April 30

Judges 11:1-12:5; John 1:1-28; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 14:13-14


"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

I listened to a conversation this week on talk radio as a caller and host discussed their "feelings" about whether or not a good God would make people go to hell for eternity if they didn't believe in Jesus. The caller believed God would eventually reconcile Himself to everyone...Buddhists, Atheists, Muslims, etc. --- especially if they were basically "good" people.

Two things about the conversation really bothered me. First, that "theology" completely minimizes the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. And secondly, the caller was clueless as to what scripture says about getting to heaven or going to hell. He simply made up his own rules.

I know of others who have convinced themselves God will eventually draw everyone to Him ---- either in this life or in an afterlife. That sounds nice (especially for non-Christians), but the problem is scripture contradicts the theory. The truth, as my Bible describes it, is that God is a good God who loves us very much. That is why He gave us a way out of being punished for our sins. Whether we take Him up on His offer is entirely up to us. That doesn't make HIM bad if we turn Him down.

Today's passage tells us God gives us the RIGHT to become children of God when we receive Jesus. Jesus already took the punishment for us on the cross. I'm not willing to take the risk that God didn't mean what He said...I take Him at His Word and feel a responsibility to share that wonderful offer with others.

How about you?

Blessings,

Pastor Susan