Does Man Deceive God or Is It Man Who Is Deceived?
by straight talk(76)This title and article came to mind as I pondered the sending forth of Ted Kennedy to meet his maker. This article might be misconstrued but then again for the thinker I believe they will get what I am trying to say. It is not meant to demean him or his family but to emphasize what is important as to what took place and how it relates to many. Certainly the ceremony of sending ones deceased loved one off to their eternal location happens countless times each day all over this world. In the largest of societies and in the deepest parts of the unknown regions man has devised ways that are followed to the T. It is a process that cannot be overlooked and it is mandatory in many instances. In he case of his specific faith, that is the one Ted Kennedy and others of the same faith profess, it was by solemn mass that he was sent forth. He was in effect Born Again to eternal life as he was when he arrived on earth, only now to meet His maker. His body a empty shell ready to be laid to rest while his soul received the final blessings. Yet, one cannot ignore one significant, glaring aspect of this transition from earthly life to glory which is at the very core of it all. That is for the believer forgiveness before God for ones sin and the expectation of eternal life. For the non believer the ritual can be anything they select with the outcome of their choice.
You see, as I stated, Hell is evidently not a factor in our thinking throughout life? No, perhaps only casually in service or prayer. It seems we all, that is those of us who profess, all expect forgiveness and salvation, paradise forever at the end. We cling and hold to this in many varied beliefs and many through varied ritual. Yet, as I just said one cannot help but reflect that while this is the hope we all have, Hell somehow remains hidden in the back of our minds, perhaps in fear of what we do even while we neglect God's Word for our own reasons, is it possible we can go there? Yes b because we practice, condone and accept sin for what ever reasons we hold as important to us? Is it that we are confident that we seem to always believe we will be forgiven at the end. Yet that question no man can ever answer, no, not one remains solely in the realm of trust and faith in God.
So not addressing all the other multitudes of faiths and denominations practices and beliefs I can only draw on my own Catholic beliefs. Now, Catholics believe in confession of sins, penance and the Last Right of the church. That is the cleansing of all sins through the priest. If one dies in mortal sin they unfortunately go straight to Hell. No Catholics do not get a reprieve. If venial, well work it off, that is, any remaining venial sins are then cleansed in a place called purgatory, where one passes through the fire and all that remains before meeting God is ones good deeds. To the protestant no fear of any of that because they believe all sins are covered by Christ's death. The question is are they? Yes are they even if they remain opposite in individual choice to the Word of God? In both cases and for all the judgment before our God. The White Thrown Judgment where the scrolls are opened and our works reviewed. So this implies some type of review takes place.
So, rhetorically of course, can we ask if one determines to live a life of sin, adverse and yes, opposite to God's teachings, doing that which is directly opposite, ones own beliefs, ideology, perspective or opinion, or perhaps following the doctrines of other men and against specifically what is written in His Word, can one reasonably ask if we truly believe God will welcome them home? Sure, they always speak of God's mercy and why would they not because this is the essence of all they hope for. Yet no mention of God's justice?
Rhetorically, does man think that a belief, doctrine, some ritual of man automatically prohibits, discourages, bypasses, supplants God's judgment or justice and wipes out that sin?
I venture to say in my opinion God speaks very definitively concerning His justice many times. In fact He returns in justice not mercy. So for Catholics, sincere confession and penance. For Protestants, being born again and changing. In each case turning from sin not continuing in it.
Now, if we look at the major issues of today, especially that face men of power and all of us and which significantly impacts us all, such as abortion, the condoning of the breaking of law, illegal immigration, divorce and marriage, stealing, usury and a host of sexual sins then one certainly has to ponder just how does one reconcile this to God and does one have to? So, the answer many will give is we are sure that God is faithful to forgive. However, to ignore him throughout life, doing what one wants and then suddenly at death say, hello, here I am, I'm sorry, well in a human sense and in my opinion only, it must leave some doubt?
Certainly at this mans funeral as they reiterated his letter to the Pope stating his faith and position on his stance as a man of power on these issues and while a Senator, abortion and the like, he presented his concern for his eternity. In my opinion groping for an assurance. Yet it is God we are talking about and no man can understand God. Man can comfort and give hope but in the end it is God who decides. Are we given certain guarantee's, I think so but yet in the end only God is the one to make the choice.
