The Opposite of God

HOW MOST PEOPLE SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN

 

 

 

THE WAY IT REALLY IS

What is the opposite of the word, "God?" There is none. The dualistic belief that God and Satan are counterparts to each is an insult to Elohim - the One who created and sustains all that exists. When Emmanuel came into this world in a manger, the world was given "good news of great joy for all people." Our God has loved us with an everlasting love and has given Himself to us as an assurance that we eternally belong to Him and nothing can change that fact. Not even Satan himself.

Are We Forgiven By God Even Before We Ask?

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27).

These words of Jesus tell us how we are to treat those who reject and oppose us. Nobody would argue that this instruction only applies if our enemies first ask us to forgive them. No, we are to act this way even while they are behaving with contempt toward us.  That’s what Jesus taught. The clear teaching on the subject confirms, “by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” (Romans 12:20). So we are to love,  and bless people whether they accept it or not. We aren’t to wait for people to ask for forgiveness before we extend it.  We forgive because it’s who we are as those joined in union with Christ. Forgiveness is an expression of grace. It is an undeserved and unilateral experience.

If you accept that the Bible teaches we are to forgive people even before they ask, consider this question: Has Jesus already forgiven those who reject Him even though they haven’t asked? Or has He given us instructions to do something that He won’t even do? Of course, the answer is that He has forgiven everybody.  God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them.

Does that suggest that everybody enjoys that forgiveness and walks in harmony with Him? To answer that question, consider this one: If you forgive somebody who has done wrong to you but they still reject you, does that mean you haven’t really forgiven them? No, of course not. You have forgiven that person regardless of his response to it. However, unless he receives your forgiveness,  that does prevent him from experiencing the benefits of your forgiveness. The same is true with mankind and God. We have all been forgiven but unless we receive it we won’t experientially know its benefits.

“But doesn’t suggesting that all are forgiven mean that everybody is going to heaven? No, it doesn’t. People don’t’ go to heaven because their sins are forgiven. They go to heaven because they trust Jesus Christ.  Sin doesn’t keep people out of heaven. Sin has been dealt with in totality by the cross. Only rejecting Jesus Christ and His work on the cross can do that.

The proclamation of the gospel is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sin, not a promise of the potential for forgiveness based on us and what we do.

One thing is certain: Jesus didn’t tell us to love our enemies while He won’t love His own. He has loved and so we love. He has forgiven and so we forgive. Thank God, grace doesn’t require an invitation. Instead, it rushes right into the place where it is needed simply because of love.

What I've Been Reading Lately

Paul Gray sent me a copy of his book, The Fish Net Experience, the story of Ronnie Self, a jazz musician who experiences success but is plagued by doubts and internal accusations. Self lands a job at the Grace Hotel where he meets a mentor who teaches him the true meaning of living by faith in the grace of God.

The book is part fiction and part autobiographical. The author's own life story is an unusual but exciting story of how our Father works to lovingly bring us to Himself. Gray's own history flows from a night-club owner to his role today as a local pastor. He founded and led jazz group, The Gaslight Gang and performed on national TV, radio and toured the United States. 

While playing five nights a week for three years at the Vista Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Gray came to realize that his business and musical pursuits had left him spiritually empty. He started getting to know Jesus Christ simply by reading a Bible and asking God to speak to him. The rest is His-Story.

The Fish Net Experience and its story of Ronnie Self's journey to the Grace Hotel and to the grace of God will encourage you about your own life and about the lives of others whose lives you want to see transformed by His grace. I'm very happy to recommend it and know you will be encouraged by reading it, as I was.

Randall Arthur sent me a copy of his newest book, Forgotten Road. I first was introduced to his books years ago when I read, Wisdom Hunter, a great novel that addresses the issue of legalistic Fundamentalism.

Forgotten Road is the story of Cole Michaels, a Nashville recording artist who gains "the American Dream" only to experience catastrophe and abandon his faith. After his son is killed in an accident and his wife commits suicide, Cole begins to drink excessively. He then makes the mistake of driving his car, leading to the death of a young mother and her daughter.

While serving in prison, Cole meets Chaplain Duke Parker and, through his ministry, finds his faith restored. When he is released from prison, he chooses to forsake the pathway of fame despite a multimillion dollar hit song. Instead, he takes to the road on his motorcycle with a group of friends, generously meeting needs and blessing others from the income his hit album produces. 

There are twists in the book that will draw the reader forward in eager anticipation. The story is a strong voice reminding us that our lives are grounded in Christ and challenging us to avoid the trap of materialism that is so prevalent in our culture. I recommend this book with enthusiasm.

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Right now I'm reading, Who Switched Off My Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. I've just begun the book and so far, so good. The book addresses the importance of taking charge of our thoughts and ridding ourselves of toxic thinking.

But The Bible Plainly Says . . . !

Did you know that the original Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible didn't use punctuation? Translators and editors of all modern versions have added that. Consider this example from a modern situation to see why there are so many people who have different opinions while all saying, "I just believe what the Bible SAYS!"

An English professor wrote the words: "A woman without her man is nothing" on the chalkboard and asked her students to punctuate it correctly.

All the males in the class wrote: "A woman, without her man, is nothing."

All the females in the class wrote: "A woman: without her, man is nothing!"

Believing what the Bible *says* isn't enough. That's why we all grapple at times with what it *means.* It's not enough to argue, "But the Bible SAYS!" The real issue is, "what does it mean by what it says?" And therein lies the discussion!