Hell's Unpardonable Sin

The fifth chapter of John presents a scene common in the Gospels—Jews (most likely religious leaders) in conflict with Jesus concerning His claim to be the Son of God.

Jewish law requires the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter (as might common wisdom). Jesus acknowledges that His testimony of Himself isn't valid on its own. He goes on to enumerate the numerous witnesses to His identity:

The Holy Spirit (verse 32)
John the Baptist (verse 33)
The works [miracles] Jesus performs (verse 36)
"The Father Himself" (verse 37)
The whole of Scripture (verse 39)
The writings of Moses (verse 46)

"But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."
~ John 5:40 (NKJV)

Religious people seem to be the most difficult to convince about the Holy Spirit's testimony. The rules and standards and tenets of religion can be solidly defined. But the Holy Spirit is alternately called fire and water and wind—fluid elements that can sometimes be contained, but which defy assumption of any concrete shape when left to themselves.

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
~ John 3:8 (NKJV)

The person who does not wish to enthrone Jesus as Lord and God, Messiah and Savior, Christ and King will listen to neither the internal whisperings of the Holy Spirit nor acknowledge the indisputable and miraculous signs of His presence.

Whatever other testimony is rejected, this final voice of authority must be heeded. The blood of Jesus Christ will cover all other sins with which Hell tempts—except Hell's unpardonable sin of calling the Spirit a liar, in the refusal to accept His testimony to the Person of Jesus Christ.

"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."
~ Mark 3:28-29 (NKJV)

Though most people reading this blog have accepted the Spirit's testimony about Jesus, we sometimes deny His voice about lesser things. Such denials are not the unpardonable sin of blasphemy, but we might at least consider how much weight Jesus puts on His Spirit's voice.

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Success Strategy for Purgatory

"The purpose of purgatory is to cleanse one of imperfections ... souls suffer for a time of purging that prepares them to enter heaven ..."
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Broderick, ©1987

The Bible teaches that Jesus' death at Calvary paid in full the eternal death penalty of sin, but that there are still temporal penalties for sin before we get to heaven.

Sometimes, the consequences for sin have a clear cause and effect—showing up drunk and being fired, committing a crime and being arrested, having an affair and being divorced.

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."
~ John 5:14 (NKJV)

A clear cause and effect is often less evident. When does God prevent the affair brewing by bringing a layoff? When is the person running from God halted in their tracks by a tragic accident? When does God allow the toxins bred in a bitter heart to run a physical course throughout a body?

And when, like Job, does sin have no direct role in the suffering designed for a higher purpose?

And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
~ John 9:2-3 (NKJV)

Whether we suffer for our own sin or humanity's collective sin, one of the purposes of our time on earth is to be cleansed of sin. We suffer, for a time, the purging that prepares us to enter heaven.

That might not line up perfectly with the full definition of purgatory in my Catholic Encyclopedia, which says purgatory is a place visited after death. But the above excerpt does line up with how I've come to view the hell we've made of the earth, this purgatory we visit before death.

The success strategy for life in purgatory is to remember:

• Our purpose in life isn't to be happy, but to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

• Jesus was our substitute on the cross, in payment of sin's death penalty, and we now live as His substitute, in living testimony to God, in the place even our Master grew weary of (Mark 9:19).

• For the soul sealed by Jesus' blood and Spirit, this world is the only hell or purgatory we will know. For the soul who wills not to know Him, this world is the only heaven.

Thursday: Hell's Unpardonable Sin

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This post is part of the "One Word at a Time" blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's one-word theme: Strategy.

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Most Dangerous Virus

"An idea is like a virus—resilient, highly contagious.
And the smallest seed of an idea can grow;
it can grow to define or destroy you."
~ Cobb, from the movie Inception,
© 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Though the movie Inception is science fiction, its premises are chillingly real. An idea can be planted in the mind from the inside. Ideas may take root which both defy eradication and come to define and destroy a person. And the attempt to alter our world by defining our own reality with deceptive ideas is most assuredly a deadly mind game.

Our enemy the devil is master of inception. His goal is to steal, kill and destroy. His modus operandi is to first plant an idea from within, mixing the lie with enough truth for it to take root.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
~ John 10:10 (NKJV)

Another premise of Inception is that freefall is fatal even before it ends with an impact. When we think of what is needed to sustain life, we think air, water, food. But the need for something solid to stand upon is also vital.

Skydiving exhilarates with its eagle's ride upon the wind, until the moment when a ripcord is pulled and one floats gently back to terra firma. Without a parachute to capture the earth's breath, the same swan dive would bring death—whether when man meets rock, or in terror of anticipating that inevitable end.

The freedom of traveling upon the ocean is likewise thrilling—as long as one has feet planted in a reliable vessel. But a ship must eventually return to land to sustain its human cargo, and one could not float or tread water for long without solid support before the sea would prove fatal.

Jesus warned that shifting sands of self-defined reality will inevitably collapse, resulting in thorough destruction. Our lives are secure only if resting upon the solid rock of His words. (Matthew 7:24-25) If we do not build upon that rock, truth will fall upon us with crushing power.

Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone ...' ?
... whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
Matthew 21:42-44 (NKJV)

It's been said that not all lies send you to Hell. But to embrace a lie is to sleep with the enemy, who is father of lies. Whether inception plants deception in mind of self or another, lies compromise ability to discern truth, distort reality, and architect a hell of the mind which destroys life.

