In this part, we propose a fact, a principle, a perspective that, because it’s absolutely true, causes liberals in every field, world religionists of every stripe and all the diversity-devoted in an increasingly secular America, to gnash their teeth in anguish. It leads them to denounce us as racist, intolerant, religious bigots. (That isn’t the worst language used, but I save my better words for best things.) Besides, every vowel and consonant of the charge is a satanic lie.
The fact is this: as I Corinthians 2:6-16 says, only Christ-honoring, Bible-believing disciples possess the ability to judge all human behavior without being judged by anyone; and to foresee future events in present historical trends without being prophets. In short, to have exclusive, God-given, Christ-inspired, Holy Spirit-led insights into life denied those bereft of benefits the living Christ provides. For as he alone KNOWS all things, he empowers his people with wisdom to know much more about life than others deprived of his presence. Consider only one of other truths. Our secular culture has no better idea of a resurrected body than ancient Greeks and Romans. Paul’s question to Festus and Agrippa resounds in academic, political and business halls today: “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” Acts 26:8. The philosophers on Mars Hill stopped listening when Paul declared the judgment of all humanity by the Person of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead! But Paul retracted nothing he said. Indeed, as the only person in history with an indestructible NATURE, and by the Power within himself to defeat death, it was “impossible for death to keep its hold on him” Acts 2:24. That means...it’s wrong to say that Mary was the mother of God. She was the mother of the human Jesus, but not of God. For God the Son has only a Father Psalm 2:7, Hebrews 1:5. Therefore, Jesus judges the unsaved for refusing to believe he rose bodily; honors believers in his bodily resurrection; and reveals to them of what eternal life consists. The ancient Egyptians expressed their view of a future life: a bodily resurrection consisting of more of the same featured in this one. With a rigid caste system that kept everyone in his place then as now. With everyone continuing doing then what he did here. Totally false, but the best they could imagine. And at least an awareness of a future life our spiritually-illiterate culture lacks! Christians wouldn’t be any better informed if we had only our spiritually untutored selves as instructors. Or if we listened to the views of spiritually deprived friends and neighbors. Or to the persuasions of false religions. But...since Christ has educated us, we will not feign ignorance to please those without our advantage. HEAVEN is the only REAL, LASTING world, totally unlike this one, and not to be compared to what this one is. If others want to remain in their limited or false view, they’re free to exercise that right. But God will have in his Presence only HIS VIEW. End Part IV
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