Unforgivable sins and other stuff...

Theologians have argued about the idea of limited atonement for centuries. I dont claim a monopoly on the truth, but this is quite an interesting way of looking at it...

Who is forgiven by Jesus' death on the cross? There is no difference, for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace. I think the New Testement reads easier as a general rule if you accept the idea that Jesus died for everyone, and God's forgiveness is for everyone. Is everyone saved then? No. The Bible makes a clear distinction between the 'people of God' and the 'world'.

What could the dividing line be then? One of the most contentious passages in the Bible is Matt 12:31, and i think it holds the answer. And so i tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. What about if Jesus' death on the cross forgives everyone their sins, but the dividing line is whether we commit this unforgivable sin? Seems to make sense...

The question is then raised - in this context what could the sin be? Blasphemy against the Spirit is denying his unique divinity. Thus this sin is proclaiming by word and action that the work of God's spirit is not of God (and that something else is more important). This might work itself out in refusing to recognise Him in creation, refusing to recognise the work of the Holy Spirit on the cross, or more prominantly - refusing to recognise that Jesus' presence with us requires the submission of our lives.

Assuming therefore that what saves me is making Jesus Lord of my life.

This has not resulted in any vastly different conclusions compared with the contemporary church, but i think it makes a lot of sense and helps me understand that God can be both soverign and big enough to let us make our own choices...

Theology leading to doxology - always a good test!
Mukama Yebazibwe!!

God's calling - found yours yet?

One thing that gets talked about more than most within Christian circles is the idea of a calling. The question is, what is my calling in Life? What am i called to do? Maybe you're called to be a factory worker, a teacher, a doctor, or a soldier, maybe even a missionary or a pastor. Of course these are higher callings!

The China experience has kinda flipped that on its head as far as i'm concerned. I was supremely challenged by the guys that have gone out there long term, not as missionaries, but as regular workers. Why? They've gone out there with the hope that they'll pick up enough of the language and culture to be able to befriend the local chinese and share Jesus with them! They dont understand the term missionary...it is meaningless in their Christian understanding.

I believe God is far less bothered about our calling than we are. He'll say go and do what you enjoy, and what you're good at. Why? I think its because its not the actual work we're doing that interests Him, but the way we do it. What does Jesus want from us? 'go and make disciples of all nations baptising them and teaching them to obey everything i have commanded you'. There are people in every sphere of life who need Jesus, we show him to them through our lives.

I think the point i'm trying to make is that we're called to take an evangelistic attitude to everything we do. We're all missionaries/ambassadors/evangelists. The real work of a church is done by its members not its pastor. The work of God is done by all His people.

So calling... i dont have a great answer, but it's something to do with getting your attitude right and throwing yourself fully into everything God gives you to do. Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make you paths straight. Give up looking for directions in the sky and look at the people God has given you!

If God wants to tell you something i dont think you need to worry about missing it...you know when you're ignoring him!