Hot or Cold

This writing is “hot off the press” of my imagination and thought process.  Assuming that the following is anything but factual as to whether the Bible is correct is fruitless.  The cold, hard truth is this: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  This reality has been in effect since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden and were banished from it.

There is no getting around the fact that their disobedience to God’s command has affected every soul—yours, mine, and all of humanity.  There are no exceptions.  All have sinned by proxy.  Forgiveness of sin, through Jesus Christ, is the only way we can be reunited with our Creator.  Either a person has accepted Jesus as Lord, or they have not.  There is no other means by which sin is forgiven.

Scripture is clear when it declares that God would have us hot or cold—lukewarm does not fall within the scope of acceptable alternatives.  There is no in-between with Him.  God is specific when it comes to our relationship with Him.

To help illustrate the contrast, consider the extreme difference between the frigid temperatures of Antarctica and the intense heat of Death Valley.  In winter, temperatures in Antarctica can drop below -76 degrees Fahrenheit, with the coldest recorded temperature reaching -136 degrees.  On the other end, Death Valley has recorded highs of 134 degrees Fahrenheit.  The difference is unmistakable—just as it is between being spiritually hot or cold.

Do you remember playing the hot and cold game as a child?  The one who chose the hidden object would call out “hot” or “cold” depending on how close or far away you were.  You trusted that person to guide you truthfully.  In much the same way, the Bible does exactly that.  We can trust God’s Word to direct us, because it does not deviate from truth when it speaks about heaven and hell.

People need to understand that there are serious consequences for disobeying God’s laws.  The lifestyle a person chooses and the decisions they make in this life will ultimately determine their destination when life’s journey ends—heaven or hell.  There is no middle ground.  The choice of where one spends eternity is theirs alone to make.

As for me, I chose not to live a cold-hearted life anymore.  I came to Jesus with all my cares and sins, and through that moment came a wonderful transformation—from cold to hot.  Since then, I have endeavored, through the inspiration and help of the Holy Spirit, to remain fervent in my relationship with God.

Where do you stand—hot or cold?

Written by,

Papa Boyd