Life is short---Eternity is long

 I want to share some some elementary biblical truths that seemed to have been obscured by all of the fog that permeates our everyday lives.

These three doctrinal truths are the very foundation of our faith, yet we seldom hear them explained or taught.

JUSTICE---MERCY---GRACE

Justice is simply getting what we deserve. We don't see this principle applied in its truest sense much these days but this is a universal principle that even God Himself follows.

Romans 3:23 tells us that everyone has sinned and falls short of God's perfect standard.

Then, in chapter 6;23, we see the penalty for our sin which is death.

In chapter 5 verse 8 we get some good news saying that while we were still living in our sins, God Himself paid the penalty.

Justice must be served, the penalty for sin is death, someone must pay the penalty, either we must or someone else who has never sinned can die for us.

The sacrifice for sin, the only sacrifice that will satisfy the justice of the Universe is that someone who has never sinned would give their life to redeem the sinner.

God himself, who is perfect and has never sinned, because of His great love for mankind lowered himself, left Heaven, and came to Earth to die so we wouldn't have to.

That is the simple definition of Mercy.  Mercy is simply not getting what we deserve.

Psalm 51: verses 1&2 describe is beautifully. "O loving and kind God, have mercy on me. Have pity on me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions. Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again."

GRACE is simply getting what we don't deserve. Now, as justified children of God we qualify for eternal life in Paradise with God Himself. 

So, why is eternity so long? 

For those who have accepted the only payment to satisfy the justice of the Universe, the shed blood of God himself, it will take all of eternity to express their thankfulness. 

But, for those who decide to pay their own penalty either by good works or trying to live a good life, it will take all of eternity suffering the wrath of God in Hell to satisfy the justice of the Universe.

Since we are eternal creatures, we will spend eternity somewhere, and that choice is up to us,

Grace, however,  is a two sided coin.  Not only do we get what we don't deserve, but according to Titus 2:11-13 we get help. "For the grace of God that brings salvation to all men. It teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." 

 He not only expects us to live a Godly life, but he gives us the power to live it.

Thank you Jesus, how can I ever thank you enough?

That, dear friends, is why eternity is so long.

Praise God, we are almost home.