In these last days of God’s dealings with the fallen nature, or natural man, it is important to consider the long view of Christian theology and the hope it offers. The short view is the one most often preached and applies to the here and now. The long view acknowledges the here and now but extends into eternity. God, being God, has everything covered with overlapping principles, promises, and provisions. Everything will not be warm and fuzzy until the last trump sounds of the Church Age.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 3-5 (NIV)
One who exclusively believes in the benefits that cater to the wants and temporal needs of this life can suffer disappointment in faith. Faith has no end, so the argument that it fails has no muster. The time of faith is never concluded, so therefore, pure faith can never reach a point of failure, especially faith in Jesus Christ. The prosperity message of wealth and affluence, if you make the proper confession or donation to the proper person or organization, will fall on its face. The healing message of divine health is often laced with doing certain Bible readings, following a regimen of prayer times, and, yes, making the proper donations. The thing is… prosperity is real, healing is real, reading the Bible is really important, and regular prayer is really essential; however, these things are not to be worshiped. They don’t have standard outcomes on earth; not everyone experiences the same result. The everlasting reward of faith is withheld in Heaven.
Embracing Hope
The long view of faith is framed by the concept of eternal life, one that includes fellowship with God and with others who embraced that same hope in their natural lives. This is not a mystical future; the resurrection is a provision that those in Christian Faith will have a glorified body in a real place. We will recognize others in this wonderful Kingdom called Heaven. We will have an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in a manner that is more than a spirit encounter. There will be a physical reality to it. Can you imagine spending time with family members, maybe some who passed on long before we knew them? This author has some questions for great-great-great grandpa. Eternity is forever, so there is always time that can be spent with whomsoever.
It is so important to be sealed into this eternal faith. Hope is the safety line into the next realm; however, one can find that the line of hope can be stressed to the breaking point. Some never tie off hope, lose grip, and drift away into the ocean of this world. Being Born Again ensures the knot doesn’t slip. Jesus never let’s go on His end. Sometimes people fail to get past a head knowledge of religion and don’t go all the way by accepting Christ’s offer. Sometimes hope is kidnapped by mistreatment or lies of upstanding individuals. Other times, hope is sold in order to meet a temporary need or desire. Offences against the Most-High God require amends that have tangible value and cost. Ransom, redemption, and atonement are aspects of faith that will always renew the connection with God. Plainly ask Jesus from the heart, and He will give.
Ransom entails the general idea of making a payment to free an object or person. A thief takes some diamonds and demands a huge sum of money for their return. An evil person takes a child from their family and demands significant payment for return. The victim is not guilty of anything; however, there is a cost for freedom. An example on the world stage would be terrorists taking hostages and demanding money, trade for captured terrorists, or concessions from the aggrieved party for their return.
Sometimes, bad situations can force a person into slavery in the physical realm. Case study: A poor man’s wife needs medical treatment to live. He borrows money from a business owner for the operation, using his labor as collateral. He goes to work but never makes any headway on the debt because he is charged for interest, rent at the company housing, and the price of food from the company store. Of course, the company store has inflated prices. This is a prison. The man and his family are guiltless; however, they owe a debt. There is redemption in hope. Even if this family lives their lives in slavery here, there will be freedom in Heaven provided that they have faith in Christ. They are free in their spirits.
A spiritual example would be a child molested. In the process, many evil spirits take over the child’s emotions. The victim continually lives in shame and is always under self-condemnation. This results in bad behavior and in being judged by other people. Only the ransom provided by faith in the Blood of Jesus can pay the ransom demand. It has already been provided in the death of Christ and the new birth in an everlasting hope. The victim is in prison not by their own doing but by the action of others; the victim is innocent, not guilty. Jesus set us free!
Redemption and ransom often overlap; however, one minor distinction in the spiritual realm is that ransom is for the innocent, while redemption usually applies to the guilty. Redemption is the concept of buying back or repurchasing. Ever hear the phrase selling one’s soul to the Devil? It happens! A quarterback may want a touchdown pass; others seek an edge, pursuing success in just about every kind of endeavor. The Devil will say, “Do this or do that, and you will succeed.” The actions are underhanded and unrighteous, and if enacted, the Devil owns you! Guess what? The Blood of Jesus is precious enough to redeem the person, and there is enough for every person to be set free from spiritual slavery!
Everyone makes mistakes or wrong decisions in a lifetime. Some are accidental, and some are intended. Many offend God and can cause a wall. Sometimes ransom is the answer, other times redemption is prescribed. God is the agent of both. Now then, comes the idea of atonement, the action of making amends for a wrong or injury. It is true that God atoned for our sins with the blood of Jesus Christ…His action. For atonement to be complete, an action by the wrongdoer is required. This is an action that must be without works. It is very simple but very hard, repentance. One must identify the outstanding issue, confess wrongdoing from the heart, and then ask for forgiveness. Atonement is the provision for absolution. Once the atonement is complete, the window to God’s everlasting hope is opened wide, and grace pours through so that one can overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow and finish the race.
To those who are just now coming to Christ, remember He wants to work with you. If you are keen to hear His voice and follow good directions, many issues and problems will be averted. If there is a challenge, He will walk you through it. Be of good cheer and full of joy, for He will be with you to the end that never comes, even eternal life.
“There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
Daniel 12 1-3 (NIV)
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