Pernyataan Ilahi tentang Neraka

ORANG KRISTIAN YANG BERAKHIR DI NERAKA!

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Di tahun 1982,  saya mengalami kecelakaan yang menyebabkan saya meninggal dunia.  Ketika kematian menghampiriku, saya merasakan semua di sekeliling menjadi gelap. Saya menemukan diriku berjalan melalui sebatang terowang yang panjang, dan ada semacam makhluk mengambilku. Sementara kami berjalan dalam terowong yang gelap dan dingin itu, saya mulai mendengar teriakan yang menyeramkan dan geraman, dan ketakutan yang mencekam tumbuh di dalam diriku. Saya tahu bahawa, walaupun tubuhku telah mati, saya sepertinya masih tetap hidup di tempat ini.  Saya melihat ular besar bergerak di sekeliling, dan semua orang sedang menangis meminta air. Segera kami tiba di danau yang terbuka, yang memiliki banyak ruangan dan bahagian, masing-masing mengandung orang-orang yang berbeza di dalamnya. Saya mulai menangis dengan teror, memohon Tuhan untuk  berbelas kasihan. “Tuhan, ingatlah hidupku!  Berbelas kasihanlah!” Perasaan mencekam pelan-pelan merayap di jiwaku, dan seluruh hidupku terbayang kembali di kelupuk mata ku. Segera kami sampai pada suatu pintu, saya berteriak lagi,  “berbelas kasihanlah kepadaku ya Tuhan; berbelas kasihanlah padaku! Saya mohon pada MU untuk menolongku! Tolong aku Tuhan!!” Tiba-tiba ada sebuah keheningan, dan saya mendengar sebuah suara yang keras berkata,  “Hentikan!” suara itu menggoncangkan seluruh Neraka, dan makhluk yang memegang tanganku, melepaskanku. “Aku bukanlah Allah para penzina, Aku bukanlah Allah para pencabul, Aku bukanlah Allah  para pembohong. Kenapa kau memanggilku Tuhan, bila Aku bukanlah Allah mereka yang sombong? (Lukas 6:46) Saya merasa bahawa saya akan dihancurkan, tetapi sesaat kemudian, suara Allah menjadi lembut,  “Mari dan Aku akan memperlihatkan kepadamu apa yang sedang terjadi dalam tempat ini yang sedang menunggu semua yang tidak bersedia mengikuti Jalan-Ku dan yang telah berjalan menurut imajinasi hati mereka sendiri.”

Kami kemudian berjalan ke sebuah tempat dimana saya melihat seorang wanita yang duduk di kursi goyang. Masih ada geraman yang mengerikan keluar dari seluruh tempat itu. Pertama-tama, dia terlihat oke, tapi kemudian tubuhnya berubah menjadi seorang tukang sihir, dan dia berteriak dalam kesakitan, terbakar dalam api. Dia memohon untuk belas kasihan, tapi Tuhan berkata kepadaku,  “Upah dosa adalah maut, dan mereka yang tiba di tempat ini tidak akan pernah keluar lagi.” (Roma 6:23).

Tuhan menunjukkan kepadaku banyak orang yang tidak taat, banyak yang merupakan bagian dari Gereja Kristen. Mereka menanggis dan memohon untuk belas kasihan, tapi tidak ada belas kasihan. Belas kasihan hanya dapat ditemukan saat seseorang masih hidup di bumi. Saat orang sudah meninggal, belas kasihan tidak dapat diraih lagi, sebagaimana ada tertulis,  “sudah ditetapkan manusia mati untuk sekali, dan setelah itu penghakiman” (Ibrani 9:27) Yesus juga memperlihatkan padaku sebuah tempat dengan minyak yang mendidih, dan ada banyak orang yang menderita di dalamnya, terbakar dalam api dan berusaha untuk keluar. Tapi setan akan melempar mereka masuk kembali.

