Sunday, September 11, 2005
# 73: Two Gospel Messages
In America we have two main Gospel messages. One which is extremely prolific and popular, that tells us what we WANT to hear; which is a feel-good, happy-go-lucky message. Its door is wide that opens onto a broad road that leads to destruction; and many there are that will travel on it. The other Gospel message which most have never heard before, is unpopular, and tell us what we NEED to hear. It is hard-edged and takes much effort to obey. It has a narrow door and the road it takes us on is also narrow and thorn laden and few there are that find it. Are you and I one of those few? If we are, I guarantee this blog will be a treasure chest of spiritual gold, without a word concerning that happy-go-lucky religious entertainment message. But, we may be one of the happy-go-lucky crowd. Then, this blog will annoy us to no end; although we may be the ones who need to hear it most. Matthew 7:13-14 paraphrased.
The reason this parable was given to us by Jesus is because He is attempting to tell us that it is so easy to do the things that are pleasing to our human nature, which are contrary to what is good and right in God’s sight. But it is extremely difficult to continually living in a manner that is in conflict to doing what comes naturally. To live as we are commanded by God, has a bitter-sweet joy that comes with it. Bitter because it grievously pains us to see the multitudes that are being deceived, and joyful to know there are a few living life as it was meant to be lived, by following that narrow road. It seems only natural for atheist to travel that broad road, but it is heart wrenching to see those who think they are on that narrow road because of their religious affiliation, but are on the wrong boat going in the wrong direction.
The problem is many people love to lie to themselves and then believe the lie. For that reason it is almost impossible to convince those on the wrong road that they are on the wrong road. And even if they suspected they may be wrong, as humans, it is extremely difficult to change, even when they know a change is in order. That can be called “Between a rock and a hard place.” To know the right way and then not have the willpower or desire to change, is the plight of many, many intelligent and good people. That is a crying shame. Also, there are many atheists and skeptics that are very good, kind, loving, and generous people. We must remember that hell-–whatever it will consist of-–will be full of good people that have been deceived, or are outright unbelievers, along with the overtly evil one’s. The only thing is, being just good is not good enough to be in the company of God. The criteria to share in God’s abode, is to have Christ type goodness, which consists of BELIEF and OBEDIENCE to all that is commanded in the Christian Bible (the New Testament). And even with that all-important belief and obedience, it is God’s Grace (undeserved kindness) that allows us to share in His Heaven. No more, no less.
