Do you believe in the Spiritual Death Penalty? Since sin is an eternal offense against an eternal God, then likewise, the punishment must also be eternal. That makes perfect sense... In light of Gods justice and mercy, I often think of the Rich Man and Lazarus recorded in Luke 16:19-31. Have you ever considered the Rich Man in Hades and the ONE thing he asked for? He simply asked for relief, as opposed to release. This is a big deal! I dont know about you, but If I was in torment, I would want out of there, wouldnt you? Ill pass up that drop of water to cool my tongue with the hope that I could escape the flames. I would without question, ask to be released. That would be my one desire; my one phone call, if you will. Think about it. Hell is Gods prison without the chance of parole. In other words, there is no way out, once youre in! Its permanent. Its irrevocable. Hell doesnt exist because God is mean or unfair; on the contrary. Hell exists because God is holy and full of justice. If a person refuses Gods offer of forgiveness, God has no choice but to give them what they rightfully deserve; the Spiritual Death Penalty. Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. By the way, its Gods will that you turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus alone (Acts 20:21). Read the account below with a tender heart and witness the tender mercy of God offered to one who humbly turned to Him. ------ “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One. The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself. There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Arent you the Christ? Save yourself and us! But the other criminal rebuked him. Dont you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? (GODLY SORROW) We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. (JUSTICE) But this man has done nothing wrong. (SINLESS SON OF GOD) Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (REPENTANCE and FAITH) Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. (GRACE and MERCY) Luke 23:32-43 ------- Jesus died on the cross, was buried in the tomb and rose the third day, defeating sin and death. For this to be appropriated to you, the bible says you must repent of your sin (confess and forsake your sin) and place your faith in Jesus alone to be forgiven. God can release you from the justice your sins deserve. He can commute your death sentence to Jesus and set you free. The bible says in Romans 10:13, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Have a real conversation with God today and confess and forsake your sin (name them) and ask Him to forgive you and save you. Place your faith (trust) in Jesus alone for your eternal salvation. Remember that we broke Gods law, but Jesus paid our fine. The difference between those who are forgiven and those who are not? It all boils down to WHO will pay for your Spiritual Death Penalty. You can pay for your sin (sin is breaking Gods moral law, the 10 commandments) in Hell forever or through repentance and faith, ask Jesus to take your place of punishment once and for all (Gods Mercy). For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16 ------ Spiritual death row is lined with really good people awaiting justice without mercy. - R. Anderson
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 19:19:38 +0000
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