for their child. It would be hard to imagine how much God does love us except for the fact that He sent His Son Jesus to earth to die on the cross for our sins. The reason for this gracious act is that God loves us.
When my children were young, I would carry them in my arms and lean them upon my shoulder. I would often sing to them to quiet them as well as calm my own nerves. Singing is a wonderful way to express emotion and prayer requests. God rejoices over us with singing. I wonder what song God sings over you? Whatever song it is, it expresses God's heart for you! God rejoices over you. He is with you. He is able to save, in fact mighty to save. God takes great delight in you, loves you and rejoices over you in song.
Why not take a few moments right now and thank God for being your "heavenly Father."
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Who Put Jesus on the Cross?
This is one of the most important questions we can ask, because how we choose to answer it will affect us personally.
We might think that it was the Jews who put Jesus to death. The Jewish religious leaders had Jesus arrested and condemned him to die. They made their rounds, first taking him to Pilate who promptly sent him to King Herod. When Herod sent him back, Pilate began to worry. Three times Pilate stated that he found no fault in Jesus. In presenting Jesus, Pilate announced “Here is the man!” and the Jews shouted back “crucify him!” Later, Pilate proclaimed, “Here is your King!” and the people, spurred on by their religious leaders, shouted out again, “crucify him!” We could lay the blame on the Jews or the Romans. We are quite apt at the blame game.
We could lay the blame on Satan! Certainly, if anyone was ever worthy of punishment, it would be this former head angel who once did God’s bidding but now seeks to spoil all that God does in regard to the human race. Satan is depicted as a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Jesus described Satan as a murderer and the Father of Lies. We can easily lay blame on him and have our conscience soothed.
We could also blame God. Wasn’t it God’s will that Jesus should die for mankind? The Prophet Isaiah said (Isaiah 53.10) that “it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer.” Just like He did with Abraham, God provided the lamb for the sacrifice. God provided Jesus to be the “Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world” (Rev. 13.8). I’m sure we can feel fairly comfortable now for it is certainly God’s fault.
We could certainly lay blame on Jesus too, for he was a willing participant. In John 10.18, Jesus said that "he lays down his life on his own accord!" He wanted to do it! Why should we take the blame for something that Jesus wanted to do?
Though all of these things are true, they do not give the complete answer.
Isaiah 53.5 ff says that it was for “our transgressions...iniquities...” In other words, it was for our sin that Jesus died on the cross. Your sin and my sin. None of us can escape this, for we are at fault. You might think, “I wasn’t even there, so how can I be blamed?” The Bible states that "all have sinned" and that Jesus died for the sins of all people. While Jesus died for all, it is only applied to those who put their trust in Him.
If we cannot accept the blame, we will not accept the responsibility for our sin that helped put Jesus on the cross. If we do not accept the responsibility, we will not see the need to come to Jesus, but will continue through our life as if Christ’s death is just some religious event and Easter another religious holiday. Though it was our sin that Jesus suffered for, Jesus offers us forgiveness of sins and newness of life. Just as He died for us, He also lives for us, that we may experience the power of God in our lives. And get this: when we ask Jesus to save and forgive us, He does. Here's the beautiful part. Then we stand before God as holy and blameless. We can shift the blame and stand condemned, or we can accept the blame and be declared blameless by God.
May you live in God's grace that grants you forgiveness and God's hope that belongs to all the Saints!
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
We might think that it was the Jews who put Jesus to death. The Jewish religious leaders had Jesus arrested and condemned him to die. They made their rounds, first taking him to Pilate who promptly sent him to King Herod. When Herod sent him back, Pilate began to worry. Three times Pilate stated that he found no fault in Jesus. In presenting Jesus, Pilate announced “Here is the man!” and the Jews shouted back “crucify him!” Later, Pilate proclaimed, “Here is your King!” and the people, spurred on by their religious leaders, shouted out again, “crucify him!” We could lay the blame on the Jews or the Romans. We are quite apt at the blame game.
We could lay the blame on Satan! Certainly, if anyone was ever worthy of punishment, it would be this former head angel who once did God’s bidding but now seeks to spoil all that God does in regard to the human race. Satan is depicted as a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Jesus described Satan as a murderer and the Father of Lies. We can easily lay blame on him and have our conscience soothed.
We could also blame God. Wasn’t it God’s will that Jesus should die for mankind? The Prophet Isaiah said (Isaiah 53.10) that “it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer.” Just like He did with Abraham, God provided the lamb for the sacrifice. God provided Jesus to be the “Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world” (Rev. 13.8). I’m sure we can feel fairly comfortable now for it is certainly God’s fault.
We could certainly lay blame on Jesus too, for he was a willing participant. In John 10.18, Jesus said that "he lays down his life on his own accord!" He wanted to do it! Why should we take the blame for something that Jesus wanted to do?
Though all of these things are true, they do not give the complete answer.
Isaiah 53.5 ff says that it was for “our transgressions...iniquities...” In other words, it was for our sin that Jesus died on the cross. Your sin and my sin. None of us can escape this, for we are at fault. You might think, “I wasn’t even there, so how can I be blamed?” The Bible states that "all have sinned" and that Jesus died for the sins of all people. While Jesus died for all, it is only applied to those who put their trust in Him.
If we cannot accept the blame, we will not accept the responsibility for our sin that helped put Jesus on the cross. If we do not accept the responsibility, we will not see the need to come to Jesus, but will continue through our life as if Christ’s death is just some religious event and Easter another religious holiday. Though it was our sin that Jesus suffered for, Jesus offers us forgiveness of sins and newness of life. Just as He died for us, He also lives for us, that we may experience the power of God in our lives. And get this: when we ask Jesus to save and forgive us, He does. Here's the beautiful part. Then we stand before God as holy and blameless. We can shift the blame and stand condemned, or we can accept the blame and be declared blameless by God.
May you live in God's grace that grants you forgiveness and God's hope that belongs to all the Saints!
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
