Since getting the sack from my church-sitting assignment, I have spent a large slab of time each day reading, studying and praying. What a wonderful opportunity God has given me!
God has been showing me so much more about His plan for the ages, His plan to restore everything to Himself and to become "all in all" eventually, and I am sure all of this will filter through my writings in the future.
But right now I just wanted to share one new insight I had this afternoon. Reading the story of doubting Thomas in John 20 : 24 - 29 gave me a fresh view of the inevitability of everyone becoming believers.
Can you imagine, as an unbeliever - an atheist, agnostic, humanist, nominal church-goer or whatever - being raised in the second resurrection and being ushered in for your judgement before Jesus at the Great White Throne?
Your eyes would pop out as you were presented to the One you were sure did not exist or who had no serious claim on your life. I am certain belief would come instantly, just as it did for Thomas when Jesus came through the walls of that room and for Saul on the road to Damascus.
So what do you think? Do you think belief would come instantly for all unbelievers at the GWT?
Those of us in the physical world are given faith to believe what we cannot see; but those in the spiritual dimension believe because of what they can see.
To continue my imagining, I am now considering that all those placed in the lake of fire will be placed there as believers, having come straight from the GWT. Has that idea crossed your mind before?
Boy, I'm having fun. Barry
I wonder what sort of believers they will be at that point? Thomas or Saul-like OR demon-like?
ReplyDeleteThomas responded with "My LORD and my God!" and Saul with "Who are you, LORD?" The demons just shudder.
The different responses might provide insight into the dividing line between those who are raised at the second resurrection, 1000 years after the overcomers are raised - the difference between those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life but have been unproductive Christ-followers, and those who are demon-like in their new found belief at the GWT and can see the lake of fire purification process beckoning them.
Any ideas on this?
Barry