Believing In Jesus Has Eternal Consequences

"Today's Devotion" For April 11, 2007

Read: John 20:30-31
Psalm 139

BELIEVING IN JESUS HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31)

We live in a world that doesn't have a lot of regard for "right believing." For many people, to say there's a right way to believe, that there are absolutes, is just plain backward and unenlightened thinking. We’re told that everyone is entitled to believe what they want to believe about religion, God, and spirituality. Even when it comes to morality, ethics, and values, there's a creeping relativism that is affecting our culture and the world. For some, lyrics that are degrading toward women or racially charged are acceptable if used by one group of people, but misogynistic and racist when used by another group. A radio talk show host makes degrading comments "in jest" about a group of people and a host of people want him fired. Yet the most vocal of those calling for his head are among those who turn the other way when others do the same things. (If you’re thinking of anyone in particular, please note it’s happened a few times in the past couple of years so I’m not specifically referring to any one individual, male or female.)

It seems that the reality of life these days is that everyone is insisting that everyone else agree with them or their wrong-headed, prejudiced, racist, or worse. In the same way, when the Gospel is shared and the Word of God proclaimed, we so often hear that Christians who believe in Jesus as the only way to forgiveness of sins and eternal life are bigoted and unloving. As a disciple of Jesus Christ in today's world, it's not unusual to be considered closed minded, ignorant, and judgmental because we share Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and that He's the only way to heaven and eternity in God's presence (and those are Jesus’ own words).

What we believe about Jesus, who He was and is, has eternal consequences for knowing God’s peace, love, and forgiveness both now and in heaven. John has revealed who Jesus is throughout his Gospel account. He has declared openly that Jesus is the one and only way to heaven, using Jesus' own words and actions. As he ends his account with the resurrection of Jesus, John simply states the following: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (20:31). It's significant that John also notes that he only wrote about some of the things Jesus said and did, but enough that those who hear might believe and, believing, receive God's forgiveness and promise of eternal life.

John's purpose was to share the Good News of Jesus with the world. By the power of God's Word and Spirit he tells us about Jesus the Savior of the world. He is direct and firm about letting all who hear or read these words know that what they believe about Jesus has eternal consequences. And, as John's purpose was to make it clear for us who Jesus was and is, so also is our purpose clear as the redeemed and forgiven children of God in Jesus Christ - to clearly and firmly, without concern for the consequences nor worry about what others might think of us, share the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that by believing everyone might have life in His name. It's a task with eternal consequences, for which God has equipped us by His Word and Spirit. What a great opportunity for service to Him who gave Himself for us!

Prayer: Father, with the passage of time it seems as if there are more and more people at odds with the truth of Your Word and the reality of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection as payment for the sins of the world. I look around me and realize that there are many permutations of religion and religious beliefs, including among those who call themselves Christians. The world has developed it's own "religion" which seems to include everything people want to believe, or not, except that which is true according to Your Word. I have to admit that I often find myself wanting to take the easy way out and just "get along" with everyone - accepting everyone's beliefs as true for them and good enough. Forgive me for such lack of faith and trust in You that I'm willing to compromise another's eternal life because I'm afraid of offending someone with the Good News of Jesus. Father, give me the strength of faith in Christ that is necessary for me to boldly and vigorously proclaim Your love for humanity and Your redemption of people from their sins. Help me to never give up on sharing the Gospel in word and deed, regardless of the consequences to me. Remind me always that the only consequences for my faith that are of any real concern are the eternal consequences of being with You in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************************

--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.