By: Scott Adkins, Sling ‘n Stone Ministry
Carter County Times
Last week, we talked about Hell, the Land of No. This week, we’ll talk about what God warns us to do that we not end-up spending eternity in Hell, the Land of No. To that end, God warns us that “without holiness, no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Those who avoid Hell are those who overcome all obstacles to God’s “highway of holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). Jesus admonished us to “strive to enter in at the straight gate,” (Luke 13:24), so that we might walk along His “narrow way” (Matthew 7:13). Why? Because only those who endure to the end “shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Differently put, only those that “overcome shall not be hurt in the second death” (Revelation 2:11). Suffice to say, God never deviates from His Genesis 17 command that we “walk before Him and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). Why? Because He is “Almighty God,” (Genesis 17:1), and because nothing and no one that “defiles” enters Heaven (Revelation 21:27).
How do we do that? As always, Jesus lights the way. He tells us that if our right eye or hand causes us to stumble, we must pluck out that eye or cut-off that hand, and cast it away (Matthew 5:29-30). Jesus did not intend we physically butcher ourselves. He used hyperbole to make His point: cut-off from your life, and put distance between yourself and whatever might lead you away – whatever that thing might be, regardless of how painful the cutting-off might be. Why? Because any deprivation or discomfort endured today beats ending-up in Hell forever. Paul echoed Jesus, urging we “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.” (Ephesians 5:11).
What does this mean in practical terms today? Let’s consider a few modern-day things that qualify as “the unfruitful works of darkness,” causing many to stumble: internet pornography; evil or idle talk on social media; certain relationships with the unsaved; and this life’s cares for possessions, power, or prestige. As Solomon said, there’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). All these modern-day things find their place in what John, the Apostle of love, warned not to love: “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (I John 2:16).
Those who yield to internet temptations might consider ending their home internet service. Many will say, “But I need the internet!” Which do we need more: our internet access or our right eye? Dating or going into business with the unsaved erects countless roadblocks to His highway of holiness. Many will say, “But we love each other, or I must make a living!” God counters, “be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (II Corinthians 6:14). This life’s cares? Remember Luke 18’s rich young ruler wanted eternal life, but wanted his earthly life and possessions more. He rejected Jesus’s invitation to “Follow Me.” Whatever might hinder us, let’s cut it off and follow Jesus to that city where He is the light
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
