There are unexplained mysteries and controversial details in the Bible that are thought provoking. Many are interpreted various ways by intellectual Bible scholars, clergy of all faiths and parishioners in the pews. Debates, arguments and disagreements ensue, because of strong minded people that are set in their persnickety ways. This overconfidence can sometimes lead to haughtiness that stimulates division among those that disagree with one another. This grieves the Holy Spirit.
One example is whether or not God will rapture the ‘Church’ prior to the six year reign of the anti-Christ, or if Christians will have to go through all or part of the tribulation. The word rapture is recognized as the receiving of Christians, both deceased and alive, into heaven at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The time God chooses to take us home should not disturb or cause an imbalance to our walk with the Lord. It doesn’t really matter whether we are taken before, during or after the great tribulation; God will keep us. God’s timeline is perfect and the general scope of His plan is without error. Those that have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord will see Him face to face.
The same grace that God gives at the time of salvation will enable born again Believers to face whatever comes their way, at whatever time. Do you honestly think the disciples of Jesus could be martyred for the cause of Christ in their own strength and power? No! The Holy Spirit enabled them to stand and declare their faith to the end.
As I mentioned, people too often get caught up in the snare of debating Bible details, because of their bias opinions. This ought not to happen. God is love and expects the fruit of the Spirit to be manifested at all times. “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,” (Ephesians 5:9)
Yes, everyone has an opinion, but who is right? Is it you or me? Perhaps it’s the guy next door. I believe I have found the bottom-line-answer to stand upon without perplexities, misunderstandings and confusion. (Philippians 2:10-11). “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus Christ is the deciding factor between heaven and hell. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” (Acts ). Either we accept Jesus or we don’t. It’s as simple as that. All other details will work themselves out for those walking in Christ. God will see to it.
Why should I become disturbed over details that cause sleep deprivation? Yes, we are to study ourselves approved; rightly dividing the Word of Truth, yet we should not allow the peace of God to be lost do to varying levels of interpretations of details in the Bible. God will keep us strong in our faith. He is our protector, provider, healer, liberator and through Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father. We are His!
There will always be those that want to argue the Bible. My dad was one of these. In doing so, I saw hurt, anger, and disgust fill his heart as he wrote letters to those whose doctrine he disagreed with. Consequently, he set himself apart from the church and church family, and died a lonely man with few friends.
I’ve tried to follow his example regarding commitment to God’s commandments and the proclamation that Jesus is Lord, but I refuse to subject myself and my family members to controversial issues that cause dissimulation and sleepless nights. I strive for peace in our home. This doesn’t mean that I’m compromising my faith or beliefs when I choose not to participate in scriptural battles…I choose to work out my own salvation, as stated in the Bible, with God’s help.
It is through the acceptance of Jesus’ death and His shed blood that I have the compelling desire to share these words with you. Whether we believe the gifts of the Spirit were for the early Church only, and ceased with the passing of the Disciples of Christ, or the gifts are for the Church today; if a person believes in the gifts, they should pray for opportunities to use them. If you don’t, find something you do believe in and allow God to bless you and others through that ministry. Don’t allow distractions to take you away from the real issues and details that matter…the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s son.
It’s the Holy Spirit that draws lost souls to God. It is He that does the saving. Who do we think we are to close up our bowels of compassion and love, because someone disagrees with us or that we disagree with them? A spirit of love and a cup of cold water given in the name of Jesus is beauty at its fullest. Leave it up to the Holy Spirit to do the rest. As we surrender ourselves to God, He will work out all details to His glory.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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