Here's the question that I received:
Pastor Roger, my best friend who really loved the Lord just died from cancer. She was only 39 years old. I thought we were promised at least 70 years on earth. Can you explain this?
I'm so sorry you lost your best friend. May the Lord give you continued strength and comfort.
To be totally honest with you, I'm not sure the Lord gave us an iron-clad promise of 70 years to live. I've heard this taught over the years, but it never rang true in my spirit. Let's go to Psalm 90:10, for I think this is probably the text from which many draw this conclusion. "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years."
Now, let's zoom in on the word CONTAIN. A look at ancient Hebrew thinking might give us still deeper insight. Warren Wiersbe reminds us that the Hebrew word for "contain" offers this more exact meaning: "The days of our lives begin with conception and conclude somewhere between birth and 70 years of age, unless due to reasons of strength the Lord adds extra years."
Psalm 90:10 must be rendered according to the original intentions of the author. A more precise meaning of this verse reminds us that people usually live and die somewhere between birth and the age of seventy. Wiersbe explains, "A large container may hold one cup or one gallon, but either way it contains the liquid. Life is a 'container' that holds any number of minutes, days or years." In this respect, Psalm 90;10 is not a proof text or a guarantee for 70 years of life on earth.
The preacher tells us in Ecclesiastes 8:8 that "No man has authority...over the day of death..." The Scriptures also remind us that God decides the times of our birth and death.
I do believe that many people "die before their time." Poor temple (body) management can shorten lives. Doctors tell us that many deaths are attributed to poor eating habits. Sinful lifestyles that involve the use of tobacco, alcohol, promiscuity and drugs many times shorten lives. Ecclesiastes 7:17 touches upon this fact: "Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?" Also, car accidents and other kinds of accidents take lives.
The prophet Isaiah strongly implies that God calls some people home in order to protect them from future devastation. I personally believe God takes some people to heaven "when He has them." By this I mean that some people, for whatever reason, cannot stay true to God, so God calls them unto Himself when they are still in grace. This can be debated, I suppose, but I've seen this scenario play out more than once in my ministry. At any rate, Isaiah writes, "The righteous man perishes, and no man takes it to heart; and devout men are taken away (die), while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from evil, he enters into peace; they rest in their beds, each one who walked in his upright way" (Isaiah 57:1-2).
The Apostle James lends this insight: "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (4:14). Rather than telling people they are guaranteed at least 70 years, I think we need to remind them that each new day is a gift from God and that we have no iron-clad guarantees for tomorrow. This is not fatalistic; it's the truth! I've stood at the caskets of stillborns, crib death babies, small children, teenagers and 96-year-old women. "It is appointed unto man once to die..." (Hebrews 9:27).
Yes, many do live beyond 70 years, and that's wonderful. Some refer to this as "living on borrowed time." In my mind, however, whether we live 20 years or 90 years, life is a gift from God. That's why we need to live every day as if it might be our last. Hug up to the Cross every day, so that when the summons comes, you find yourself ushered into Jesus' presence. What a day that will be!
I had no idea this weekly column would elicit such diverse and excellent questions! The very idea of a literal place called hell has always puzzled people, but the Bible makes it clear that hell is a real place. However, let me entertain your question from an accurate and biblically supported point of view. First, God never intended for people to go to hell. Hell was created for the devil and the fallen angels. And like I've stated in a former column, it is not God's will that any perish. Why will people end up in hell? Simply put, hell will be occupied by people who totally resisted the Holy Spirit and rejected Jesus Christ.
Perhaps we need to clear up any misinformation about hell to fully understand its reason for being. To do this I'm going to introduce five words or phrases found in the Bible that many either misunderstand or use interchangeably, but not without problems! These words or phrases include: Hades, Sheol, Hell, Gehenna, and the Lake of Fire. Any discussion on hell needs to define these words. Let's begin.
Hell--A term which designates the place of future punishment for the wicked. Many times this word is used as a synonym for other closely related terms in the Scriptures, but we must be careful to specify.
Sheol--This is primarily understood in light of Old Testament teachings. It is translated 31 times as the "grave," and three times as "pit." The general idea encompasses a "holding place of the dead." This does not refer to the grave as we think of graves, but rather as a place for those who departed from this life. Sheol is used as a departing or holding place for both the righteous and the wicked (Psalm 16:10; 30:3; Isaiah 38:10; and Numbers 16:33; Job 24:19; Psalm 9:17) After Jesus' death on the Cross and His subsequent resurrection, Sheol no longer existed. After the Cross, the wicked dead went to Hades and the righteous dead went to heaven.
