"In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love: because to fear is to expect punishment, and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love."
-1 John 4:18
-1 John 4:18
"The Gospel of grace is brutally devalued when Christians maintain that the transcendent God can only be properly honored and respected by denying the goodness and the truth and the beauty of things of this world."
"For acceptance means only to turn to God"
-Ragamuffin Gospel by
Brennan Manning
-Ragamuffin Gospel by
Brennan Manning
As much as one of the focal points of the Christian faith is grace, I think that this is an area that us followers of Jesus seem to lack in the most. Regardless of how much we claim to believe in God's grace in our own lives, I feel a lot of time for others, "We accept Grace in theory but deny it in practice"(Ragamuffin Gospel) There are obvious forces in our culture who have openly expressed their hateful and condemning perceptions of God onto others, (i.e. Westboro Baptist "Church") but there is still a similar, yet more subtle, spirit that dwells in so many of our own hearts.
"So, who then goes to hell?" asked Kevin Miller to Shirley Phelps of the WBC "99.99999999% of the population!" She so "zealously" replied. Wow! That seems like a lot of God's creation just getting flushed away. When asked why she thought that was Phelps answered "Because he can!" Well, although God may have the power throw the majority of the population into eternal torment, I don't personally think that it would be in his nature to. I think Kevin Miller made a sound suggestion when he asked Mrs. Phelps, "Is it possible you're own hate is tainting your view of God?"
I believe in a God of love, justice, beauty and you guessed it, grace! Who, although I believe has the ability to distribute divine retribution, chooses to forgive "70 times 7". Despite what our views of hell may be, perhaps it is time to confront our culturally formatted perceptions of God that point us to a God who is legalistic and exclusive.
"I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
-Jeremiah 17:10
-Jeremiah 17:10
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..."
-2 Chronicles 16:9
-2 Chronicles 16:9
I remember getting into debates with my friends when I was younger and would become frustrated by being asked questions like, "What if someone in a foreign country has never heard of God? Do they go to hell?". Honestly, I probably would have given an answer similarly to that of Shirley Phelps. I had the tendency of making judgments for God that were very likely just my own opinions of others' morality. Even in my own questioning, I would sometimes receive answers from my church leadership that did not reflect a god of grace. "Well I am sure God accepts some of those who are seeking but didn't have the chance." But even behind statements like those, it seemed like there was still an elitist nuance that hinted at the majority of the population being damned if they did not share our similar views.
"For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
- Mathew 7:8
How much of God will I still not understand when I die? I could spend the entirety of my life learning Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic analyzing the ancients copies of the old text trying to deeper understand God's nature and still not come close to understanding his greatness. I am incapable! Not only could I probably never understand the full meaning behind the written words of Jesus, ( Because of cultural nuances, language barriers and context) but I will never be able to grasp the all complexities of the Almighty. So, I imagine God bares with me and gracefully waits for me to discover new aspects of his truth, while lovingly leading me to new understandings of his true nature. If God has done that for me in my life, why wouldn't he have the desire to do the same for the rest of his creation?
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
-2 Peter 3:9
Unfortunately, a lot of us in the Christian faith have treated others as if they are currently in hell because of the condemnation and judgments we lay on them. Why is it that when we think of God that "wrath" is one of the first things we think of instead of love? Why is the conclusion for us that people go to hell so easy for us to reach? It seems that if God had to make the decision to send someone to hell, It would not be easy for him to destroy a creation he loves. If it is God's will that all should come to repentance, shouldn't we try to view everyone around us with as much patience, love and grace as God shows us?
-Charlie-
PS I would love to hear your thoughts! Go ahead and email me at cjoconnor91@yahoo.com, or hit me up on facebook https://www.facebook.com/charles.oconnor.188 ! Any counter opinions and similar revelations are welcomed! For I myself am also seeking for God's truth :) !
https://missionyear.thankyou4caring.org/charlieoconnor
