Where does this line come from? If you guessed the Declaration of Independence you were absolutely correct! Ding Ding Ding! You win a big helping of nothing but pride.
Why did I open up this blog with one of the greatest lines in American History? Well partly because any time I get to relay my history nerdiness I will jump at it, but more importantly it's the premise for life. It's the supposed premise for America although at the time, a large group of people would hold into contempt said proposition Nonetheless, the fact that all men (and women) are created equal is a self-evident truth. In other words, it speaks for itself.
What this line brings into question is the legitimacy of this theory. I mean, does everyone have the same opportunities Does everyone have the same gifts? Are all gift equal? The short answer to those questions is no. History and just human interaction consistently reminds us the fact that we are inherently different.
However, God is not bound by our finite perceptions. It is my complete conviction to have everyone on the earth go to heaven. I want everyone on the earth to proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior before he comes back. I want everyone to hold the self-evident truth that those that call on the Lord will be saved. And once you are saved, there's no turning back. Or as Calvinist would say: "Perseverance of the Saints."
Lets be clear, the Bible reminds us that not everyone will be saved. Actually only those who were elected by God will be saved. But heres the kicker, I don't know who the elect are. All I can honestly deduce is that at least one person won't go to heaven! As long as a person confesses with their mouth that they are a sinner and believes in their heart that Jesus rose from the dead (amongst other things), that person will be saved. The fact that it's such a "simple" thing always perplexes me? I mean why wouldn't someone want to be saved? I guess people have their reasons.
All you have to do is ask. That's it! And this just doesn't apply to unbelievers. No matter what you are going through, God will wrap his arms around you and protect you. You might get a little burned but you will be saved.
This truth is consistently re-iterated throughout the Old Testament. I mean anytime Israel did something stupid like worship an Idol and then repented and called out to God, he saved them. I believe that God has a huge heart. He doesn't want us to falter. I mean the reason he created the 10 Commandments was to protect us from hurting ourselves.
The reason that only the "elect" will be saved is because only the "elect" proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. At least one time in everyones lives they will have the opportunity. What they do with that opportunity is up to them.
But I don't know about you, but even though I am saved I have to consistently ask God to save me from myself. I don't mean that I'm physically hurting myself, but sometimes I kill myself emotionally or I let other people crucify me with their words or actions. Sometimes I just have to call out to the Lord and although I might not see any evidence of it all the time, I know...I just know that he saved me.
There is plenty of evidence about the Lord hearing the cry of his people, but an example of one is found in Psalm 106: 44-45 which says, "Nevertheless he regarded their distress when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his convenant, and showed compassion according to the abundance of his love." (NRSV).
You're never to far away. All you have to do is...ask.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
--MJA
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