Hades--It is rendered hell and refers to the underworld, or region of the wicked departed between death and the Great White Throne Judgment, which is discussed in Revelation 20:11-14. It is definitely described as a place of torment. Do you remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:19-31? Verse 23 employs the term hades, which is also translated hell. This passage describes hades or hell as a place of torment. An aforementioned term used in this passage is "Abraham's bosom," which is where the beggar went when he died. This term is defined as a "place of bliss." This term comes from Jewish thought of that day.
Hades then, is the New Testament counterpart of the Old Testament word Sheol. Both were intermediary places. Hades is the place to where Christ descended sometime between the crucifixion and His resurrection. After the Cross, the righteous dead went immediately into the presence of the Lord in heaven. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Now the wicked dead go directly to Hell upon their deaths. This is so heart breaking and unpleasant to think about! It should make us go tell everyone about the saving grace of Jesus Christ!
Gehenna--We gather our teaching on the fires of hell from this important term. Gehenna, or the Valley of Hinnom, was a place where the rites of the pagan god Molech were celebrated. It was converted by King Josiah into a place of abomination where dead bodies were thrown and burned (2 Kings 23:13,14). This valley served as a symbol, and the name was appropriated to designate the abode of lost spirits. The word occurs 12 times in the New Testament, and in every case it is properly translated "eternal hell."
Lake of Fire--This term is found in Revelation 20:14-15. "Then death and Hell were thrown into the lade of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Verse 10 tells us the devil, the beast and the false prophet were previously thrown into the lake of fire. To date, the Lake of Fire is unoccupied.
Any discussion on hell is incomplete unless we mention other biblical phrases that describe and coincide with this place of torment: "unquenchable fire," the "blackness of darkness," "furnace of fire," "torment in fire and brimstone," the "smoke of their torment," "where the worm dies not," etc. There is no doubt that the Scriptures require us to believe in a properly so-called place of punishment. Biblical accuracy calls for these terms and phrases to be interpreted literally, not as mere imagery or symbolism. We must be true to the biblical texts!
Obviously, I've given you a very general and perhaps over-simplified view of hell's reality; however, always remember, our loving God made a way through His Son Jesus Christ so we do not have to go to hell. He has made a way of escape. Surely God's heart must break when people the crowing glory of His creation, choose to reject Jesus Christ. We, not God, seal our own fate when it comes to our eternal destination. Why not stop this very moment if you're saved and give God praise for your salvation? If you're not saved, why not stop where you are and confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9,10).
Jesus came to give you heaven, not hell.
This blog has certainly forced me "out in the open!" Keep those questions coming! Send them to me by Facebook private message, or to my email address: loomisrl@windstream.net.
I grew up listening to country music. Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Connie Smith, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Charlie Pride, Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, and many other country artists shaped my boyhood. As a matter of fact, my dad and his three brothers formed a country band and we cousins were often found sitting against the walls at Jewel's Dance Hall in Austinburg, Ohio on the weekends. Believe me, the country music of the 1960's is not the same as the country music of today, and I'll stop there!
Should Christians listen to country music? Should they listen to jazz? The blues? Mozart? rock and roll? I heard jazz-blues artists Louis Armstrong's infamous song the other day, "What a Wonderful World." His mellow, scratchy voice intrigued me. The lyrics were warm and "clean." I enjoyed it! Later I heard Tom Jones sing, "The Green, Green Grass of Home." I literally cried as memories of my dad and uncles singing that song came crashing into my mind.
Let me put it this way: Don't be looking for a sermon from me on the evils of country music anytime soon. I think we many times major in the minors! Like you, I am indwelled by the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us into all truth. He's the One Who gives us marching orders. I personally enjoy many music genres. Some of the love songs of the late 50's and 60's were simple and innocent. You just can't beat Bobby Vinton's "Roses are Red," or "Blue Velvet." I don't always listen to gospel music. In my opinion, some of today's gospel music sounds like it was birthed at the Hard Rock Cafe, or at an acid rock concert! Once in a while I turn on the "oldies." I personally don't care for a lot of contemporary country music, but I can become sentimental (even fight back tears) listening to Loretta Lynn sing, "Coal Miner's Daughter."
