The Negative Jesus
Matthew 25:41 Then the king will say to the evil people on his left, ‘Get away from me. God has already decided that you will be punished. Go into the fire that burns forever—the fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels.
One of the biggest criticisms of Christians today is that they’re judgemental. In a world where anything goes, how can these people who profess to believe in the God of love be so darned judgemental?
One of the myths doing the rounds is that Jesus only ever said positive, loving things. He never criticised people the way these “Christians” do today.
In part, that’s said out of ignorance. But it’s also a secular defence against the truth of the Gospel – the good news of Jesus which involves … yes, the grace of God … but also a turning away, a repentance, from what we know is wrong.
What better way to defend yourself against that than claiming that Jesus loved and accepted everyone, without the need for them to turn their lives around?
It’s time for a reality check. Enter the truth:
Matthew 25:41 Then the king will say to the evil people on his left, ‘Get away from me. God has already decided that you will be punished. Go into the fire that burns forever—the fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels.
That’s Jesus telling a parable about the day of judgement which is surely coming for each one of us. In fact, Jesus spoke more about the coming judgement of God, and the eternal punishment that will befall those who don’t accept Him and what He has to say, than almost any other subject.
It doesn’t sound like particularly good news at all – until you realise that He went on to die for you so that you could be forgiven. Don’t be fooled. That Day is coming. The good news is that Jesus came to save you.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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