One of the biggest knocks against the Bible is that it is full of contradictions. I don’t find “contradictions,” but I have to admit that there are some pretty severe tensions.
The first and greatest may involve the principal reason folks turn to scripture, to answer the question, “How can I be saved?” Everyone wants to know about eternity and, frankly, fear of hell may be the greatest fear of all.
On one hand, the answer seems simple enough. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This has to be one of the most popular scriptures. It is oft-quoted and we see it referenced in the stands at sporting events. It’s simple and straightforward: You want eternal life? Believe in Jesus.
Jesus’ most frequent greeting, “Fear not” seems consistent with this simple message. If we are to be fear-free, the greatest free of all, eternal damnation, needs to be dealt with. There needs to be some level of assurance that, like the “good” thief, we can be sure that on our death we will be “with Him in paradise.”
Causing tension with these simple and assuring verses are others that raise questions. The principal is Jesus’ warning that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will make it. Many of those, He never knew. He warns of narrow ways and few attaining eternal life.
Finally, there is the issue of “fruit.” It seems that those who are being saved will produce some “evidence” of that salvation. While we are assured that we can add nothing to what was done on the cross, we are also told that our repentance will have fruitful evidence. While we are told that all have sinned and fallen short, we are also admonished that the “saved” will evidence “less” of this sin nature and, at least, a path or direction to holiness.
Further complicating this is that those charged with shepherding the flock really don’t want things to be too simple. There is job security in the flock believing that something “more” is required and that we, the flock, need to look to the shepherds for guidance as to just what that “more” might be.
The older I get and the closer the end looms these issues keep me awake at night. I can’t buy the “God grades on the curve” idea. I feel sure I am “better” than a lot of other people, although at the same time I must acknowledge that I’m not as “good” as many.
I have felt Jesus’ hand in my life and looking back on the beach I’ve walked I can see his steps alongside at many times and only one set of prints at the times I needed to be carried. Is that what “knowing” Him means? I can’t help but feel there should be more to my relationship. I should know Him better, feel Him closer, trust Him more. Is what I have enough?
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