Monday the 18th

Philippians 2: 12

 

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling

 

So often today we like to gloss over the image of God. What I mean by that is the Lord is not a God of half measures. While life is good to bask in his love, grace, and glory. Soaking it all up like rays of sun that warm our bodies, but we don’t like to talk about the alternative. I know there has been much talk about how we do not need to beat Christians over the head with fear, and honestly I have to agree, faith gives you eternal life not fear of hell. Yet it is that exact picture that is neglected when we talk of the Lord. Yes coming to Christ is a wonderful experience, yes, your life will improve, and you will see a marked difference when you finally let Christ in to your heart. However, for us to leave the consequences off when talking to non-believers, and believers alike is to rob them of the full picture of the love of Our Lord. To leave off the aspect of eternal damnation, and the full wrath of God, is to leave the impression that God is indifferent. Make no mistake about it, He is NOT indifferent. This is why Paul urges to continue the work of salvation with fear and trembling. Not to save ourselves from damnation, but because the thought of an eternal life without the love of God in it is a fate worse than any hell fire or brimstone. We must remember from time to time that even the most devout can fall. To love the Lord is righteous, to have faith in Christ is imperative, but to lose the love of the Lord, or to never allow that love in to your heart is unimaginable. That is the pain of a thousand deaths, and the never-ending eternity of hell. A point that must be heralded from time to time to believers, and non-believers alike. So I remind us all that yes the love of the Lord is a great thing, we should tell all we can reach about it, but let us not forget the depths of that love, and the pain that can and will come from turning our backs on it; or allowing others to believe that it does not exist!

 

Peace

 

Brian