So only as a man do I find it hard that the wealthy and powerful seem to be able to believe they can do any of this at will. Aloof from the ramifications that accompany their works and deeds. That is by appealing to those in religious power to grant them that which many times is directly opposite to the teachings, doctrine or Word of God. As if these men have the authority to say, Hey its all ok. Example needed, ok annulments once only given to the wealthy, long before the common acceptance we find today. That it is so common a sign of itself. Writing and voting for bills that implement abortion, yes and calling oneself a member of a church that is adamantly opposed to that. Allowing usury and other sins that destroy people in many ways to flourish while creating and promoting greed and not taking a stance under the guise of church and state do not mix, really? An example of only one of many. One recent politician on trial for sexual indiscretion when asked if he had any morals retorted "well who defines moral?" It is my opinion that even though he defines himself as a Christian he does not understand what grounds that morality is based on. Does this not enter the book of works? No it is a sign of what we have today in place of morality, relativity.
So while this man, Senator Kennedy, is the catalyst for writing this it is not about him specifically that I write and not of just his salvation but all of us who profess . "Against whom only have I sinned and done evil in your sight?" So just who can forgive? Rhetorically, what it all comes down to what it is all about at that last moment when Christian or religious man is called to meet his God. Does one place their trust in man, priest, minister and their religious, denominational, doctrinal perspectives, views, beliefs to save them or is it more simply in the works they have performed in life and in their open profession of Christ and faith in Him? Yes both guarantee's according to the word. Certainly those religious practices, beliefs, rituals serve in my opinion to be more for the living then the dead. So in my opinion it does more to comfort the living which is important in their sending forth of those they loved. The hope they will all one day be together. I also have come to the belief that since we all sin, we all fall short and we all vary in so many beliefs and ways that is matters not the method, religious beliefs or in the sending method but what truly matters is the heart, in essence the soul of a person, an individual, that is what God judges.
So while we may place our hope in religious practice, ritual, belief it all gets down to one critical aspect, our works in life and our Christian profession before men. So profession aside, are our works those of love or destruction? Why, well they cannot rest side by side, they cannot mix. You are either the author of love or the opposite. That is where we all will find our rest on that last day. Yes and hopefully, as I believe we will hear, that is if we practice the works of love and not destruction, "well done God and faithful servant for whatever you have done for the least of my people you have done it unto me."
So look not at what is said, who attends, what goes on, no, rest in the peace of ones works as the saving grace that our God knows. The works of mercy, compassion, caring, love of neighbor, forgiveness, these are the attributes of God and of a follower, no others as significant. He already knows we sin and fall short that is why He gave us grace, that grace to accept or decline.
Now finally I add that all who are chosen of God are saved. They are not saved by anything man can do. Man can't pray a person into heaven, it is a gift. That gift bestowed upon the chosen before the foundations of the world were laid. Some destined for the wrath some for salvation.
Now I found it interesting that even at the end of this long day and on the very steps of the Capital, the message of one world and all people working for the good of all men was assimilated and mentioned. Has to be subtly applied and spoken of every time and everywhere there is an opportunity to do so and this man was a key and critical player in the game of bringing this about. Yes even at this time of religious function and family grief the message had to go forth, so subtle yet present. A wrong message, certainly not, but in my opinion only at the hands of the living God and not man will it ever be and be it will but not as they perceive it to be. To paraphrase the Word, the rich of the earth shall weep for in an instant judgment has come.
The folly being that they as mere mortals believe they are the catalyst behind it all, really. Yes they are the instruments of what is to be, but only God drives the car. Yes, and all, great and small will face the same judgment, the same call and regardless if the powerful lay them to rest when they die or they are laid to rest in potters field, the same applies. "Against whom have I sinned and done evil?" So one must ask, Does man deceive God or is it man who is deceived?
Those who believe are never deceived because they know the Word and the Word is God, made flesh, Jesus Christ, the name above all names. They will call upon His name and be saved. The rest, well they will relish in the pomp and rituals of men. Yes, Does man deceive God or is it man who is deceived?
2009 Robert T. Melaccio, Sr. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
I can also be read on realconsiderations.blogspot.com
Article submitted Tuesday, September 01, 2009 & read 288 times.
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