 Kami berjalan sampai kami tiba di suatu tempat dengan orang-orang yang mendengar Firman Tuhan, tapi tidak pernah mau bertobat Saya bahkan melihat pendeta, penginjil, umat percaya dan misionari. Mereka ada disana untuk alasan yang berbeda. Saya melihat seorang pendeta yang tidak percaya pada kuasa Roh Kudus, berbicara dalam bahasa lidah, penyembuhan atau pembaptisan dari Roh Kudus. (Markus 3:29). Dia memohon untuk belas kasihan, dan satu kesempatan lagi untuk memberitahu dunia bahwa berbahasa lidah itu benar, bahwa Roh Kudus adalah benar, dan bahwa ada kemerdekaan yang sesungguhnya dalam injil. Tetapi sudah terlambat bagi dia; dia tidak akan pernah bisa keluar, walaupun dia seorang pendeta. Kesempatannya untuk bertobat hanya dapat terjadi selama di bumi Saya juga melihat seorang misionari di Neraka. Dia ada disana karena dia meminta uang untuk memulai sebuah misi di Afrika, tapi dia menahan sebagian uang untuk dirinya. Sekarang dia memohon untuk belas kasihan dan untuk kesempatan lain untuk mengembalikan uang yang bukan miliknya. Ketika dia melihat bahwa Yesus tidak dapat menolongnya, dia mengutuki Yesus.

Saya melihat orang yang sebelumnya menyembah Tuhan di Gereja. Sekarang mereka hanya dapat menanggis memohon belas kasihan untuk dosa mereka karena tidak mau bertobat, mereka telah kehilangan kesempatan mereka untuk bertobat setelah mereka mati. Saya melihat pendeta disana merampok perpuluhan dan persembahan dari jemaat mereka. Mereka juga memohon untuk menghapus perbuatan mereka yang jahat, tapi tidak ada kesempatan lagi. Mereka yang mati tanpa Yesus Kristus masuk Neraka, dan mereka yang mati dengan Yesus Kristus masuk ke surga. Banyak orang percaya bahwa kematian menghapus keberadaan mereka  (annihilationism). Tapi saat kematian, kehidupan Anda yang sesungguhnya dimulai, dalam kemuliaan Tuhan atau dalam penghakiman kekal dan rasa malu. (Daniel 12:2). Anda sedang membuat keputusan itu saat ini. Kita semua harus secara hati-hati merenungkan dimanakah kita akan menghabiskan kekekalan. Apakah Anda ingin menghabiskan kekekalan di Neraka atau dalam Kemuliaan Tuhan? Itu adalah pilihan Anda.

Kami meneruskan perjalanan kami ke sebuah tempat lain yang mengerikan di mana para syaitan dari segala jenis dan bentuk; beberapa hanya memiliki sebuah lengan, satu mata dan satu kaki yang terpotong. Wajah mereka seperti separuh dari wajah manusia, tetapi selebihnya adalah kosong. Saya bertanya,  “Tuhan, apakah ini?” Dan DIA berkata, “mereka adalah syaitan penghancur, di dalam rumah mereka semua yang terhilang. Ini adalah syaitan yang akan menghancurkan dan menghancurkan tanpa istirehat, hari lepas hari.”

Siksaan di tempat itu sangatlah mengerikan; jiwa-jiwa selalu mengingat hal-hal yang mereka lakukan saat di bumi. Seperti dalam perumpamaan akan orang kaya dan Lazarus.  (Lukas 16:19-31).  Orang kaya bisa mengingat bahwa dia memiliki seorang ayah dan 5 orang saudara laki-laki. Anda akan mengingat semua hal yang Anda lakukan dalam hidupmu, baik atau buruk; Anda ingat pada seluruh relasi Anda, dan ini adalah bahagian dari penyiksaan, kerana  Anda akan sangat tidak menginginkan mereka masuk ke Neraka pula.

Hari ini banyak orang yang menyampaikan Khabar Baik Injil, memperingatkan mereka yang ada di bumi untuk bertaubat. Satu-satunya yang dapat menyelamatkan Anda adalah Yesus, yang berada di sebelah kanan Bapa, siap untuk menyelamatkan Anda. “Keselamatan tidak ada pada seorang pun, kerana tidak ada nama lain di bawah langit ini yang daripadanya kita dapat diselamatkan. (Kis 4:12). Percayalah hanya kepada Yesus.

ANAK-ANAK DI NERAKA

Saya menyaksikan seorang wanita dengan 2 orang anak yang sedang berteriak kepada ibu mereka: “Mengapa? Mengapa kau tidak membawa kami ke sekolah Minggu? Mengapa kau tidak mengizinkan kami pergi ke Gereja?”  Mereka mengutuki dia karena dia tidak pernah mengizinkan mereka untuk mendengar Injil. Bahkan kini, saya masih bisa merasakan sakit dan kengerian di dalam jiwa saya ketika saya mengingat bahwa ada anak kecil di Neraka. Saya melihat beberapa berumur 12 dan 14 tahun. Mereka juga menyesali banyak hal yang mereka lakukan di Bumi. Banyak orang Kristen mengabaikan kenyataan bahwa anak kecil bisa terhilang pula, karena mereka masih kecil. Tapi saya memberitahumu, jika seorang anak kecil bisa membedakan dari yang baik dan jahat, dan mereka tidak berjalan dalam jalannya Tuhan, mereka pun bisa masuk ke tempat penyiksaan itu (Ams 22 :6).

