Every person is equipped with a sense that life is more than just 'flesh and blood'. We are more than even body and soul. We are in fact wired to enquire beyond even the physical realm because God has 'put eternity into the heart of man'. The sense of eternity is enlivened when we acknowledge the 'God' part of our being. Jesus said "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God...That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:3,6) People are designed to have one death (physical) and two births, one of the flesh and the other of the spirit.
Jesus death at Calvary is the only means of escape from a second death, not physical but spiritual. If we put aside physical death which is the "body without the spirit" (James 2:26), the second death (Rev.20:14) is actually eternal separation from Jesus. Human beings were never designed to be separated from God through Jesus Christ. In God's sight, this separation from Himself is as foreign as a fish trying to live outside of water. We are made to live, to be and to have relationship with Him. The first Adam forfeited that relationship while knowingly rebelling against God. By the way God is entirely fair when he warns people of the consequences of choosing to do their own thing. Free will pre dated salvation. The last Adam, Jesus Christ, offered Himself as the "perfect sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world". It is still our call however as to whether we want to receive Him. All Godly judgement for our sins was put on Jesus Christ. Jesus said "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36) If God is fully satisfied with His Son meeting His requirements for judgement of sin why on earth would you not want the benefits of His payment? Why would you want to represent yourself when you can have the Advocate of heaven represent you?
There is a view that says that because God is a loving God He will not exclude anyone from heaven. That is false. The truth is that we are given a free will and there are both consequences and responsibilities associated with our choices. We understand the laws of gravity and the consequences of defying those laws. God has made known the way of salvation through His Son. If you received news that a million dollars was in your bank account and that you had to personally access it at an ATM, you would do what you had to do to access your account. Until you access it however, that money lies dormant. In a similar manner,the love of God needs to be accessed by believing upon the Son and receiving Him is a personal way.
If you receive the Son today you are entitled to download every blessing in Christ. Faith in His finished work will also cover you for eternity. You were made to die once not twice!
This blog is based on a message given by Ross Smith at The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia on Sunday 19th July 2015. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching
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