My early church training, even before I joined a church, was that I had a one way ticket to life. Unless I got saved, gave my life to God, and followed His ways, I’d not be able to return home to the Father. Instead I would be sent to hell for not just a short vacation, but for eternity. It scared the hell out of me and here’s what I did.
I joined the church, I followed the rules- until I broke them. Once I messed up (which was often), I repented. I got back in the yoke and went at “rule keeping” once more- only to fall again. amn, this repentence think sure seems to happen a lot. It seemed I could never do what was required.
Maybe it was because no one can.
Have you heard of grace?
True disciples of Jesus, the Christ, understand that they have a round trip ticket. From whence we came- to there we must return. Sure, there will be a stop at “Heaven’s Immigration Office” to see if we have any tobacco, spirits, or other goods that aren’t allowed by customs. Once we’ve passed the White Throne Judgment though, we ALL get back to where we began.
And you know what? Instead of being more of a reprobate because I know that, I’m much more loving and could care less about breaking any immigration laws. Funny how that works- just the opposite of what I’d been told.
Have you looked at your tickets recently?
It’s still very difficult for me to give up the notion of the scales of justice. I understand that we’re probably way off base when it comes to the details of religion, but when it comes down to eternity with God, if we’re all going to end up with Him, what was the point of Jesus’ sacrifice? What about “No man comes to the Father except through Me?”
The way I read it, it’s a very intolerant message…my way or the highway. Either you come through me to the Father or you don’t go. ????
You don’t have to give up the scales, and in fact you could not if you wanted to; however, they are operational primarily HERE in the NOW- it’s called KARMA!
The Kingdom is HERE AHORA!
But, there will be “divine judgment” at the end. It’s not an eternal burn in hell just because God is mucho angry though. God is love, loving, and He didn’t create us to be destroyed forever….Lamentations 3.