End time discussion – must see!!

If you have either never come across the various end-time views held by evangelical Christians or wonder what all the terms relating to the Millenial reign of Christ mean (pre-, post, and a-millenial), then this is a debate you really don’t want to miss.   John Piper moderates a vibrant discussion between 3 theologians, each of whom holds one of these positions, as they thrash about the reasons why they believe their view is correct, and what it actually means.   An absolutely fascinating and hugely informative debate and one I would urge anyone who has the slightest interest in what comes up ahead for God’s people to give your time to listen to this – it’s lengthy at just over 2 hours, but well worth every second!!

An Evening of Eschatology with John Piper.

 

 

Are you good enough to get into heaven yet not good enough to become a Christian??

Almost everyone who isn’t a Christian asked that question will say yes, but some Christians errantly also think they can answer the first part, in the positive not appreciating what that response implies.   It’s a touchy subject – “goodness”.  I have to confess I’ve not questioned some of my friends who wrongly think that they will have the right to enter heaven based purely and solely on how they’ve lived their lives here.

They tell me that they haven’t hurt anyone deliberately or murdered, or stolen anything much (always in comparison to someone else), or done anything “that” bad!! So what’s the big deal then? God is love – He loves everyone doesn’t He, so He couldn’t possibly consign anyone ‘good’ to hell could He??   Well, let’s think about that one.  How do you define goodness?  Where is the cutoff point between what is ‘good’ and what slides over into becoming ‘not good’?   What sins are ok and still allow you to contend you are “good” while others may not; stealing?, lying?,  adultery, pride, greed – the list is endless isn’t it once you start really thinking about it?

Let’s take a sample day in the life of a “good” person and try and apply God’s Law, which is the standard by which He judges all of us, to it.   They wake up in the morning, pull back the curtains, look out the window and see their neighbour has just bought an expensive new car of a model at least 6 ahead of the one they have, and immediately get insanely jealous and decide they don’t only want the same, but start planning how they can work to outdo them in some way and get an even better model – that’s the 10th commandment broken for starters.    Over breakfast they watch TV and get engrossed in a programme showing scantily clad people discussing the latest topic of interest, and their mind starts wandering about how their partner no longer attracts them, and how wonderful life would be if they met one of those on the TV and the type of relationship they might be able to pursue – there’s the 7th commandment broken, as Jesus stated that :  “But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matt 5:28 And don’t think that statement just applies to the guys, ladies!