War

With the observance of Anzac Day on April 25 and the wars currently being fought around the world we should reflect not only on the courage and sacrifice of those involved in and affected by these conflicts, but also the spiritual battles we face as Christians.

In Australia and New Zealand the war dead are remembered on Anzac Day, April 25. ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed on the morning of that date on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915 during the First World War. Anzac Day calls to mind more than just the events in WWI, it is a time to remember all who have sacrificed their lives in war. The number of those who have died on the field of battle throughout man's history is staggering. In World War II alone, the worldwide death toll numbered nearly 54 million.

War did not originate with human beings. It began with the thought of a heavenly being. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes this creature. The king of Tyre in this chapter is a created cherub with access to God's throne. In time, pride, arrogance and selfishness caused this cherub, now known as Satan, and one third of the entire angelic host to mount a war against their Creator (Isaiah 14:12-15). Satan came to the conclusion that he deserved to sit upon God's throne, and he sought to overthrow Him in a violent coup.

Revelation 12:7-9 gives us more insight into this heavenly conflict. "And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

When he was cast down to earth Satan introduced war to humanity on every level, beginning with Cain murdering his brother in a fit of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-8). The violent path chosen by Cain is the path humanity has followed ever since. Throughout the world, we find regional and ethnic groups, competing religions and power blocs all willing to battle for their cause. Ultimately, humanity finds war an easy choice. It is not the way God originally designed things, but it is the way the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

When we, as Christians, commit our lives to God, we are doing our part in defence of a spiritual nation, God’s future Kingdom (John 18:36). With Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection at Passover, and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in 31 A.D., God began to work with a new nation, that was no longer physical, but spiritual. As we battle the pain and difficulties we encounter in our temporary, physical lives, we should not forget the spiritual warfare we are involved in has eternal consequences, and that we are battling an enemy that never gets tired and never gives up.

Revelation 12:17 describes the dragon (Satan) waging war against those who "keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus". The Apostle Paul warned the Christians in Ephesus: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).

When Jesus Christ returns to this earth He will usher in a time of peace. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…." (Isaiah 9:6-7).

As we contemplate those who have fought and lost their lives in war, we should remember even though we fight in different theatres of war, ours being spiritual, we can still admire the courage, self-discipline, strength, and sacrifice it took to go into battle to defend our country. It should stir in us the diligence to prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we have to face in this life as we strive to stay faithful to God.

• Source:

  The Good News magazine (Jan-Feb 2008)

• https://www.ucg.org/world-news-and-prophecy/when-will-there-be-war-no-more

 

Do good people really go to Heaven when they die?

God described King David as "a man after My own heart," and one who would "do all My will" (Acts 13:22), yet the Apostle Peter stated in his first sermon: "....the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day…. For David did not ascend to heaven….." (Acts 2:29, 34, NIV).

The Apostle John also stated: "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man [Jesus Christ]" (John 3:13, NIV). Spiritual giants such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses, including others listed in Hebrews 11, did not ascend to heaven: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39 NIV).

King Solomon was inspired to write: "For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten" (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The patriarch Job echoed Solomon's words: ".... Man dies and is laid away; indeed he breathes his last and where is he?.... so man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor be roused from their sleep" (Job 14:10 and 12).

The dead are unconscious and unaware. Our emotions, thoughts, knowledge and feelings go to the grave with us. Job goes on to say: "O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time [the time of the resurrection], and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee...." (Job 14:13-15, KJV).

The writers of the Bible describe the experience after death not as going to heaven or hell, but simply as sleep. Notice, for example, how Daniel refers to the state of the dead in this prophecy of the resurrection: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2).

Jesus spoke of death as sleep. Speaking of a deceased girl whom He intended to raise from the dead, He told the mourners, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping" (Luke 8:52; Matthew 9:24). Before He resurrected Lazarus, He told the disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." The disciples misunderstood, thinking Lazarus was sleeping because he was ill. "However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep" (John 11:11 and 13).