Our enemy attacks not only when he covertly speaks within our minds, but when he speaks through the false teachers who infiltrate our churches and other Christian circles. No weapon of man can fight deadly ideas, but only the sword of God's Spirit.

In the movie Inception, potential victims can be trained to fight against an enemy who enters the mind.

In reality, it is critical that we immerse ourselves with the truth of God's Word so that the enemy's seeds find no inception.

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."
~ John 17:17 (NKJV)

~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~

This post is the rest of the story attached to the gratitude I express today at Everyday Testimony.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Keys of Hades and Death

"The proof of how real Jesus knew hell to be
is that He came to earth to save us from it."
Peter Marshall

Keys of Hades and Death

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
~ Revelation 1:17-18 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~ John 14:6 (NKJV)

Thoughts on Jesus and His possession of the Keys of Hades and Death.

It seems interesting that in the same place Jesus tells His beloved apostle "do not be afraid," Jesus also reminds John that He holds the keys of Hades and Death. It might be compared to the judge in a human court declaring, "I hold the keys to the prison." To one being held in jail who has just been judged innocent, this is good news and relieves fear. To one who was walking free and has just been judged guilty, this is very bad news and induces fear.

Jesus taught that the devil is the father of lies and that He Himself is truth. He says He is the only way to the Father and life, holding the keys of Hades and Death. Therefore truth trumps lies, life trumps death, and Jesus trumps the devil. If this seems too obvious to be worthy of note, consider how often we evade truth with a lie, fear death while we possess life, or allow the devil's words to counter the Lord's.

The Person Who holds the keys of Hades and Death admits He was once subjected to Death, and Scripture indicates He visited Hades. Thus our Lord gained those keys by facing those enemies and wresting away their power. He can rightfully declare, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) If we need not fear Death, what lesser power on earth should be able to intimidate us?

Lord Jesus Christ, Author of peace, let us ever remember that You hold the keys to the power we might most fear. As we face the massive numbers of deaths in Haiti, as we face the deaths of loved ones, keep us mindful that which side of the door we stand on makes all the difference between joy and sorrow.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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Image from religion-cults.com

Without Excuse

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
~ Romans 1:18-21 (NKJV)

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
~ Psalms 95:6 (NKJV)

God doesn't believe in atheists.

He says that they are among those who knew Him, but suppressed the truth, became futile in thought, and their foolish hearts became dark. They may deny His existence, but God's Word says they in fact know otherwise.

Whatever argument a person may use to dispute that a Creator owns the world and has a right to judge it as He wishes, God Himself says men are without excuse for whatever point they have turned away from their Creator.

Countering the assertion that a loving God wouldn't send anyone to hell is the logic that a loving God does not allow sin into heaven and make it the same hell that earth has become; a loving God does not ignore justice for those who have been wronged; a loving God does not allow men to slip into hell in ignorance, but exhibits Himself in creation so that He may be known before He is rejected.

It is far less amazing that a loving God would allow men who have chosen hell to go into hell than it is that a righteous God would allow an innocent Man to die so that unrighteous men might avoid condemnation.

Oh Lord, our Creator, You have manifested Yourself in the stars, the mighty mountains, and the universe contained in the DNA of a single cell. We ourselves are fearfully and wonderfully made. You own all creation and You own us. Please give us hearts to yield to Your continuing work of creation in making us new.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Cup

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!
For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near...
But God is the Judge: He puts down one,
And exalts another.
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup,
And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out;
Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth
Drain and drink down.
But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
(Psalms 75:1,7-9 NKJV)

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44 NKJV)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46 NKJV)

Learned scholars debate the nature of "forsaken" when Jesus declared it of Himself, arguing Trinity unity prohibits separation. Indeed, it could mean no full, final separation when the Son was by the Father forsaken.

Yet in marriage—God's picture of being united in heart, soul, mind and body—there are painful moments of separation. Not the finality of divorce, but agonizing rejection when one spouse embodies a concept the other finds abhorrent, and unity is impossible until a change occurs.

The wicked must not sip but drain a cup filled by sin with separation from God. It was not merely crucifixion's suffering, but the separation from which Jesus drew back when the Father presented that cup in Gethsemane. To embody our sin meant Jesus became abhorrent to the Father just long enough to accept our death penalty.

For whatever else we give thanks, let it often be that God is near, and we need not drink of the cup from which the very Son of God three times begged His Abba to be delivered.

Lord Jesus, thank You for drinking from the cup that belonged to us. Thank You for receiving the agony we will never know. Thank You for taking upon Yourself the sin so utterly abhorrent to both You and the Father. Please enable us to accept from Your hand whatever You offer us.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Not Willing to Come

For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
(Psalms 55:12-13 NKJV)

"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.... But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them." (Matthew 22:2-6 NKJV)

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!" (Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV)

Even when King David had to flee for his life from his son Absalom—who attempted to hunt down and kill his father, who violated his father's wives as a sign of his utmost contempt—David could not bear to see Absalom destroyed, so great was the love of a father for his son.

Many argue that if God is truly loving, there cannot be a hell, for He would condemn no one there whom He loves. God's Word assures us that He takes no pleasure in condemnation, but simply gives a person over to what they themselves have chosen: existence apart from God.

God loves even the wicked enough that He does not force those not willing to come to Him to love Him or live with Him. No one shall be dragged into heaven. Heaven could not be heaven if filled with those who are enemies of God.

Heavenly Father, how great Your pain must be for all those You've loved who would have nothing to do with You. Please work in our hearts to make our love all the greater for You. Let our love and praise be pleasing to You. Show us how to pray for those who do not love You.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy