One of the beauties of religious faith is we can cope with contrasts. Critics insist our Scriptures are contradictory when actually they are giving us rich variations of the same ultimate truth.
Take angels for instance.
A reading this Sunday describes ‘seraphim’ as quite terrifying creatures, literally ‘burning ones’ with voices that make the doorposts shake, bearing witness to the holiness of God. (Isaiah 6) People in the Bible who are granted a glimpse of the angelic realm are usually pretty intimidated!
And yet the Psalmist portrays them as careful guardians sent by God to protect His obedient servants. (Psalm 91 vs 11 -12) Another profoundly comforting reference comes from Jesus in Matthew 18 v 10 where He suggests that the guardian angels of little children get priority before God’s throne!
An even more amazing picture is conjured up by what the Lord says in Luke 15 v 10, that all heaven, angels included, rejoices greatly when even ‘one sinner repents’. Celebrations break out among the angels when someone turns from doing wrong to trust and follow Jesus.
Awesome holiness and generous mercy, two truths about the same God. Combined they make grace that is amazing, worth celebrating.
A colleague in work told me just this week that, in her own words, she had ‘got saved’. She had decided to turn and follow Jesus. I told her I was delighted.
And, according to my Lord, a party ensued in heaven!
Take angels for instance.
A reading this Sunday describes ‘seraphim’ as quite terrifying creatures, literally ‘burning ones’ with voices that make the doorposts shake, bearing witness to the holiness of God. (Isaiah 6) People in the Bible who are granted a glimpse of the angelic realm are usually pretty intimidated!
And yet the Psalmist portrays them as careful guardians sent by God to protect His obedient servants. (Psalm 91 vs 11 -12) Another profoundly comforting reference comes from Jesus in Matthew 18 v 10 where He suggests that the guardian angels of little children get priority before God’s throne!
An even more amazing picture is conjured up by what the Lord says in Luke 15 v 10, that all heaven, angels included, rejoices greatly when even ‘one sinner repents’. Celebrations break out among the angels when someone turns from doing wrong to trust and follow Jesus.
Awesome holiness and generous mercy, two truths about the same God. Combined they make grace that is amazing, worth celebrating.
A colleague in work told me just this week that, in her own words, she had ‘got saved’. She had decided to turn and follow Jesus. I told her I was delighted.
And, according to my Lord, a party ensued in heaven!
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