The key to the mystery of life after death is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). Paul confirms many were eyewitnesses to the fact Jesus Christ had risen from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). There were too many credible witnesses who saw and interacted with Him after He was raised from the dead for His resurrection to be denied.

Because Christ was resurrected we can be assured He will resurrect those who have been faithful to Him (1 Corinthians 15:12-21 NIV). The doctrine of the resurrection is listed among the fundamental doctrines of the Bible (Hebrews 6:1-2). It is a wonderful part of God's great master plan, and the hope of all true Christians (1 Corinthians 15:54).

When Jesus Christ resurrects those who have followed Him the Bible reveals it will not be so that they can go to live in heaven forever. Since Christ is coming back to earth (Zechariah 14:3-4), it makes sense that's where they will be as well: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). (See our study guide Christ’s Reign On Earth: What It Will Be Like) 

All of the dead —good and not so good alike—will eventually be resurrected, even those who have never heard the name of Christ in their lifetime, and have had no opportunity of salvation. (See issue 343 of Bible Insights Weekly for more information concerning when Jesus Christ will resurrect those who have died: The Second Resurrection To Judgment and The third resurrection.)

• Source:

  The Good News magazine (May-Jun 2003)

• https://www.ucg.org/good-news/good-news-magazine-may-june-2003/do-good-people-really-go-heaven-when-they-die

 

How to be a neighbour

The parable of the Good Samaritan is familiar to many. It begins with a conversation between a lawyer and Christ in Luke 10.

The lawyer asks Christ “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). Christ answers him by asking about his understanding of what is written in the law. The lawyer replies that one must love God and love one’s neighbor (verse 27). Jesus Christ tells the lawyer he is correct and if he does this he will gain eternal life.

When the lawyer asks “Who is my neighbor?” (verse 29) Christ does not answer the question directly, but begins to relate the parable of the good samaritan, beginning in verse 30. A man on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho encounters thieves who attack and rob him, leaving him for dead. A priest and then a Levite pass by and fail to assist. Then a Samaritan, a person who would have been despised by the Jews of the time, sees the injured man and has compassion. He delays his journey, carries him to safety, personally cares for him, and when he cannot delay his journey longer, leaves money with the innkeeper to ensure the injured man will be cared for in his absence.

After Christ finishes this parable, He asks the lawyer, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” (verse 36). The lawyer responds, “He who showed mercy on him” (verse 37), and Christ ends the conversation by saying, “Go and do likewise.”

Helping others when they need it is not an option for Christians. Proverbs 3:27-28 not only cautions us against withholding good from those to whom it is due, it cautions us against delaying: “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” Paul, writing to the Galatians, instructs us: “As we have opportunity let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

So, how can we follow Christ’s instruction to “Go, and do likewise”?

1. Look out for the needs of others

A good neighbor keeps an eye out for ways to help and doesn’t neglect the small things. Not every opportunity to do good is going to be lifesaving, like the Samaritan. It might just involve taking the time to listen to someone when they need to talk, helping out with a chore, or writing an encouraging note.

2. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do for someone, look for what you can do.

You might not be able to make a sick person healthy again, but you can bring a casserole, give them a hug, send a card, or make a phone call. A good neighbor does what he or she can to help.

3. Slow down.

People who are in a hurry and thinking about their own needs are much less likely to help someone, even if that person is obviously in need. We need to take time to interact with others to find out what they are dealing with, and if we can help.

4. Be willing to be inconvenienced.

Some kind acts take almost no time at all, like a smile or a kind word, but being a neighbor often involves meeting a need when you don't have time in your schedule for it.

The priest and the Levite were on a journey and, for whatever reason, they only slowed down long enough to cross the road in order to distance themselves from the injured man (verses 31 and 32). The Samaritan was also on a journey and needed to be somewhere, but his first reaction was to help. Only after the man had been rescued and carried to safety did the Samaritan continue on his way.

• Source:

  United News (Sept -Oct 2021)