(November 5, 2004)
I do not believe I have all the answers. Sometimes I wonder if I truly have any answers. I do believe in the freedom to ponder however and do insist on this freedom whether it be in the world or in the church.
Take a look at this scripture: Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 31:37. This sounds to me like God is willing to give up on the fundamental theme of the Bible, He certainly has the freedom to do so, it’s His creation He can do as He pleases.
So what is anyone to do to enter life if this is the case? Are Jesus’ words of no effect? Is there then no hope for anyone? Since I am not involved in the measuring of the heavens or the searching of the foundations of the earth I still believe that my best hope lies in Jesus. The Bible is by far the most interesting and greatest work that the world has. Nothing comes remotely close by comparison. If it were not for it I would have no hope because I would have no way of knowing Jesus.
He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39. Do these words have meaning? Jesus spoke these words. We know that He has resurrected unto life and now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is also the co-author of the first passage I quoted, Jeremiah 31:37. So we know that He will live on but will Israel and those grafted in to Israel?
I know many of the secrets of the Bible and I feel enlightened by them. There is no hope other than that hope given through Jesus Christ. I find comfort in this statement: I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate. Proverbs 8:12-13, and in this one: work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13.
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