In Salvation I wrote that "the sin of the world" has been paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Through that sacrifice the curse of death that has plague mankind is lifted. Through the obedience of the One the gift of eternal life has been given to all mankind. Yet people are still dying today. Why? Because the gift is not yet given. The redemption of our bodies is waiting for the restoration of all things. First to those who are His at His coming and later to those who are to stand at the white throne of judgment.
It is needful to know that the redemption of our bodies, the mortal putting on immortality, is not the most important factor when it comes to salvation. The most important factor is what happens after the resurrection. It is said that all will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus and they will be judged. Each according to their works. There is another book that will be opened that contains the names of those who are written in the lamb's book of life. Understand... those who are not written in the lamb's book of life, though they have immortal bodies, are destined to be eternally separated from God by being thrown into the lake of fire.
Romans 3.23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Sin is defined as the transgression of the law yet where there is no law sin is not imputed. Uh-huh... What does it mean? Simply, where the law of God is not known, God will not hold you responsible for breaking the law. Certainly Israel knew the law of God for God gave them the law at Sinai through the mouth of Moses. It was easy to know when they broke the law and then God would hold them accountable for the sins they had done as a nation and individually. For the rest of the world, they could break the law and not know it. Not knowing they broke the law God would not punish them for it.
Sin on its own causes death through those who follow it. There are natural consequences for destructive behaviour. Broken homes, theft, lying, cheating, murder, etc... are examples of sin's impulse to destroy. Sin will bring death without God having to step in to punish. A baby within the womb dies at the hands of the abortionist. The baby dies not because of his/her own sin but because of the sin action of the abortionist. Because of Adam's fall the baby is eligible for death. Thank God, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, that baby shall be resurrected.
So then, if God does not punish sinners who don't know the law, why then are they going to be thrown into the lake of fire? Because they have rejected God and went into rebellion.
Romans 1.18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Proverbs says that the fool has said in his heart that there is no God. This was a choice. A fool is not someone who is simple minded, a fool is someone who rejects the obvious. God's outward display of majesty and power is evident to all who look at creation; the stars, the earth, seas, plants, molecules, atoms. God's inward display in each person; conscience, spiritual awareness, revelation, life itself. They reject this evidence and knowledge of Him and their hearts are darkened. The consequences of this action...
Romans 1.22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
God also has made Himself known through the revelation knowledge given to man through prophets and seers. The bible has been printed and the word of God preached throughout the earth. Many miracles have followed the preaching of the word. Yet the fool says in his heart there is no God and rejects the word of God and the revelation again.
It is because of this constant rejection of God, His way and His word, that the separation from God occurs. Seeking their own way they rebel against the way of God and God Himself. These are the ones whose end will be in the lake of fire. This is the sin that separates, unbelief! It is rebellion! All else is just a natural consequence, a natural by-product of that unbelief, that rebellion. Whenever the word of God is preached, even to those who believe, if they reject the word being preached, they reject God's way and thereby God Himself.
Believe that He is. It is important to realize that you must believe in the revelation that God has made known to the world through His word contained in the bible. That word says that Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am"... Matthew 16.16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter further states... Acts 4.12 “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Again, Paul writes... Romans 10.10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Will you believe the word of God, that Jesus is the only way to obtain salvation? Will you confess with your mouth who Jesus is and all that Jesus has done? Know this, through unbelief all the plagues, including death, have come upon the world and those who live in it. Know this also, through faith in Jesus and what He did for mankind, which includes you as well, the door is now opened that separated you from God which is your unbelief, your rebellion, your sin.
Those who confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, have spoken the words that open the door to immortal life with Him in heaven. You have opened the door to escape the lake of fire which is the end for all those who will not believe. Leave the sin of unbelief behind, the sin of rebellion. As you begin your journey you will find along the way other areas of your life that are not in accordance to the word of God. Each obstacle you find along the way, each roadblock of unbelief, acknowledge it for what it is... sin. Having done that take the next step...
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