A God of Love Won’t Punish

~ Since “God Is Love” I’m Not Worried ~

note:  This is one in a series of Biblical answers to objections some individuals raise when presented with the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

 “I will not bother to personally conduct a serious investigation of Jesus Christ because the Bible says ‘God is Love’ and so He will not send me to hell.”

This is like saying, “I will go court and I’ve heard that the judge in my case is a very nice caring man and so I don’t think he will convict me of robbing the bank.  After all, there are many banks which I have not robbed. I’m no worse than the average guy.” Such a response doesn’t stand up to the test of logic. But logic is not the main issue. What does God say?

The Bible says that while God is a God of love He also demands justice. Throughout History God has demonstrated that He rightly demands justice.

God Demanded Justice When Angels Sinned  ~  “If God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment” (2 Peter 2:4).

God Demanded Justice in the Days of Noah  ~  “And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5).

God Demanded Justice for the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah  ~  “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly” (2 Peter 2:6).

God Demanded Justice for the Egyptians  ~  “And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock” (Exodus 12:29).

God Demanded Justice for the Canaanites  ~   “But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, and will inflict defeat upon them until they are destroyed” (Deuteronomy 7:23).

God Demanded Justice for the Amalekites  ~   “Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed’” (1 Samuel 15:18).

God Demanded Justice from His Own People—the Jewish Nation  ~  “If God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either” (Romans 11:21).

Most Importantly, God Sacrificed His Son to Pay Your Penalty  ~  “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). 

Because “God is love” He provided payment for your sin. The penalty for your sin has been conditionally paid. The condition is that you must accept by faith the sacrifice of God’s only Son on your behalf. 

It Is A Serious Issue  ~  Jesus said, “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 22:13).

Jesus said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

summary: “The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of His divine being.

So nobody has a good excuse.

What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life” (Romans 1:19-22, The Message).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Hezekiah

 

~ Do You Know the Meaning of Hezekiah 7:36? ~

Introduction  ~  There are three or four Hezekiahs in Scripture. The one of whom we have the most complete record is the Godly king of Judah born about 726 b.c. Sometimes when I am in a mischievous mood during a Bible study, I will mention something as being found in Hezekiah 7:26 and then watch how many individuals look for that imaginary Biblical book. The name Hezekiah means “whom Jehovah has strengthened” (Yahweh has strengthened, Jehovah is strength, strength of Jehovah, strength of the Lord, etc.). Consider Hezekiah, the king of Judah: 

Biblical References  ~  2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39.

Mixed  Genealogy  ~  Like you and me Hezekiah had good and bad ancestors. His great-grandfather was King Uzziah—one of Judah’s good kings (2 Chronicles 26:4). Hezekiah was born in 726 b.c. (2 Kings 18:1-2;  2 Chronicles 29:1).  His father was Ahaz, an ungodly man and bad king. His mother Abijah was the daughter of Zechariah.

practical lessons:  First, we need to recognize the great importance and lasting effect we, as parents, will have on future generations. Second, we need to realize that we can determine our own destiny—rather than being controlled by the past.  Someone has put it this way, God has children—but no grandchildren! Each of us must make our own decision regarding entering into God’s family. While Hezekiah did not have a Godly role model for a dad, he made Godliness a priority in his own life. Third, Hezekiah’s ability to overcome his background provides a lesson in the grace of God.

Good Friends  ~  Hezekiah chose to make good associations. The prophet Isaiah was one of his confidants, but it was not without ridicule from others (Isaiah 28:14). Isaiah, one of the more eloquent prophets, gave Hezekiah needed support and assistance in his work for Jehovah.

practical lesson:  This is often overlooked, but the choice of friends and associates can have a crucial impact regarding our ongoing spiritual success. God never intended us to be Lone Ranger Christians.    

Godly King  ~  He became Judah’s twelfth king at the age of 25 (2 Kings 18:2) as the successor to his ungodly father Ahaz. Hezekiah went on to reign in Jerusalem for 29 years (2 Kings 18:2, 2 Chronicles 29:1). Immediately after beginning his reign he reestablished the worship of God and repaired the places of worship. He made sure the Lord’s leaders were provided for. Hezekiah followed the example of his great-grandfather, King Uzziah, and because he was faithful to God he was one of the greatest kings of Judah. “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 18:3a).

