Hebrews 9:27-28 [Authorized King James Bible 1611]: "And as it is appointed once to die, but after this the judgement: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
With the passing of E Cummings, Rep from Maryland, these thoughts flood my mind. Was he in Christ? Being the first and foremost question. I am reminded by "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," From that I know he knew. But did he believe? "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." Galatians 3:22. What is the gospel that must be believed unto salvation then?
"Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day according to the scripture." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
It in the light of all eternity it maketh little difference where Mr Cummings is at; what a callused state of mind to have. Did not Jesus while on earth say, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angles of God over one sinner that repenteth." Not only is God concerned with all of mankind {John 3:16] He also is concerned with you to the fullest. That in part is why He has given us His word through faithful men who which it was given [inspired men] to them to us [Eph 3:1-3].
All have come short of the Glory of God; we are all born dead spiritually, we all need life, His life. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b. Jesus didn't come to offer forgiveness but to save sinners [1 Tim 1:15]. That is done by paying our debt taking away sin [Jo 1:29] once [Heb 7:27, 9:12, 9:26, 9:28, 10:2, 10:10].
So man died once spiritually [Gen 2:17], and is offered life in Christ Jesus, there is no other way [Acts 4:12]. One will stand before God at the Great White Throne judgement in his righteousness [Rev 20:11-15] or before Jesus Christ [God] at the judgement seat of Christ, ]in His, Christ's righteousness 2 Cor 5:21] for reward for what was done after one believes the truth of the gospel [2 Cor 5:10 and 1 Cor 15:1-4 respectfully].
Where will Mr Cummings stand? but more importantly were you be found standing?
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