Intent and Reality
Christ’s
dying proclamation, “It is finished.”, changed the history of the world, for
the new covenant of salvation was complete. God had sent His son, Jesus Christ,
to become man and shed His blood on the cross to atone for the sins of all
mankind. We now receive the forgiveness of sins as a free gift of grace. Do we
believe in Jesus, are we sorry for our sins, is our primary desire to follow
our Lord’s commands, to put Jesus Christ first in everything we do? Symbolism
is over and we have entered into the reality of the new covenant. The reality
that even when we love the Lord with all of our hearts, we will still sin
because of our human flesh. The reality that Jesus freed us from sin through
His death on the cross. The reality that freedom from sin depends only on the
intent and desire in our hearts.
The
intent in one’s heart is an open book to our Master only. Two thieves were
crucified with Jesus. One thief ridiculed Jesus, telling him to use His power
to save them. The second thief simply asked Jesus to remember him. One thief
was thinking of only what Jesus could do for him on earth, the other thief
believed in our Savior and wanted to be with Him in His Kingdom. Many people
watching the executions believed both thieves would soon wake up in hell. Even
the thief who recanted to Jesus had not done anything that was worthy of
receiving God’s blessings. This man had been the scum of the earth and openly
admitted he deserved the punishment that was being administered to him. Only
Jesus knew the thief’s heart had changed, that his faith was real. Because of
this change, the gates of Paradise were opened to this forgiven thief. Reality
had begun, it doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what you have done,
it doesn’t matter if you find Christ with your dying breath. There is nothing
you have to do to be saved, except open your heart to Jesus and truly accept
Him. Our Savior knows our intent and this alone will save or condemn us.
The
hardest concept to fathom is that there are two elements that make up our
existence, the physical world and the spiritual realm. The importance of these
elements is reversed in the sentence above, just as most of the world views it
today. It is hard to bring the spiritual realm into daily reality because it is
an emotion, an intent, a feeling in your heart. It is your soul that lives
within your physical body, the spirit of life you possess. This spirit will
live forever, once on earth and then through all eternity in either Heaven or
hell. Jesus told us to seek His Kingdom first and then all other things will be
given us. Measure yourself in the spiritual world of our Lord, not in the
physical world of man. This physical world was created by God, and when it’s
purpose has been fulfilled the world will be no more. We are all at varying
levels in our earthly lives. Many are so immersed with the pleasures of life they
believe these enjoyments will never end for them. On the other end of the
spectrum are those with seemingly insurmountable problems, some believing the
only answer is suicide. In between is the majority trying to climb the status
ladder of an enjoyable life. But many are so busy concentrating on the next
rung up that they lose all perspective of their lives. There is one common
denominator between all people. We let physical desires control our spiritual
needs. It is so easy to lose one’s soul to the temptations and pleasures of
this world. The only cure is to get away from this earthly domain where Satan’s
snares entrap us. We must spiritually come and be healed by the grace of Jesus
Christ. The Holy Spirit wants to bring us into our Master’s Spiritual Kingdom,
wants to introduce us to the love of Jesus Christ. This unbelievable love
enables us to totally submit to our Savior. To save your soul you must find it
first, then humbly give it to Jesus Christ.
The
most important truth man can ever learn is Christ’s Church is a spiritual
kingdom, not a physical kingdom on earth. Christ’s one Holy Church is the souls
of all Christians, those living and those already in Heaven. This church in not
physical nor can it be contained in any building. It is spiritual, spanning
both Heaven and earth. We comprehend the spiritual and physical domains by
visualizing our spirit leaving our body and ascending into Heaven. Here we can
look down on the world and the physical shell our body lives in. We can see all
the evil in the world, the sinful cravings of our body. We escape to our Lord’s
Spiritual Kingdom to rejuvenate our spirit for the worldly battle still ahead.
Here we worship our Savior with all the heavenly hosts. Here we can talk
quietly, intimately, and privately with Jesus. We trust Him to guide us through
our mortal lives. We understand the reality that the earth and our physical
body are just a temporary residing place for our eternal soul. We understand
how Satan tries to use our body’s physical desires, ambition and pleasures to
divert us from heavenly solitude with our Master. The reality that we are too
weak to fight these evil desires without our Savior’s help. We feel the reality
of the Holy Spirit entering our hearts through baptism, giving us the faith to
believe in Jesus Christ. We spiritually eat and drink the reality of Christ’s
body and blood in the bread and wine we partake in the Lord’s Supper. We are
strengthened with the reality that Christ’s body makes us one with all
Christendom. We are relieved with the reality that His blood has forgiven us
all our sins, our slate is clean once more. We comprehend the reality that
faith is the most important ingredient in our lives, in our worship, in baptism
and the Lord’s Supper, not ceremonial symbolism or rules. As our faith matures
we are able to live more and more in the spiritual world, forsaking the
physical world. This spiritual faith enables us to do what our Master intended,
but also to know we will not always do what is right. Faith to know we will be
always forgiven by the intentions of a Christian heart, faith to know our sins
are washed away by the grace of a loving Savior.
