Heaven's Certainty on Earth

S -"Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. God is pleased with everyone who responds to him and does right, no matter what nation they come from. This is the same message that God gave to the people of Israel, when he sent Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, to offer peace to them. … Jesus was put to death on a cross. But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to be witnesses." Acts 10 TS 

O -  The ones God chooses to be his representatives, his ambassadors, are those who know that he treats all people alike.  Not just all people who join or belong to a certain subset of the world's population (religious or otherwise) -- all people.  The ones chosen by God, not self-appointed or commissioned by other humans, accept that they are to BE witnesses rather than to DO witnessing. Religion teaches that people can please God ONLY if they join their group. Religion wants its adherents to do witnessing (propagate its teachings and conclusions). Heaven wants all people to meet a person who is already reaching out to everyone. Those who respond to him are to be his witness. One of the very first follower put it this way: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”1 John1:1-3ESV

A -According to Jesus, he is not discovered in the Scriptures. The Scriptures testify of him but he is revealed by his Father, by the Spirit (John 5:39-40; Matthew 16:15-18). This is the experience of millions and hundreds of millions of people over the years and it is my experience too.  It’s not knowing about Jesus but actually knowing him that is the point.  This is because he is heaven's only point!  This is certain and made certain in him. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John17:3ESV) God's Kingdom is relational not theological or religious. We are invited to a relationship with Jesus which is eternal life.  The result is being a witness of him rather than doing witnessing about theological ideas and precepts. This is the certainty all people are invited to … and I am gladly accepting him and his invitation!   

P -Lord of all and Lord of me,

Thank you for engaging me relationally according to Spirit; for letting me know you and not just know about you.  Your love for all people is amazing, unchanging and eternally life giving. I am very glad to be able to be a witness of your person.  You have made me certain on earth about heaven's intent and purpose. AMAZING!  I do love you back!

Steve