Scripture, however, shows us a totally different God. So if you're living with guilt and fear, you might want to read on to see what the Bible says about how God really feels about us.
***
'...If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?
Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
- Romans 8:31-39 ESV
***
In my dad's last months, the hospice staff were convinced that he was in denial about death. They said it was very unusual for people not to be stressed out about it. I tried to help them understand that he in no way was in denial about death, but that Dad had an unshakable faith in Jesus to take care of his future, whatever it might bring. So, he had no fear of death. He also had no guilt, for he knew that Jesus had paid IN FULL for my dad's sin. Dad was free of fear and free of guilt. Therefore, he had no reason to fret about death. He looked forward to seeing his Savior and had absolute confidence in Him.
Jesus had given him FREEDOM.
God is the God of all Comfort. Lovely post Judy. The part about your dad was so encouraging.
ReplyDeleteJudy ~ What a comfort to read. I am leaning heavily on my Lord and Saviour right now. He is my strength for through him all things are possible ~
ReplyDeleteJudy- I "get that". My brother had no fear this last February when he crossed that Valley of Death. It was sad for us but I know joyful for him. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHi Judy Thank you for sharing your Dad's story. I do not know how people who have no faith manage when it comes to hard times, like death. When one has Christ in ones heart and one knows for sure, that Jesus will be waiting to welcome us to spend the rest of ones life with Him, that is why those who believe have a fantastic peace at times like these. Margaret
ReplyDeleteI love that your father had the faith. I hope my faith is as strong. I have known Jesus as my light since I was 8 years old. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeletei have always held on to a 'kind and loving God'. :)
ReplyDeleteI thank Him every day for saving my soul from Hell, and I know I will live in Heaven with Him one day. I understand your father's feelings exactly.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was the same way at the end of her life, total, abiding peace.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Judy!
ReplyDeleteJesus does give us freedom! I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteI love your post!! Perfectly beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteJudy, I'm a new follower. Found you through Beth from E Lizard Breath speaks. I'm going to check out your archives as well as your Etsy store. Thanks for your testimony. God commands us to share Him so that the lost might be saved.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Beth
Wow, what a great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
HI I always love to see your posts, as you live in a beautiful part of our country, and we share a like common faith. The comments about your dad were awesome. I am in great health now, but I really do look forward to eternity, and think about it often. (I'm 63) What joy and happiness awaits us, we cannot even fathom! My brother died a couple of months ago, and he looked forward to heaven, and went there very peacefully, albeit in pain from the cancer.
ReplyDeleteI love the scriptures you quoted, keep it up. It is great to see a Christian blogger. We live in Alaska and love it. Happy Quilting!
Love,
Mary :) mnumme2@gmail.com
Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how many people think God is this entity to fear, one who is not trustworthy, or think He is nonexistent. God gives us life and purpose. So many people are aimless and miserable. They don't understand they were created to be in relationship w/ their creator, NOT wrapped up in THIS life. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to get this.
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