The Lord Jesus commanded us to “go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to every creature” (Mark 16:16). But can we make it too good?
God Himself is a Specialist in devising what is Good News; in fact, it is He who invented it. And it is He who made it Good, like it is.
But can we take a cue from Him and then on our own devise a version of it that is more good (that is, better good news) than He has invented for us?
If so, are we in danger of giving people a false hope so that they will someday end up at the Pearly Gates and find they can’t get it?
(a) John 3:16 says that the pre-requisite for eternal life is to “believe,” that is, to have or to exercise, faith. God has given us no right to tack anything else on.
(b) Therefore we must learn what is faith.
(c) It’s “heart-work” as one writer often says (cf. Rom. 10:10). Thus it’s the end of arrogance, pride, love of self.
(d) The miracle can happen only as we l-o-o-k at Christ on His cross like the Israelites looked at the serpent of brass on Moses’ pole. It’s to contemplate Him, sense what it cost Him to save this hell-bent world and how He actually went to hell for us rather than see us be lost; it’s not a “work” that you do, no list of pre-requisites. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whoever believes in Him should not perish ” (John 3:14). There it is simple and clear: (1) He is “lifted up,” (2) you see Him, (3) you “believe.”
(e) “Henceforth” you are “constrained” by the love revealed there (agape) to live not for your own selfish pleasure, not for your lust, but for Him. People use a long word for that—sanctification; but it’s simply living for Him as a bride lives for her bridegroom—a new center of reference for one’s life.
(f) Jesus says that to resist the “constraint” of that love is “hard,” the most difficult life we can live (cf. Acts 26:14; 2 Cor. 5:14-21).
(g) He also says that to let that constraint move you to such a life is the easiest life you can live “henceforth” (cf. Matt. 11:28-30).
No need for us to invent a version of “good news” more good than that one! The ticket for entrance into the Pearly Gates is the capacity to enjoy the life there is there forever.
“Come”!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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