Everyone loves a classical movie of good versus evil. The general plot of where the evil character gets the upper hand until it seems like the good character has completely lost. Then, from nowhere, the good character musters up enough strength to conquer their enemy. This is the final chapter in the Christians Believe series and what a fitting way to conclude with the good guys convincingly winning. However, before we dive into this final chapter, let’s recap on where we have travelled in this series.
Firstly, we found that God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), who has existed eternally, created the universe (see Christians Believe (1). Our mandate as humans created in God’s image was to rule the world under God but we rebelled against him and sadly, death entered the world (see Christians Believe (2). So God, rich in love and mercy became a man to rescue us from our sins by living a perfect life and dying on a cross so that we might be forgiven (see Christians Believe (3) and live in eternal life with God (see Christians Believe (4). The followers of Jesus now live in this world waiting for the glory that awaits us (which we will talk about in this article) and meet as a family under Jesus in gatherings called ‘churches’ (see Christians Believe (5). With all this in mind, let us conclude this amazing true story!
If you haven’t noticed, there has been a battle raging for thousands of years, a battle that you will only see and understand if you look through the lenses of the bible. This battle is a spiritual battle between God and Satan, one which we became involved in when Adam and Eve sinned. You need to understand that God and Satan are not equal opponents. God is all knowing and all present, eternal and creator. Satan, however, is like us in that he is a created being, limited in knowledge and in presence and is not eternal. I do not want to dwell on Satan’s characteristics too much in this article but I want to make it clear that he is the enemy of God and those who are for Satan are also enemies of God. The bible tells us “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience“ (Ephesians 2:1-2). We by our disobedience are following the prince of this world- Satan and therefore we are enemies of God and in big trouble.
The great news is that the battle is all but won and we have a chance to be saved. When God the Son stepped off his throne in heaven and entered into human history as the man Jesus, his death on the cross crushed Satan’s power over us as sinners and brought those who trust in Jesus onto God’s side. So, what is left? The battle was won at the cross but we still wait for the final end when Jesus returns from heaven- But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). When Jesus returns, He has guaranteed that there will be ‘fireworks (see Marks 13; 1 Thessalonians 4-5; 2 Peter 3- there are over 250 references on Jesus return). Have you ever wondered what will happen when Jesus returns?
The Resurrection of All
As we discussed in Christians Believe 4, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and ascended to rule from heaven. The bible states that when Jesus returns, everyone that has died will be resurrected from the grave and the living and the dead will face Jesus- for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice (John 5:28).
Judgement Day
Please do not let the great Governator film (Terminator 2) fool you- God will control this day and not machines. We will all be resurrected to face judgement. The bible makes it clear that Jesus will judge us by our actions according to his law. Jesus is an impartial judge who expects perfection. As stated in all the other Christians Believe posts, according to our actions, we are all doomed, but God has revealed to us a righteousness that will save us from our sins- the God man Jesus. Those who face Jesus according to their own actions will be sentenced to hell and those whom face Jesus according to Jesus’ actions for them (namely the cross), will be forgiven and sentenced to heaven.
Let me make one disclaimer! There must be a judgement. I’ll put this to you: Would it be just if a man murdered and raped a young girl, arrested by the Police to face court for the judge to say “Well I am a nice judge so I will let him free”. Is this justice? NO! God must judge us. We live in a world where justice is far and few between. The world is faced by crooked leaders and judgers. One half of the world dies from obesity while the other half dies from starvation. Jesus must put things completely right and this is only possible through his righteous judgement.
Heaven and Hell
Jesus spoke about hell more than any other person in the bible. In a nut shell, Jesus states that hell is hot and eternality is a long time. The bible is clear that after Judgement, we all will be sentenced to either heaven or hell. Those who have washed their sins away in the blood of Jesus will be let into heaven, and those who sit in arrogance against Jesus and in no need for his salvation will be sentenced to hell.
Heaven in a few words is perfection. All who live in heaven will live in perfect relationship with God and each other, worshipping God wholly, no pain or suffering or sin. The bible calls heaven a city- New Jerusalem. We will live, work, play and there will be no toil and death. We will know God perfectly; we will even speak with him face to face. Heaven will be like this life with only the positives! I can’t wait- praise Jesus!
Hell is the polar opposite. There will be only suffering and pain. Those in hell will live separated from God. Satan and all of God’s enemies will be sent to hell. It will be a terrible place where only the negatives in life flourish!
I plead with you now- if you are Christian or not- consider Jesus with his great salvation. We all deserve hell but in his great mercy, Jesus tasted death so we could have heaven. Jesus is calling you today to come to his cross- give him your sins and follow him. If you neglect Jesus, you will be treated as his enemy. Jesus is our only hope! I will leave you with a passage from Revelation (21:1-8). It paints the beauty of heaven, which is on offer to you through Jesus.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death."
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