REDEMPTION CORNER
CAN ANYONE BE R edeemed?
By Family and FaithMagazine Contributor, pastor Chris Brodber
“
Some sins do register higher on God's 'Richter scale'. Some sins
carry more serious implication and consequences than others
(1 Jn.5:17)
N
ow here's a statement which sadly makes me laugh when I hear
it, "All sin is sin": Meaning all the wrong we do has generally the
same implication. Tell that to the person that gets punched and
poked, and see if one offends them more than the other. Jesus Himself
said "he that delivered me to you has the greater sin" (Jn. 19:11b).
People do things that cause a greater or lesser offence, even to God.
Some sins do register higher on God's 'Richter scale'. Some sins carry
more serious implication and consequences than others (1 Jn.5:17)...
And it’s really no laughing matter.
“
The gospel is indeed a gospel
of inclusion and salvation is for
everyone;
”
14 familyandfaithmagazine.com
”
It is with those thoughts in mind that I share on issues of redemption,
especially in light of our prevailing religious culture. Because despite our
‘sense of religion’ in Western culture, there are still acts of corruption,
crimes and wrongdoings, and these are on occasion, done by individuals
that profess Christianity. It therefore begs the question of whether or not
they were in fact redeemed and if anyone can be redeemed.
Here's the truth: The gospel is indeed a gospel of inclusion and salvation
is for everyone; that ‘whosoever will’ may come to Christ. But the gospel
also dictates that ‘whosoever’ may not do ‘whatsoever’ they will. (1 Jn.
3:10 / Gal, 6:7) Thank God! Lest the kingdom of God be a kingdom of
chaos and confusion (far be it from God - 1 Cor.14:33). Anyone can come,
but everyone must conform - You can't do as you've always done. The
individual coming to Christ must "bear fruit of repentance", and display
that a change has occurred in their life through genuine surrender and
submission to the Lord. And herein is the challenge. For certainly certain
sins significantly affect our ability to truly ‘surrender’ (see Acts 8:23).