There are many in the secular world who harshly criticize the Bible as a manual for intolerance and hatred. Why? Because the scriptures describe how those indulging in immoral acts and unjust acts will not go to heaven.
It’s odd, in a way, that cynics of biblical morality dispute the existence and authority of God yet they don’t want to hear that sinful indulgence exempts one from the eternal bliss of heaven.
If I didn’t believe in God or biblical authority, why would I waste time and breath debating with those who do? And why would I get so mad about “those Christians” warning me about things I didn’t believe would happen?
I’ve come to the conclusion that we Christians should not dwell on debating with Bible cynics over who is more corrupt but instead should focus on the fact that we’re ALL sinners in need of grace if we are to have any hope of heaven.
Please don’t misunderstand me. We absolutely need to draw lines in the sand of where we stand with respect to behavioral standards outlined in the Bible. We do need to declare the Truth of God regarding morality, truth such as that shown below:
“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that.
“But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Cor. 6:9-11)
What also need to remember, though, is that we’ve all lied and cheated and, at the very least, had immoral thoughts. We all were dirty.
Notice how Paul wrote that “some” of the Corinthians were indulging in the overtly shameful sins, but that ALL were cleansed and made right with God by calling on the name of Jesus as Paul did via his verbal and baptismal confession (Acts 22:16).
The fact is God willingly pours His grace into any heart and soul that repents and is baptized, according to Acts 2:38. Even those who once hated Christianity such as Paul and those who shouted “Crucify!”
This is what we are to remember and share whenever somebody starts with the “Christians are haters!” thing. The fact is that God loves all people (John 3:16) and wants them to have eternal bliss in heaven and that’s why He calls them to lay aside the lifestyle that shows they don’t want to be with Him.
Let’s be careful to not compromise on what God defines as godly living but let’s also not forget that we all fail and need His cleansing grace. This is the message that conveys hope, not hatred.
As always, I love you
Martin