What's the bottom line? Stay in the Word, and listen to the dictates of your heart. If the Holy Spirit convicts you of listening to something, then DON'T LISTEN! Really, I think some of us need to lighten up. It goes without saying that some music, regardless of the genre, is inappropriate for believers to embrace. The lyrics are either sexually suggestive or down right filthy. Those types of songs are "no-brainers."
There are on/off buttons on TV's, radios, CD's and Ipods for a reason! Use them righteously. TV remotes allow us to choose clean viewing options; although admittedly our options are becoming fewer and fewer!
Should you listen to country music? Ask the Boss! (and I'm not talking about Bruce Springsteen here.) The indwelling Spirit will tell you when to "switch channels or stations!" Truthfully, I think we many times complicate the non-essential matters. Admittedly, I mostly listen to gospel, but occasionally I enjoy some blues--jazz, easy listening, golden oldies, and classical country. But I turn it off or switch channels when Conway Twitty starts singing, "Tight Fittin' Jeans."
Gifted artists from all genres and walks of life have celebrated their talents through good clean songs down through the years. We all have our personal preferences. The Holy Spirit inside you will tell you when it's time to turn the dial! In the meantime, I still laugh when I hear Ray Stevens sing about the "Mississippi Squirrel."
In conclusion let me say, the closer we get to the Lord, the more sensitive we'll become to these types of issues, and the "whether or nots" will become easier to discern.
Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.
In my experience, a lot of believers totally misunderstand what blaspheming the Holy Spirit really means, and unfortunately, they erroneously try to tell others what they think the Bible teaches on the subject. Like anything else, we want to embrace the truth! So, here we go!
Once a man was overheard saying, "This Holy Spirit stuff (he was specifically speaking about tongues in the corporate worship services) is a bunch of nonsense." Did he blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Probably not, but I'm sure he grieved the Holy Spirit. That man needed an encounter with the Holy Spirit! Some years ago I sat in a Sunday School class where the teacher told us that speaking in tongues was of the devil. Was he blaspheming? It was probably not his intention to blaspheme. He only taught what his denomination believed, and perhaps God will not hold this to his charge. I'm not the judge!
I often remind believers that they may or may not agree with certain teachings about the Holy Spirit, and they may not feel comfortable in churches that we identify as "Spirit-filled," but they should be careful about what they say. I tell them, "Never attack another Christ-honoring church, just because they don't believe certain doctrinal truths you they might hold dear."
So, what constitutes blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Let's allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves. Jesus warned the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 12:31-32: "Wherefore, I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
I'm not going to attempt to wax theologically eloquent on this point. Allow me to simplify it for you. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is rejecting the Holy Spirit's convicting power. Because a person can be saved only by the Holy Spirit drawing him, to refuse to repent or to acknowledge one's sin is to refuse God's forgiveness. In short, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is rejecting Jesus Christ!
Sometimes believers worry that they have accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. But only those who have turned their backs on God and rejected all faith have any need to worry. Anyone who continually rejects the prompting of the Holy Spirit removes himself from the only source that can lead him to repentance and restoration to God.
If you're afraid you have blasphemed the Holy Spirit, you're probably on good ground. Had you truly rejected Him, you would not care. Your conscience would be seared!
Jesus makes an interesting statement, "...neither in this world, neither in the world to come" (v. 32). To what is He referring? Those who blaspheme the Spirit can't be saved in this life, and as a result will suffer eternal separation from God because of their choice. In the final analysis, who goes to hell? Anyone who rejects Jesus Christ!
Some have wrongly taught that using God's Name in vain or using God and Jesus as cuss words constitutes blasphemy Of course, such talk is dreadful to hear, but Jesus makes it clear that blasphemy relates only to the Spirit's work. I hate it when people use God's Name or Jesus' precious Name as curse words. They curse the only One Who can save them! But the Scriptures make it clear that the Spirit draws--He convicts of sin--Jesus forgives and then presents us to the Father because of His shed blood!
Why not welcome the Spirit's work in your life today? The Holy Spirit is so wonderful. He always glorifies Jesus Christ. And He wants to draw you to the Master today. If you're already saved, ask the Holy Spirit to touch you more deeply. He desires greater intimacy with you!
Kathryn Kuhlman was a nationally-acclaimed healing evangelist, who taught me as a young believer to respect the Holy Spirit. She never wanted to do or allow anything in her services that grieved Him. While her mannerisms may have been somewhat peculiar, I loved to listen to her, for she loved and honored the Holy Spirit. And God showed up in her meetings!
Let's bid Him welcome today and always!
Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.
