Let's talk about hell...
Psalm 22:1, when Jesus uttered those words, it was not like us who have temporary feelings of abandonment from God. If we are believers it is truly temporary and not full abandonment. It is as Spurgeon puts it, "There are seasons when the brightness of our Father's smile is eclipsed by clouds and darkness...We grieve at a little withdrawal of our Father's love..."
But for Christ it was real abandonment, true forsakenness. Again, in the words of Spurgeon, "but the real turning away of God's face from His Son, who shall calculate how deep the agony which it caused Him?" His abandonment was not permanent though. And to me that is the definition of Hell. The true and permanent forsaking of God, His turning away never to return. Frightening to a believer and a fairy tale to an unbeliever. Again, what if the bible is right? Where does that leave that fairy tale?
So believers, don't despair, because He has not forsaken His people. And we will at some point be able again to say as David did, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!" Psalms 30:11-12
Interesting study item...check out Psalm 22 through Psalm 30. The progression from despair to joy is interesting. Worship and an understanding God's position as True God and ruler is the conversation, followed by a plea for mercy then thankfulness for the joy that was given.
Some lovely things from Twin Falls, Maui
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