HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
Jan. 30, 2005 A good friend of mind sent me an e-note today which mentioned the crucifixion of Jesus. It brought up a few thoughts worth sharing. Three crosses were erected that day. Jesus was crucified between two “malefactors” as though he were one in the same with them. The one distinctive difference was that the cross that Jesus was nailed to had a sign of identification declaring that he was “King of the Jews”. The other distinct difference was that Jesus was not a criminal. The conversation between Jesus and these two men, as recorded in scripture is very telling. The one man speaking to Jesus was full of doubt and derision; scornfully calling for Jesus to save them. The other man was quite accepting of his fate as a criminal; knowing that Jesus was on his cross for no reason. The interesting thing is that Jesus said to the repentant man: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” The scriptures are emphatic in telling us that Jesus went down into Hades, before he arose again after three days. Telling the criminal on the cross that he would be in Paradise on his day of death tells us that Paradise was a part of Hades at one time. When Jesus “first descended into the lower parts of the earth”, the criminal was with him. During the ministry of Christ he once explained: “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for signs. I am telling you that the only sign you’re going to have is that of Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days in the bowels of a great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days in the bowls of the earth.” The Apostle’s question was: “Who was it that ascended, but he who first descended?” It was important for Jesus to first go into the earth. It was necessary to leave the world’s sin there, but it was also necessary to fulfill the promise to all those who had died in faith. It would be the responsibility of Jesus to “lead captivity” to the home of his Father. A child of God knows that when their physical body stops, that is not the end. Paul the Apostle was assured of his place in heaven. The testimony of God and the eyewitness testimony of the Apostles explain that Jesus did not stay confined to the “bowels” of earth, but ascended to God’s right hand. Paul would admit that to be absent from his physical body would mean that he was present with the Lord. A cursory reading through the Book of Revelation shows us that John saw these believers already by God’s throne awaiting the final judgment upon the world. A study of the judgment of the “Great White Throne” of God reveals that the only souls who face this judgment are those already declared dead. They simply face a second death after they are rightfully judged on their works. Eventually, the other criminal that was crucified with Christ will face his judgment. With all of that; what can we say of the believer? The scripture declares that the believer has already been judged and been declared righteous. This righteousness is not by anything other than the gift of God. When Jesus committed himself to the destruction of sin by the sacrifice of himself; he succeeded. There is nothing left to judge against the believer with the exception of his works. The believer’s cloak is the righteousness secured by the living God. The unbeliever too is never judged according to his sins, because the sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to have eradicated that for even them. The problem for the unbeliever is that he has rejected the gift of God and therefore cannot be cloaked in the effective righteousness of Jesus. He will also be judged by his works, but since salvation is by the gift of God and not by works, the only possible judgment is the “second death”. Two criminals; one accepting, one rejecting; one given Paradise, one awaiting judgment. Thank you for the reminder Judy. ------------ About the Author: Michael John McCrae, husband to Linda for 30 years (and counting); Dad to Susan, Thomas, Timothy, David and Benjamin; Granddad (Guy) to Justin and Megan; has contributed over 300 articles to Useless-Knowledge.com. He writes from a politically conservative point of view and a Judeo-Christian cultural background that includes over 30 years of Biblical study. Michael served in the United States Armed Forces from January 1971 until August 2002, retiring honorably after 30 years of duty in the Army. He is currently working as a contractor in support of the Armed Forces in the Middle East. Michael John McCrae is a fellow with an opinion, and a desire to express it. He does that here. He writes an occasional poem too. Email: macswordV@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
