In our searching for freedom we expect that to achieve what we desire there must but a complex way to get there. So many people strive to be good enough to earn their freedom. In this, there is a hope that they might be freed, but inside they have an uneasy feeling that maybe they just aren’t good enough. It seems lately that the world wants to go to Heaven and if your good and do good things then you should be fine. As believers in Christ, we know the Bible tells us differently.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
How many funerals for those friends and family member, who you never ever seen set foot in a church or profess their faith, hear that they are up in heaven? Why do they say this? Because it gives them hope. One religious group believes that if we on earth pray for our dead we can change where they end up for eternity. Unfortunately, it is too late for them, their choice was made when they took their last breath. If they died in the bondage of sin, the bible is quite clear where they go. I am not trying to upset anyone here but as believers, we need to wake up to the reality that every day thousands of people are heading to hell without knowing the freedom in Christ.
But why is this happening? Jesus in this verse clearly shows us that in him there is freedom. There is life in the choice he made to die on the cross for our sins. Yet mankind has taken offence to the church calling it a crutch and a place only in existence for the gullible. The proverbs tell us the Fool in his heart says there is no God.
Another group of religious folks believe that if you sin you must pray to their god and do many good works so that he might be appeased and they might go to heaven when they die. Those who follow Christ do not have to hope they will be going to heaven. There is an assurance that they are free from sin and in the Fathers book of life. Jesus said they are free indeed, not they are free perhaps. We all know people who are trying to be good to get to heaven. What we need to be doing is showing them that good works which are great cannot get you into heaven. We need to point them to the freedom in Christ Jesus. They don’t need to stop doing the good things, but when they have accepted Christ the good things they do are because of what he has done for them, not to get his attention. He already knows who you are.
Jesus came to set you free. We cannot achieve freedom from sin on our own. Maybe you have been trying to rack up points to get to heaven, doing good things in hopes of a better afterlife. It is time to look to the Savior to free you from the sin that keeps us all from heaven. Jesus will set you free, not just free but free with an assurance that you are heaven bound.
Father, I pray for those reading this who have not yet been freed from the bondage of sin. I pray today right here right now where ever in the world they may be that they turn to your Son Jesus and ask him to forgive them of their sin and free them. Some who choose to follow will receive oppression from their peers, families and countrymen, I pray for their protection from attack. Gather them together with other believers who will disciple them. I pray for freedom from sin for all, use me to reach my world with your love. Amen
I disagree. This is a topic my boyfriend and I talked about a few weeks ago. Why would we instantly go to hell if we don’t believe in Christ? We are given a second chance whether we get to have it on Earth or not. I know that if my friend’s and family who died can still be ministered to even after death. And what about those who were brought up to believe that Jesus isn’t real? It wouldn’t be fair to them if they went straight to hell just because their parents shoved that onto them. If a baby is born and only lives for three days, never getting to know Christ, that baby will most definitely get a second chance. This is a huge topic that can go on and on for the rest of our lives. I hope that you can understand what I’m talking about and realize that there is always a second chance whether you’re alive or not.
I do see you point. In reading the bible it is clear on the choice that must be made. The topic of children is one that has been discussed for years and my thoughts is there is a age of understand where a child has the choice to make, before then God is just. But second chances after we die? By what the bible reads. Man is to die once then comes judgement.
Believers are called to spread the truth, to share the love of Jesus to the world.
I can’t speak for God. I can only rely on what he has shared in his word. When we die we go to one of two places, the sea idiom is made while we are here on earth. No second chances in the afterlife.
By what age do you think they start to understand? Some say 8, but not everyone understands at that age. And what if the child has a disability that prevents them from fully understanding? I do not think that would be fair for God to tell them no, if they do not understand.
If someone was brought up in the Pagan belief or Satanic belief and were not allowed to know who Jesus was, I think God would allow them to have a second chance if that child decides later on in life, what is right.
But if someone does not fully understand the Bible, do they get a second chance? Someone like me who can only understand some of what’s been said, doesn’t get a second chance? It wouldn’t be fair, if I did not understand something and I’m being told that I’m going to hell for it. I’ve had people do that to me and that doesn’t make me want to be a part of their religion, if they say that kind of crap. EVERYONE should have chances.
Someone like my violent ex, I can understand that he wouldn’t ever get a second chance because he forsaken God.
But then again, who am I to judge?
We don’t know exactly what God will do for us. Just like you said…. and just like I keep telling everyone else, especially my dad.
When a child has an innate understanding or right and wrong would be my personal opinion on the age of understanding.
As for personals with mental health disabilities, I do believe God is just and understanding, and will believe that he knows hearts.
I do not believe the Bible teaches second chances after death. It does, however, tell us as a believer to get a move on and share his love with the world. Every man woman and child needs to be told about his saving grace. We as a whole have poorly been doing this and need to take responsibilities for our actions. The media and the world haven’t made this an easy task but it was never meant to be easy, that’s not the excuse.
This is why Christianity is so hard for people to accept is the fact it is so easy simple. Accept Christ and follow him. They want more to it but boiled down that’s it.
I will pray for you violent Ex, that before he leaves this earth he will accept Christ. What he did to you was unacceptable, yet he deserves grace like everyone else. The man dying on the cross next to Jesus deserved to be there, yet when he asked Jesus to remember him Jesus forgave him.
Trust in Jesus, connect with a family of believers, ask questions, share the love you have found. Pray for those who need to accept this love.
Have a great day in God.