Christian: Culture-Sin-Judgement-Heaven
I was recently listening to a podcast while out for a walk and the host said this:
“I can’t believe _________ are going to be in heaven with us.”
You can fill in the blank with any current hot/divisive topic:
Abortion
LGBQT
Misogyny
Politics Views
Racism
And, it made me think….
Are we categorizing sin to be better or worse than another with different judgement, consequence or even the ability to spend/not spend eternity in heaven?
Are people with these “minor” sins going to be in heaven:
Adultery
Gossip
Gluttony
Idolatry
Lying
Pride
Scripture tells us “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
And, “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Then, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
So, “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:13
Scripture does not say one sin is higher than the other, instead, all have sinned.
Scripture also says Jesus is the only way to salvation, for everyone who calls on his name.
The invitation is open to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus to be saved.
It is not up to anyone to determine what someone’s salvation, sin or status of heaven will be. That is solely between an individual and Jesus.
Christians are not free of sin after salvation as we still have a sinful nature, with minds and hearts that drive our actions. The Bible says anyone “who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”, James 4:17. Christians are seeking to live their life like Christ, through recognizing, confessing, and repenting of actions that are not like Christ, and to turn from their sinful ways.
In this practice of Christianity it does not matter what the sin is, with confession and repentance the promise is grace from Christ to cover our sins and eternal life with Jesus because we have confessed with our mouths, believe in our hearts and called upon His name.
Scripture is clear that there is discipline in Christianity and that looks different for each person based on their hearts and their personal sins. Sometimes the laws we live under in our countries designate consequences for actions that are outside of the discipline of scripture, depending on the actions.
The world is living in a polarizing state with constant banter of who is right and wrong based on opinions. Most importantly, Christians must remember we are singularly accountable for our own actions, not the actions of anyone else. As Christians, we believe in the end Jesus will come to judge, and each person is accountable for themselves.
What does that look like as Christians in our day to day actions?
Be concerned about our actions and not everyone else.
Consider how Jesus looks to others because of our actions.
Love our neighbors.
Tame our tongue.
Commit to prayer.
Seek wisdom in scripture and wise counsel.
Remember who holds ultimate authority.
Practice regular repentance.
Leave judgment to Jesus.
Aware of personal bias.
Plant seeds for salvation or repentance of those in our lives.
Release grips on control.
Be on guard of who and what you’re listening to for influence and justification of our faith and actions. Also be on guard for your source(s) of media, and the bias of story telling for influence. Test all things against God’s word in the Bible to determine truth.
Above all, as Christians, we’re each a sinner, saved by grace, who still commit sins, and who by God’s grace will spend eternity with Jesus. And, with others who do the same.
Thank you Jesus for the grace that covers our sins.
Blessings,
Angie