The Scripture summarizes King Hezekiah’s life and rule as a great and good king. “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him” (2 Kings 18:5-7).

practical lesson:  The Temple had to be cleansed before people could bring acceptable worship to God. Today we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and we need to seek to purify our lives with God’s help through the work of the Spirit. A clear conscience is necessary for meaningful worship. 

Successful Warrior  ~  A key example was his war with the Philistines which occurred early in his rule. He recovered cities which his father had lost (2 Chronicles 28:18-19) and took some of the Philistines’ own cities. “He subdued the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city” (2 Kings 18:8).

practical lesson:  We need to be effective soldiers for Jesus Christ and no soldier would intentionally enter into battle without proper equipment. The Christian needs to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11, see vs. 10-18). 

Spiritual Reformer  ~  “Hezekiah removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel… For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments… The Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook” (2 Kings 18:7a, also see 2 Chronicles 29:2-36). 

practical lesson:  God wants to be first in our lives! The first priority of the Godly King Hezekiah was to open up the Temple doors and re-establish worship. His days ended in peace and prosperity. We also must put first things first.

Innovative Builder  ~  Consider three of his great civil engineering projects.

[1] Hezekiah’s work at the citadel (Millo) of repairing, strengthening, and lengthening the walls (2 Chronicles 32:5).

[2] The most memorable project was what has been nicknamed Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a water flume about 1,700’ long through solid rock (2 Kings 20:20). This tunnel takes water from the Spring of Gihon outside the protective city walls through the hillside to within the city to the Pool of Siloam. The water in Hezekiah’s tunnel flows under Jerusalem and was built to secure a water supply during the impending attack by the Assyrians.  Hezekiah’s workmen worked from both ends and met in the middle. Yours truly has been privileged to walk through this impressive tunnel in waist-deep water.

[3] The Pool of Siloam Reservoir was another of his projects which increased the reserve water supply. Many will recognize the name as the place where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9:6-11). 

practical lesson:  Knowledge, including knowledge about theology and doctrine, is good but its purpose is for application—effect on our daily living. As children of God we need to be “thoroughly equipped for good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  

Man of Prayer  ~  There are at least three very significant positive answers to the prayers of Hezekiah. 

[1]  Hezekiah prayed that God would deliver Hezekiah and his people (Isaiah 37:15-20), and “Then the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh” (Isaiah 37:36-37). 

[2]  Toward the end of his reign when Hezekiah was very sick the prophet Isaiah informed him that he would die. It was at a time that his kingdom was continuing in a dangerous position because of the Assyrians. Hezekiah had no heir and prayed that his life might be spared (2 Kings 20:1-6, 2 Chronicles 32:24, Isaiah 38:1-2). He was granted a 15-year extension of life (Isaiah 38:5) and died a natural death peacefully.

[3]  As part of the previous listed item God also provided a sign for Hezekiah as evidence that the promise would be fulfilled. The sign consisted of the sun's shadow moving backward ten degrees in the sundial of Ahaz (2 Kings 20:8-11, Isaiah 38:7-8). This is one of the most remarkable miracles in all of Scripture.

practical lesson:  God answers prayer.

Summary  ~  We can learn a lot from the Godly, but human, King Hezekiah. What are the most meaningful aspects of his life to you? Are there some specific things you can apply to your life?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

John’s View of Christ

~ How The Apostle John Saw Jesus Christ ~

He Saw His Glory  ~  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.”’ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (John 1:14-16).

He Saw The Transfiguration  ~  “And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves” (Mark 9:7-8).   

He Saw The Crucifixion   ~  “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:26-27).  

He Saw Him After His Resurrection  ~  “And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’” (John 21:26).  

He Saw The Revelation  ~  “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (Revelation 1:12-19).   

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 110

~ Messiah Would Rise From Death, 5 ~     

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord  does valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given Me over to death” (Psalm 118:15-18). 

The Messiah  

“But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you’” (Mark 16:6-7).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW