By Pastor/Teacher, James R. Paxton
Did you know that everyone that professes to be a Christian is not going to Heaven? It is true that God is not willing that any should perish. However, many are and will perish and judgment will send them to hell. If I may offer an example. Suppose God is taking all His children to Heaven on a boat. His Son Jesus has paid the fare for everyone. However, when the boat leaves only those who are on the boat will set sail. Many will be left standing on the shore as the boat leaves.
Eph. 5:27 gives us some very important information. “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Jesus is coming for a glorious church. The writer of Ephesians says it will be spotless, wrinkle free, holy and without blemish. That sure narrows the field.
Let me set your mind free a bit. The Word is not speaking of the natural or fleshly man. He is speaking of the spirit man. We have all failed and come short of the glory of God. However, when you got saved (I hope you did) the blood of Jesus cleansed you from all sin. You became a part of God’s family. He made you righteous and told you to be holy. He sent His Word and His Spirit, the Holy Ghost to help you along.
When God is telling us about the glorious church He is not looking at denominations or buildings. He is looking at the heart, the inner man. If you fail to forgive someone, oops, there is a spot. If you fail to render unto God His rightful tithe, oh my, there is a wrinkle. If you are lukewarm or just a church goer or a pew warmer, there might be a blemish. To be holy, in part, is to walk in love and to put God first and do what He says. Those are decisions we individually make and they determine our future and our destiny. Aren’t you thankful that God, who is love, is the judge and He will use His Word in judgment. Jesus is making intercession for you and the Holy Spirit is here to help you and the Bible, the Word of God shows you the way. A closed book does not reveal its contents. Open it, read it, study it, practice it, believe it and you will be the richer for it.
Certainly God’s grace, mercy and love is all around you. When we are quick to repent of our sins and stumbling God is quick to forgive us and cleanse it all away. He even casts it into the sea of forgetfulness and will remember it no more. But remember, to repent is not just to say I’m sorry but it means a change of direction. When the Old Ship of Zion sails, God wants you on board. Jesus already paid the fare. Incidentally, the ship is about to sail. Get on board, today.
Maranatha!