There
are many realities that must be understood to maintain a Christian life. Let’s
start with the basic reality of identifying who a Christian really is. Is one a
Christian because they can tell us what church they are a member of, elaborate
about all the good they do for others, or proudly proclaim what a good life
they live? Maybe we can recognize Christian leaders by the clerical collar they
wear. Then there are those who complain about all of the trouble going on in
the world, all the problems that have happened in their life. Surely we can
assume they are Christians, for bad things bother them. Or we can take a look
at the opposite side of the road, those who go along with the flow. Is one a
Christian because they are energetic and full of life, letting all know it is
not boring being a Christian? Never letting their beliefs block some relief
from the dreariness of the world for others, for those they care about. But if
you know Jesus Christ, people will not notice you at all. They will only see
the love of your Savior coming through you, the peace and contentment the Lord
spiritually provides you. Christ’s love is shown daily through your life as you
love and help others, even those who do wrong to you. When you do more than
your share without complaining. In your happiness for all the blessings the
Lord bestows on you. As you accept the many sorrows and troubles in your life,
overcoming them with a faith that returns the smile on your face. This
Christian lifestyle can only be maintained when it is spiritually fed by
escaping to be with our Master, His Holy Church.
The
reality that the believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. All the
worldly church buildings, altars, crosses, special places, are just a
convenience, a quiet spot for reflection, but of no spiritual consequence. The
temple and the altar were needed until Jesus became the sacrificial lamb upon
the altar. But we don’t celebrate Christ’s death, He is no longer on the altar.
We celebrate His resurrection, the altar is needed no more. We look up to
Heaven for our Savior, humbly and reverently bowing our heads to Him. We are in
the spiritual reality of the grace of Jesus Christ. Where Jesus can come
directly into our lives, directly into our hearts. The reality that Jesus knows
the motives behind our actions before we can even commit them. For all of our
intentions pass directly in front of Jesus if He lives in our hearts.
Forgiveness and blessing are given instantly by a loving Savior according to
the spiritual sincerity in our hearts. Holiness now evolves from the spiritual
world. God is holy, His heavenly entourage is holy, and the forgiven souls of
contrite sinners are holy. The physical world can do nothing to save us. There
is nothing physical we can do to earn blessings. For only that which is done
out of spiritual love to Jesus is pleasing to our God. There is nothing
physical the world has to offer a Christian, except a body which the Lord will
glorify for all believers immortal souls to live in His glorious Kingdom.
The
reality the true church meets when two or more are gathered in His name.
Christ’s church meets anytime believing sinners come into His spiritual realm.
Whether it is for forgiveness, thankfulness, strength to carry on, help with
problems, or merely encouragement for all our individual challenges ahead.
Whether it be specific or general requests, or just the pleasure of spiritually
being united with others in Christ. Christians use the power of Christ’s
spiritual love to do His physical mission on earth. This love provides physical
healing for our bodies, the world. This love provides us the physical
necessities needed to carry on our existence. This love opens our hearts to
help the needy, to give to the poor, to visit the sick, those in prison, to
spread our Master’s love to all.
The
reality that the leaders who live spiritually in the Lord should lead the
church. We pray that our Master would grant us leaders who live in the
spiritual grace of Jesus Christ. Leaders who follow the Bible, not allowing
human reason to creep into the truth, the beliefs of the church. Leaders who
present the spiritual message of our Lord, bypassing traditions, and society’s
pressure to conform. Leaders who avoid quarrels, who are willing to step down
if others can settle matter with less bickering. Leaders who extol the
simplicity of our Master’s plan to save us, refusing the temptation to make it
more exciting, more appealing. Leaders who encourage all to discretely give out
of love, with no expectations of receiving anything in return. Leaders who
understand that the intention in one’s heart is more spiritually binding than a
pledge at the altar, a pledge at any church, a pledge at any other important
place. Leader’s who understand humility and remorse for one’s sins are more
acceptable to our Master than all physical actions denoting reverence that can
be performed. Leaders who willingly become servants to all, assisting them in
their search for the truth of Jesus Christ. Leaders who never exploit their
position, their importance, their power. Leaders who understand the most
important message of all. That as all struggle through this physical world, we
can only be freed when all are one spiritual body with Jesus Christ.
The
reality that our Master gave us a command. Go tell all people about Jesus
Christ. There are many who believe they are not qualified, or do not know how
to reach out to people. I have a few questions for you. Do you really believe
in Jesus, do you really believe that He arose from the grave? Do you really
believe that He has the power to stop the wind, calm the sea, heal the sick,
make the dead come back to life, give men the gift of the Holy Spirit to
enlighten the world? We all know the Lord has the power to give us the courage
to talk to others about His love. The ability to grant us the words to help
others open their hearts to the Holy Spirit. One can go to many training
sessions becoming equipped to tell others about Christ. Or one may simply open
their heart to the Holy Spirit and find the words already on their tongue.
