Response to Spirituality Debate

This is a message circulating on Facebook. I used to basically agree with these statements. They do seem logical and ideal. It does seem reasonable to expect the same kindness be shown to me that is expected of me and to consider both cases. Also, I am convinced that living for Christ & as his child does come with many inherent blessings. However, I have come to see there are several problems with these statements.

FB:

I want to say something about the spirituality debate. You don't believe in God? That's ok, but why is it so important for many of you to mock those of us that do? If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die? Nothing! How does our faith in Jesus Christ bring you any harm? You think it makes me stupid? Gullible? Ignorant? That's ok too. How does that affect you? If you're wrong your consequence is far worse. I would rather live my life believing in God and serving Him, and find out I was right, than not believe in Him and not serve Him, and find out I was wrong. Then it's too late.
Ain't no shame in my game! I believe in Jesus Christ. He said deny me in front of your friends & I will deny you in front of my Father.
Facebook Challenge:
If you're not ashamed copy & paste it! God is Good!!!!!!
I'm willing to do this...how about you?
God is good, Amen!

Ain't no shame in my game! I believe in Jesus Christ. He said deny me in front of your friends & I will deny you in front of my Father.

Facebook Challenge:

If you're not ashamed copy & paste it! God is Good!!!!!!

I'm willing to do this...how about you?

God is good, Amen!

First, “You don’t believe in God? That’s ok …”, that’s NOT ok.

Psalm 14:1 – The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” 

As you read the rest of that Psalm in the context of the Bible you will see the reason people deny the existence of God is because they do not want Him to rule over them. The problem isn’t enough ‘proof’ of the existence of God, the problem is man refuses to acknowledge God because he wants to be his own god. 

Romans 1:18-22 -- 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,^g in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools...

If I have trusted in Christ and know His love and forgiveness, then I must hope and pray for those who don’t. I must desire to warn those who do not have the salvation they need and peace and promise that I have. The Bible says God is calling all men everywhere to repent – Acts17:30-31 (Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:28; I Tim 2:5)

Second, “Does my faith bring you any harm”

Perhaps my faith does cause some discomfort and view of harm, but in life it is often the case of “no pain, no gain”. Jesus said humans in our sinful nature do not want to hear the truth because it exposes their evil desires, thoughts and deeds (John 3:19; Mark 7). Also, Jesus told his disciples that just as people who didn’t want to hear the truth would kill Him, the ‘world’ would also persecute His followers (John 15:18-25). While tragically there is a history of people who claimed to be Christians doing violence against others (and Jesus said there would be – Matthew 7); there is also a long history of true believers being persecuted by unbelievers. Even though the Christian is to do his best to live at peace with all men, because of who Jesus is and the message He brings – that He is the only way of salvation – sinners will persecute His messengers and those who live for Him (II Tim. 3:12; Philippians 1:27-30) .

Those of true faith and in obedience will not willingly and spitefully cause harm. However, if anyone has true compassion, they will tell what they believe is the truth, even if it is hard to hear.

Third “do I lose anything if I am wrong?”

Even if I sometimes have weak faith, I cannot say “if I am wrong.” I must say “I am convinced and have a great hope.” I know the change God made in me when he saved me. I know the evidences of multitudes of manuscripts, the truth I find in His word, the archaeological validations, the claims & uniqueness of Christ, the many prophesies fulfilled and the sacrificed lives of the eyewitnesses. I know that my Lord told me I would be hated because of Him. I should not care if I am insulted, but rather be glad to be counted worthy to suffer for Him in any way. Our soldiers are honorable to risk their lives for our country, how much more should we be willing to suffer in such a small way or even to risk our lives for our Lord and Savior who has given us eternal life. 


The consequence is tragic for those opposed to Christ! Life is short! BUT GOD has provided the solution. Jesus paid our ransom to free us from bondage! Bondage to sin and its consequences, eternal separation from God. It does not take religion, your own sacrifice or any amount of good deeds. It takes grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.