Changed360

Some things in life are really difficult to face. Such as the loss of a job, a broken relationship, a diagnosis that changes your life, the hope that was never fulfilled, the list goes on. One thing is certain this life will come to an end for all of us, at some point. It is a reality we often try to put out of our thoughts. If you’re reading this you may be tempted to stop here but I encourage you to continue.

 Our souls are eternal, in Matthew 25: 31-46 Jesus speaks of his second coming. In verse 33 he refers to some a sheep and some as goats. The sheep on his right hand he blesses and tells them to come and inherit the kingdom prepared for them (v.34) . He speaks to how these sheep and goats conducted themselves (v. 36 – 43). However, it wasn’t their conduct that saved them. The sheep did not inherit the kingdom of God because of things they did. The things the sheep did was a mark for who they trusted in — Christ Jesus! Verse 46 tells us the eternal destiny of both the goats and the sheep, and these (the goats) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous (the sheep) into eternal life. Your soul will live forever either in a place called heaven or a place called hell.

Why is this? It began in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve had all that they needed for life, abundant life (Genesis 2: 15-25). They had food, companionship, and a relationship with God. They knew no sin, life was good in the Garden. Then satan enters into the garden seeking to pervert the truth, desiring to make Eve think that God is with holding good from them (Genesis 3) He came in the form of a serpent, making a lie seem good. They chose to believe a lie over the truth of God. Oh, how I can relate. I know I have fell into the temptation of believing I knew better than God himself. In Genesis 3 sin entered in. We all inherited a sinful nature from Adam. Sin separates us from God because he is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:3)! He does not tolerate sin, he cannot tolerate sin. We are all sinners! Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” the truth is that you are a sinner, I am a sinner, every person is a sinner. It doesn’t matter if we are a “good person” those are mans standards and the bible tells us that none are good! (Luke 18:19)

 Romans 6:23 says “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the bad and the good all wrapped up in one verse. The reality is that we are all going to face a physical death and if we do not know Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior we will face eternity in hell where we will forever pay for our sins. But for those who know him as Lord and savior physical death will bring eternal life! Life in a way we have never experienced, free from sin, in the presence of God! This is the abundant life that Jesus speaks about in John 10:10. Christ is the only means by which we can obtain eternal abundant life. If it were not for Christ choosing to die as a sacrifice for our sins we would all be damned to hell. There is nothing any of us can do to have right standing without the blood of Christ but the mark of knowing him is a changed life! God loves us and desired to make a way for us to have right relationship with him. He desires that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

  If you know him as your Lord and savior abide in him and allow him to continue to transform you by the renewing of your mind! (Romans 12:2) If you do not know him know that he loves you, you are made in his image, and he desires for you to know him as Lord and savior. I would encourage you to read the book of John, find a local Church that believes Jesus is Lord and savior, and don’t run from God if he is dealing with you. If you believe the Lord is calling you to be saved and you choose to trust in him as Lord and savior, tell someone, and get connected with a bible teaching church that can help you to follow him, grow in his grace, and walk in obedience!

– Faith