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Archive for the ‘God’ Category

Heaven is Like … a Net (Part 2)

Posted in God's Kingdom, Heaven, Hell, Judgment, Parables, tagged , on August 4, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. — Matthew 13:47-50

Parables each have only a single lesson — and this one’s about a coming judgment.

Some think a God of love couldn’t possibly send poor defenceless creatures to a place of wailing and teeth gnashing. It’s clear Jesus did not think that way, he constantly warned judgment was coming. He often used examples of “good fish” and “bad fish”, “sheep” and “goats”, “wheat” and “weeds”.

His purpose was to encourage us to prepare while there is still time. We can be changed from bad fish to good, from goats to sheep, from weeds to wheat — he is in the life changing business!

The Bible gives a long list of the kinds of people that won’t make it to heaven,1 then adds

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” — 1st Corinthians 6:11

— fritz@langgang.com
1. 1st Corinthians 6:9-11

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Heaven is Like … a Net (Part 1)

Posted in God's Kingdom, Heaven, Hell, Judgment, Parables, tagged , on August 3, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. — Matthew 13:47-50

Heaven’s kingdom has quite a draw. So many want and expect to go there — just not yet, and not the way the Bible instructs.

Some are like Mr. Formalist and Mr. Hypocrisy in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Unlike true followers, they climb over the wall instead of entering by the gate. They saw no need to do things God’s way, theirs was easier. But they received no scroll and knew nothing of God’s path so eventually fell away.

But all those who come to Christ with a true heart of repentance have nothing to fear. Jesus said,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. – John 6:37

— fritz@langgang.com

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If Heaven Is the Merchant, Who is the Pearl?

Posted in God's Kingdom, Heaven, Parables, tagged on August 2, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Pearl Merchant

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” — Jesus (Matthew 13:45-46)

One parable has Jesus saying Heaven’s kingdom is like a treasure1 then, in the very next verse, he says it’s also like a Merchant who sells everything he has to buy a valuable pearl! To understand the message it’s essential to get the characters right.

If Heaven is the Merchant, who is the pearl and what is the currency?

There is no money in heaven; the only thing of value is God, himself. And the pearl? Why, it is you (and me)!

God considers us of such value he spent his most precious treasure, Jesus, to obtain us forever.

— fritz@langgang.com
See Also: “Heaven Is Like … Buried Treasure” – August 1, 2010

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