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Romans 8:18-25 (NIV) “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
God wants to be worshipped by people of free will. We all have a choice to make. We can choose to have a relationship with God through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, or we can choose to reject Him. The fall of man through disobedience in the Garden of Eden set up man’s ability to choose to accept or reject God. Jesus said: Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” From the preceding scripture, we see that a minority will be saved. We all have the ability to come to Jesus for salvation, but some will choose the things of the world over the things of God.
Salvation is given freely to all. We do not have to rid ourselves of sin under our own strength to earn it. In fact, Jesus came to save sinners. Luke 7:47, (ISV) “So I’m telling you that her sins, as many as they are, have been forgiven, and that’s why she has shown such great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.”
I was watching YouTube, where several people were sharing their near-death experiences. There were several things that seemed constant in their recollections. Hell is a terrible place. Heaven is a wonderful place. People who visited heaven said our earthly existence pales in comparison to what we will experience in heaven. There will be no more fear, no more suffering, just the existence of the pure love of God. What person in their right mind would want to trade a lifetime in heaven for the pleasures of a short existence here on earth. Everyone rich and poor, here on earth, is subject to trials and afflictions. The super rich often have bodyguards because of the evil that is rampant in the world. They cannot let their guard down and are constantly feeling at risk of being harmed.
Jesus allowed man to choose in the Garden of Eden and today He is allowing man to choose Him or choose the wide road that leads to destruction. We must be wise in our decision.
*Memorial Day is a reminder of how far we have fallen, as we recognize those who have given their lives for their country.
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