Many times we daydream about how we would do things if we were in charge. Sadly, many in the area of religion are doing some wishful thinking about things they believe are true. If I could have my way maybe there are some things I wish were true. In the next two weeks I will give you some examples.
Saved by Faith Only. The majority of the religious world believe this to be the truth. If it were it would be very comforting. Narrowing down salvation to a one time act. Sounds good -- but is it true?
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." {Matthew 7:21}
"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." {James 2:24} Reading the eleventh chapter of Hebrews also clearly tells me this thinking is not true. "By faith" all these people DID something -- obedience. I'm afraid saved by faith only is just wishful thinking.
The Bible Cannot be Understood. Man has tried to peddle this doctrine for centuries. If it were so there would be no need to study it. Just ask the "authority", whoever that might be, what it means. What does the Bible say for itself?
"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." {Ephesians 5:17}
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." {2 Timothy 2:15}
Why would the scriptures tell us to understand -- if it can't be done? What's the purpose in studying -- if it can't be rightfully divided? Again I must conclude this is just some more of man's wishful thinking. This way he could not be held accountable for his actions.
Sin Really is not Spiritually Fatal. The world has this concept down to a science! Sin is just having fun and everyone knows it's not wrong to have fun. People commit sin without one bit of remorse. Why? It doesn't matter one way or another.
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear." {Isaiah 59:2}
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." {Romans 6:23}
God's word says it is fatal spiritually. Sin was the cause for the death of Christ on the cross. It separates men from God. It has brought pain, misery, suffering, and death to the world. Avoid it!
The Church was Unimportant. The phrase that is tossed about by many in religion today "join the church of your choice" would be correct if the church did not matter. If such were the case you could do anything, go anywhere, or not go if you didn't want to get up on Sunday morning!
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." {Acts 20:28} How could something Christ died for be unimportant?
"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." {Colossians 1:18} The Bible says it's His body. The saved were added to it in Acts 2:47. Much of the world may believe this is so but again -- it's just wishful thinking!
There is no Hell. Some even in the Lord's church deny that Hell is a real place. What would one have to worry about if Hell did not exist? No accountability, no judgment, just live according to your own desires. Such thinking is quite comforting to those who do not want to submit their lives unto God. Yet, is it true?
"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." {Matthew 25:41}
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." {2 Thessalonians 1:8,9} Sounds pretty real to me! How can anyone deny the existence of Hell? The same book that discusses Heaven also describes this place called Hell. If Heaven exists, and it does, Hell must also. One must obey God to avoid this terrible place of torment.
There will be a Second Chance After Death.
Millions of people are banking on this proposition being true. What a comforting thought that one could go all through life denying God and then have another opportunity to obey after death.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." {Ecclesiastes 9:10}
After death our record is closed until judgment. One must make his choices now -- waiting till then will be too late!