devotions and reflections

Hope for the hopeless

“I’m going to hell, that’s it!” Says an exasperated child of God. It’s a very sad truth that many professed Christians misrepresent God and Christianity. Luke 5:32 says, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (New American Standard Bible). And to put it simpler, I’ve come to call sinners to change the way they think and act, not to call people who think they have God’s approval.” (God’s Word Translation).

You see, God came for the sinners. And who has not sinned? Technically, God came for all of us to call to repent. We may try to be as perfect as possible but there are many stumbling blocks in the way. We may regard our actions as normal outcomes when confronted by annoyances. But sometimes we get to the point sinning. But don’t be defensive. No one is perfect and that is why we need Jesus. If we can be perfect on our own, what do we need God for?

When I was in Thailand I met a wonderful person who used to be a hippie. His conversion story, which I will try to scribble here later, really amazed me. By the way, what he told me was very mind-blowing. His view on “being saved” is worth noting. He said that once you become a child of God, you cannot undo it. You may wander away but still God, the loving Father, considers you as His beloved Son.

Remember the story of the Prodigal Son? The father patiently waited for his prodigal son to come back and when he did there was a great celebration. “Likewise, heaven rejoices for every soul that turns back to God. In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need to repent.” Luke 15:7

I have the same conviction. Everyone is entitled to be saved. But just because we are loved by God means we can be saved no matter what course of action we take. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15.

Suppose you are a parent and your child runs away. You may always keep loving him/her but being away from you, he/she wouldn’t get all the benefits of being your child unless he/she goes back.

If you know it’s wrong and you keep doing it anyway then you are separating yourself from God. Romans 3:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death but the gift but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we can have eternal life.

I hope and pray you receive God’s brightest blessings.