For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-40
These are the words the the ghost of Christmas Present hollered in an increasingly thunderous voice to Scrooge, in a acted rendition of that famous classic "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.
Pause, rewind.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ EXCEPT FOR YOU EBENEZER
Shouted Ghost of Christmas present (here after known as GCP) with the crescendo falling on those last four words.
hit stop, run to the bathroom, grab Q-tips, and windex.
No, you don't need to clean your ears out, or your computer screen off, that is really what the GCP said, if not exactly word for word then pretty darn close.
If your reaction was "Um, excuse me...?" that was mine too. If your reaction was "huh? I don't see a problem here" Indulge me in reading to you the vast and various problems with taking that scripture verse and twisting it to fit with such hideous words. As if they belonged.
First of all, the "Nor any other created thing" ought to clue you in. "NOR *ANY*", no exceptions, caveats, or small print included, especially not the "YOU" part.
Second of all, do we think that we are so powerful, that although angels cannot separate us from the love of God, nor demons, we are capable of doing so ourselves? Do we raise ourselves in power above those whom God created to be his heavenly servants?
Continuing on in another vein, the idea that we deny God's grace once He has selected us for Himself.
All that the Father *gives* Me *WILL* come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out
John 6:37
No one comes to Jesus unless that man is first chosen by God to be saved (You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you...John 15:16a). Every man suppresses the truth in unrighteousness, and God's wrath is against him. (Romans 1:18) Because of our sin nature we are incapable of accepting God's grace, unless He has opened our hearts to receive it. Once He has opened our hearts, we are incapable of refusing. "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" Ephesians 1:11 God has predestined His own people to Himself, He cannot be mistaken, therefore, if He chooses you, you cannot reject Him.
My fellow Christians, I plead with you! Be ye not deceived. Search the scriptures for yourself, and have not itchy ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The idea that we can chose or reject Christ on our own whim is not only insulting and degrading to the nature of the one true God, as if that were not enough, it is a works theology!
If we are the ones making the choice, if it is us who decides whether or not we will accept the blood and sanctification poured out from Christ's body, then are we not to get credit for this choice? After all, although it was His work on the cross that gave us the ability to be saved, it is we ourselves that chose our salvation. If we had denied God, He could of done nothing about it. That means that our salvation is dependent upon *our* works. Further more, if we deny what God has specifically offered to us, we are more powerful then God, are we not? Does that not make us demi-god's ourselves?
Romans 10:5-6
Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the *Election* of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I exhort You. Do not create a God for yourself whom you can handle, but look to the God of the bible who is the powerful creator of the universe, and the planner of all life and events."Therefore do NOT be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord... share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." 2 Timothy 1:8a,9
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-40
That is all, He is in complete control. If He wants you He shall have you, for who of those that He has called has rebelled?
1 comment:
Right on, Anna.
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