God loves all people

398 God loves all peopleFriedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) became known as "the ultimate atheist" for his derogatory criticism of the Christian faith. He claimed that Christian scripture, particularly because of its emphasis on love, was a by-product of decadence, corruption, and revenge. Instead of considering the existence of God to be even remotely possible, he proclaimed with his famous saying “God is dead” that the great idea of ​​a God had died. He intended to replace the traditional Christian faith (which he called the old dead faith) with something radically new. With the news that “the old god is dead”, he claimed, philosophers and freethinkers like himself would be enlightened to a new beginning. For Nietzsche, there was a new dawn in a society of “cheerful science”, in which one was free from the repressive belief that robs people of their joy through narrow limits.

How do we stand atheists?

Nietzsche's philosophy motivated many people to embrace atheism. Even among Christians there are some who embrace his teachings, believing that they condemn a form of Christianity that pretends God is dead. What they overlook is that Nietzsche thought the idea of ​​any god was absurd and saw any kind of belief as stupid and hurtful. His philosophy is in opposition to biblical Christianity, which does not mean that we want to put ourselves above him or other atheists. Our calling is to help people (including atheists) understand that God is there for them too. We fulfill this calling by exemplifying our fellow human beings a way of life that is characterized by a joyful relationship with God - or, as we say in the WCG, by living and passing on the good news.

398 god is dead NietzscheYou have probably seen a sticker (like the one on the right) that makes fun of Nietzsche. What is not taken into account here is that a year before the loss of his mind, Nietzsche wrote several poems that indicate that he has changed his view of God. Here's one of them:

 

No! Come back, with all your tortures!
To the last of the lonely. Oh come back!
All my tears streams are running towards you!
And my last heart flame  You glows on it!
Oh come back, my unknown god! My pain! My last luck!
Misunderstandings about God and the Christian life

There seems to be no end to the misrepresentation of God that keeps igniting the flame of atheism. God is misrepresented as vengeful, imperious, and punitive rather than the God of love, mercy, and justice. The God who revealed himself in Christ, who invites us to accept a life of faith in him and to leave the path of life that leads to death. Instead of living the life of a condemned and oppressed, the Christian life is a joyful participation in the continuing ministry of Jesus, of whom it is written in the Bible that he did not come to judge the world but to save it (Jn. 3,16-17). In order to properly understand God and Christian life, it is important to recognize the difference between God's judgments and condemnations. God does not judge us because he is against us, but because he is for us. Through his judgments he points to ways that lead to eternal death - these are ways that lead us away from fellowship with him, through which, thanks to his grace, we receive welfare and blessings. Because God is love, his judgment is directed against everything that is against us, his beloved. While human judgment is often understood as judging, God's judgment shows us what leads to life versus what leads to death. His judgments help us avoid condemnation for sin or evil. God sent His Son into the world to conquer the power of sin and save us from its slavery and its worst consequence, eternal death. The Triune God wants us to recognize the only true freedom: Jesus Christ, the living truth that makes us free. In contrast to Nietzsche's misconceptions, Christian life is not under the pressure of reprisals. Instead, it is a joyful life in and with Christ through the Holy Spirit. It includes our participation in what Jesus is doing. Personally, I like the explanation some people get from the sports field: Christianity is not a spectator sport. Unfortunately, even this is misconstrued by some people and has resulted in pressuring others to do something for their salvation. There is a big difference between doing good works for salvation (which puts emphasis on us) and our participation in the works of Jesus who is our salvation (which puts emphasis on him).

Christian atheists?

You may have heard the phrase “Christian atheist” before. It is used for people who claim to believe in God but know little about him and live as if he doesn't exist. A sincere believer can become a Christian atheist by ceasing to be a devoted follower of Jesus. One can become so immersed in activities (even those with a Christian label) that one becomes a part-time follower of Jesus—focusing more on activity than Christ. Then there are those who believe that God loves them and that they have a relationship with him, but see no need to participate in the life of the church. By holding this view, they (perhaps unknowingly) reject their belonging and active membership in the body of Christ. While they occasionally trust in God's guidance, they do not want Him to take full control of their lives. They want God to be their co-pilot. Some prefer that God be their flight attendant, occasionally bringing something requested. God is our pilot - he gives us the direction that leads us to real life. Verily he is the way, the truth and the life.

Participation with God in the community of the Church

God calls believers to lead many sons and daughters with him to glory (Heb. 2,10). He invites us to participate in his mission to the world by living and sharing the gospel. We do this together as members of the body of Christ, the Church ("Service is a team sport!"). No one has all spiritual gifts, so all are needed. In the fellowship of the Church we give and receive together - we build and strengthen one another. As the author of Hebrews admonishes us, we do not forsake our congregations (Heb. 10,25) but come together with others to do the work to which God has called us as a community of believers.

To rejoice in the real, eternal life with Christ

Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, sacrificed his life that we might have "eternal life and plenitude" (Jn. 10,9-11). This is not a life of guaranteed riches or good health. It's not always without pain. Instead, we live knowing that God loves us, has forgiven us, and accepted us as his adopted children. Instead of a life of pressure and constriction, it is filled with hope, joy and certainty. It is a life in which we move forward to become what God intended for us as followers of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. God, who judged evil, condemned it on the cross of Christ. Therefore there is no future for evil and the past has been given a new direction in which we can participate by faith. God has not allowed anything to happen that he cannot reconcile. In fact, "every tear will be wiped away," for God, in Christ and through the Holy Spirit, "makes all things new" (Revelation 2 Cor1,4-5). That, dear friends and employees, is the really good news! It says that God doesn't give up on anyone, even if you give up on him. The apostle John declares that “God is love” (1 John 4,8) – Love is his nature. God never stops loving us because if he did, it would be against his nature. Therefore, we can be encouraged in the knowledge that God's love includes all people, whether they have lived or will live. This also applies to Friedrich Nietzsche and all other atheists. We may hope that God's love also reached Nietzsche, who near the end of his life experienced repentance and faith in what God intends to give to all people. Indeed, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Rom. 10,13). How wonderful that God never stops loving us.

Joseph Tkach

President
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL


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