Words to tell others how great our Savior is. We must also remember that our
daily life is a sermon to all around. The best representatives are ones who
believe in what they say. The conversion to faith in Jesus Christ requires an
emotional commitment. We must openly tell others how Jesus Christ has affected
our lives. All Christians have an experience, a story of how our Savior’s love
has given them joy, peace, and contentment. How Christ’s love has pulled them
through their troubles and sorrows. Christians can relate how simple it is for
the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and allow Jesus to enter in. But how hard it
is to follow in Christ’s footsteps. That all will struggle to obey His
commands, that all fall short. But Jesus will forgive our sins, offering to
those who persevere the keys to Paradise. The more we tell others about Jesus,
the more it becomes part of our own personality. A personality that shows the
love of Jesus shining through us.
Then
there is the greatest reality of all. The reality of Heaven. There are three
questions one has to answer honestly in order to absorb the reality of Heaven.
Do we really believe that being with Jesus Christ is the greatest gift one can
have? Our Master said we must love Him more than our self, spouse, sons,
daughters, anyone else, or any other thing. The greatest place to be is in His
loving care. The second question is do we really believe Heaven is a much
greater place to live than earth? Jesus told us that He is preparing an eternal
home for us, such a beautiful place that man could not even fathom its glories.
Where there would be no pain or suffering, where the trials and tribulations of
the world are no more. The third question is do we have Christ’s love in our
hearts so we genuinely love others as much as ourselves? With Christian love we
want what is best for our children, our families, friends, and all people, not
just ourselves. Those in Christ will strive to answer these three questions in
the affirmative, knowing they may need Christ’s loving care when their faith is
tested by losing a loved one.
Dying is just about a soul leaving its
temporary living place in one’s body, and the body temporarily put to rest on
earth. Just as the angel told the women who came to Christ’s tomb not to fear,
Jesus has risen. We also should have no fear of death. For death is the
fulfillment of our lives, when we are able to go directly to our home in
Heaven. Heaven, where spiritually we have already been worshiping with Jesus
and His Church. Heaven, where we will live in such a glorious setting that we
can’t even comprehend its beauty. Heaven, where we will live beyond our
ultimate dreams of perfection, contentment, satisfaction. Heaven where we will
be together with all the family of Jesus Christ. And most important of all, we
will all be with Jesus, we will all be covered with His love. When a believer
dies the only pain and sorrow is for the loved ones left behind on earth, the
ones who desire more time on earth with those Jesus has called home. Even Jesus
was moved by the pain of the family left behind by Lazarus. For those who have
a very tough time when Jesus takes home a young child, remember they are going
into the loving care of Jesus. Try and imagine what the child would say when
they are reunited with their loved ones once more in Heaven.
“
I am so glad to see you. It is so much fun being up here in Heaven. I don’t
have any chores to do, no homework to catch up on. I never get sick and there
is no pain up here. Jesus has taken such good care of me and I enjoy His
company so much. He has given me peace and contentment by allowing me to
understand His will. There are so many of our family and friends to be with.
This is such a great place to be.
I
am sorry I didn’t have more time to be with you on earth. But I am so glad you
brought me to the Lord. Jesus knew me right away and gently took me in His arms
while telling me my job on earth was done, that He now needed me here with Him
in Heaven.
I’m
sorry that you were sad that Jesus called me home so soon. I’m so glad you
didn’t get mad at Him for taking me, that you were able to accept His will. For
what is 50 years on earth when we can live together eternally with Jesus in
Heaven. We will have a million, even a billion earthly years here. I can’t even
comprehend this much earthly time, but no longer have to worry about it. For
there is no time in Heaven, it’s just forever. I knew deep down with the faith
you have in our Lord, you would understand. For you would never deprive me of
any time I could have with Jesus. It’s so good to be with you again. Let me
show you around God’s great Kingdom.”
In
concluding this book I realize how my human nature has made me slow to complete
my Master’s work here on earth. That it has cost me many of the blessings my
Savior wanted to give me. But I know the Lord still has a small quiet corner
laid away in Heaven for me. A corner that will be beyond all expectations of
joy that I could ever imagine. Do not play any sad or morbid music for me after
I am with my Maker. Just sing praises to our Lord and stand in awe of Christ’
love that can save such a fool as I am And last but not least, never visit any
Christian’s grave and look down at their burial plot to give them last
respects, to talk to them, or feel close to them. They are not there. Look up
to Heaven, that is where their residence is. They have not left you behind.
They are patiently waiting to rejoice with you when Jesus calls you home to
Heaven. Believe in the reality of our Savior, for all believers have been freed
by Jesus Christ. Freed to live with Him forever.