Perhaps the reason so much Christian teaching so emphasizes the idea that Jesus came to save people from hell is that the promises Jesus made about life before death are so hard to live.
Jesus said,
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
The Greek word translated “rest” is anapauo. It means “to cease from any movement or labour in order to be refreshed and recover strength.” It carries the connotation of “calm”, “patience” and “peace.”
Who would not sign up for a regular dose of anapauo? But, how many of us actually find ourselves enjoying daily calm, patience and peace? Do we really believe it is possible, even desirable to “cease from any movement or labour”?
In the hectic world most of us occupy, confronted by the stress of daily living, it is a lot easier to identify with being “weary” and “carrying heavy burdens” than with having anapauo.
Jesus also promised that he
came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
The promise here is that Jesus gives life that is perissos – “extreme, more than is necessary, surpassing, much more, supremely.”
How many of us live with a sense that life has given us “more than is necessary”? How often do we live with an overflowing sense of abundance?
It seems more often that our lives are lived from a sense of scarcity. Our needs, wants and desires are insatiable. There never seems to be enough to go around. Jesus’ promise of a life that is perisoos seems an elaborate fantasy.
In a similar vein, Jesus promised,
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
Imagine living as if all our needs had already been met. How often do we live in the midst of all the pressures and demands of our lives with a peaceful sense that everything we need has already been perfectly provided?
Jesus promised,
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
In the turmoil and chaos of so much of life, a fearless life of peace, is perhaps a little difficult to imagine.
Perhaps most challenging of all, Jesus promised,
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:31,32)
How often do we feel trapped, bound by circumstances far beyond our control?
Imagine living in utter freedom.
The beauty of spending our lives worrying about heaven and hell is that of course, we will never be held accountable in this life, for the truth or error of our convictions.
It is easy to preach heaven and hell on Sunday. No one is going to show up on Monday and prove me wrong.
But, if I preach a vision of life before death that is restful, abundant, content, peaceful, and free, I risk facing the possibility that someone may say, “Show me.”
Preachers who preach the transformed life Jesus promised can be held accountable to demonstrate the truth of what they say. This is way more challenging than promising to save people from hell.
In A Spacious Place 
4 comments
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June 10, 2013 at 8:31 am
Steve
I have never been able to see how anyone could construe the preaching of hellfire and damnation as being the gospel (good news) of Jesus. My personal belief is that the heaven Jesus teaches about is first and foremost here on earth. The day of the lord is reference to both the first and the second coming of Christ. So in a sense we are already in “that day”.
As far as the second coming and the separation of the wheat and the chaff, the sheep and the goats, I find comfort in this thought for no other reason that it just means ultimately justice prevails and I don’t need to try to take matters into my own hands in the meanwhile. In any case, in light of the verse below, I reject any preaching or interpretation that doesn’t come to me peacefully. All the rest I just put on the shelf. Many times after I truly understand troublesome verses they cease to be that way.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17
O.T. but of interest in light of past blogs is this:
http://news.yahoo.com/bibles-strong-comeback-surprises-secular-norway-072531623.html
June 10, 2013 at 8:43 am
jennifer
I love the thought of living with the belief and knowledge that I have way more than necessary to accomplish what I need to do. That is a thought worthy of floating around in the old grey matter….lol….
June 10, 2013 at 8:44 am
jennifer
PS: I am willing to live with the thought that I have more than I need and I look forward to it…..
June 10, 2013 at 9:37 am
jaqueline
Brilliant Christopher.
Not only a challenge to the preacher, but to the listener.
Am I really willing to look Jesus in the eye and say. OK then…SHOW me.
If this is true…HOW do I do ( or not do ) that? How do I get there. YOU are the one who is telling me it is what your life is made of..
Teach me your ways Oh Lord, show me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me.
It is easy to believe in Christ in one part of my brain and then live in unbelief in another.