2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."
From the beginning, GOD established laws by which HIS creation must abide. Law is necessary in the home, in government, and in nature in order for things to function properly. The LORD has also set laws by which HE governs the spiritual realm. Due to the very nature of a holy GOD, divine Law demands absolute righteousness and holiness in order to enter into HIS Heaven. All, however, are born sinners. Every violation of the Law carries a penalty. The consequence for sin is separation from GOD and punishment for iniquity and unbelief (Romans 6:23 pictured at top of post); Ezekiel 18:4 pictured above). Hell is a necessary reality because sinful man is incompatible with a holy GOD. The LORD cannot change HIS attributes or nature, so what is the solution to our sin problem ? We must be changed. GOD loved the world so much that HE provided us the means to change.
All that GOD requires or demands in order for us to enjoy a right relationship with HIM is graciously offered to us as a free gift through faith in JESUS CHRIST. JESUS died that we might have salvation. We must either accept or reject this gift. Those who accept it will enjoy eternal life with GOD. Those who reject it cannot reside with GOD and will face eternal punishment. Hell is an endless prison house for those who have violated GOD's spiritual Law and refuse to be governed by it. Today's text explicitly defines the people who will spend eternity there -- those who "know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.8). The LORD prepared Hell, not for man, but for Satan and his angels (demons). However, all who refuse HIS free gift of eternal life will pay the penalty for their sin in this horrifying place (Matthew 25:41 pictured above; Revelation 20:7-15). MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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