Issue 1234 – Into the Light – August 29, 2023
I have often tried to capture a picture of a tunnel of trees with a light at the end, but I haven’t found one I like. I didn’t take today’s photos; it was a free download from one of those stock photo sites. I’m using it as my computer wallpaper at the moment.
These tree tunnels and some train tunnels act as a catalyst for my imagination. I can see them as entry points to new worlds, a portal into space or time, the gates to heaven and more.
When you come out on the other side, a medieval knight might be waiting, or perhaps one of Robin the Hood’s merry men. Maybe you will emerge into the jungles of the Congo or the Amazon River system. Maybe it will be an undiscovered planet in another galaxy.
It might open at the top of a mountain or the bottom of the ocean. Maybe it exits to a land where the animals talk or into a parallel dimension where you see life not having made dumb mistakes. The possibilities are endless.
The reality, of course, is that none of those scenarios play out. At the end of the tunnel is just more of what was at the entrance, usually trees.
I know people who have had a near-death experience and report a tunnel of light. That isn’t universal; some didn’t have the experience, but it is a common motif.
I don’t know if we will see a tunnel of light or not when we pass on from this life to the next. I do know that there are only two possible exits. We will either exit into a world of beauty and perfection beyond our wildest dreams and in the presence of our saviour or into an eternity of endless torment and suffering in hell.
People often deny the doctrine of hell or debate what it will be like. It is real, and I don’t want to ever find out what it will be like.
Jesus spoke repeatedly about hell.
It isn’t going to be the place where old friends get together to party.
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ Mark 9:47-48
The sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 8:12
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. Matthew 5:22
I could list many more examples, but that gives a taste. Jesus taught of hell as a real place and the destination of all who refuse to repent and turn to Him in faith.
The good news about hell is that it can be avoided if you take the steps before you exit the tunnel of this life. It is our deserved destination because we are all sinners by nature and choice. If God is just, then there must be punishment for sin.
Yet, in His mercy, Jesus took on the payment of sin for those who would trust time. It isn’t that believers’ sins aren’t paid for; Jesus paid the price for us. He remains both fully just and merciful.
I don’t know exactly what it will look like when I emerge from the tunnel of this life, but I do know that thanks to Christ and His love, it won’t be eternal torment, and I praise God for that.
If you don’t know this Jesus who can rescue you, it’s time to find Him and get right. Grab a Bible and start reading, talk to a pastor or Christian friend or drop me a note. Your choice makes a difference for eternity.
Praise God for His grace.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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