Ada tertulis di alkitab, “Saya melihat orang mati, besar dan kecil, berdiri di hadapan tahta, dan dibukalah sebuah buku. Ada sebuah buku lain juga dibuka, yaitu Buku Kehidupan. Orang mati dihakimi berdasarkan apa yang telah mereka lakukan sesuai yang tercatat di buku.” (Why 20:12). Semua orang yang bisa membedakan apa yang baik dan jahat akan berdiri di hadapan Tuhan; tidak ada yang tersembunyi di mata Tuhan. Kami terus berjalan hingga kami tiba di sebuah tempat yang menyerupai stadium. Ada banyak setan disana menertawakan jiwa-jiwa yang terhilang. Para setan mengejek mereka, dan menyiksa mereka yang diciptakan dalam rupa Allah. 

Para syaitan akan merobek bagian tubuh orang dan menyembunyikannya, membuat orang mencari-cari. Para

setan mendapatkan kesenangan sadis dengan menghasilkan sakit. Seperti yang ada tertulis  “Pencuri datang

hanya untuk mencuri dan membunuh dan membinasakan...” (Yoh 10:10).

Orang-orang disana sangat haus akan air, tetapi tidak ada. Mereka bahkan menyesali hari mereka dilahirkan.

Tetapi perasaan terburuk adalah untuk mereka yang mengenal Yesus, yang kemudian menjauh dari DIA. Jika Anda telah menjauh dari Yesus, jika Anda tidak lagi mengikuti jalan-jalanNya, hari ini adalah hari untuk datang kembali! Jangan malu akan apa yang dikatakan oleh temanmu atau orang lain.

Ingatlah apa yang pernah Yesus katakan tentang mereka yang malu mengakui DIA.  “Barang siapa malu karena Aku dan perkataanKU, Anak Manusia pun akan malu akan orang tersebut saat DIA datang kemuliaanNya dan dalam kemuliaan Bapa dan malaikat-malaikat kudus.” (Luk 9:26). Inilah waktu bagi Anda untuk lari kepada hadirat Allah; dan mencari keselamatan. Jangan mencari sebuah Gereja yang membuat Anda merasa baik; carilah sebuah Gereja dimana Roh Allah bekerja dan bertobatlah dari semua dosa-dosa Anda! Inilah waktu untuk pertaubatan yang sungguh-sungguh; waktu untuk menangis kepada Tuhan dan lari kepada Yesus. Jika Anda mempunyai dosa-dosa yang belum Anda hentikan, jiwa Anda berada dalam BAHAYA, kerana Alkitab berkata bahawa Yesus akan datang seperti pencuri di malam hari, (1 Tes 5:2)

Apakah Anda siap atau tidak?

Kami terus menyaksikan para setan menyiksa orang. Saya melihat mata seseorang dicongkel dan disembunyikan, dan orang tersebut harus menyeret diri mereka dalam kesakitan untuk menemukannya. Para

setan mendapatkan kesenangan dari kekejaman mereka. Bagi yang lain, mereka dicopot lengan dan kaki. Tetapi bagi mereka yang telah mengenal Tuhan, kemudian mati dalam dosa-dosanya, hukuman mereka lebih buruk lagi. Mereka mendapatkan penghukuman double (Ibr 10: 26-27). Mereka yang tidak pernah mengenal Tuhan juga berada dalam penyiksaan, tetapi lebih menderita bagi mereka yang pernah mengenal Tuhan dan kemudian menjadi penggosip ( 2 Pet 2 : 21).4

Ketika saya di sana, saya merasakan kengerian di dalam jiwa saya, murni panik. Saya memiliki semacam belas kasihan bagi semua jiwa-jiwa yang menangis untuk belas kasihan. Yesus berkata, “Aku akan memperlihatkan kepadamu berapa banyak lagi yang sedang menanti jiwa-jiwa yang hilang.”  Kami melewati tempat lain yang mempunyai banyak sel pembakaran yang berbeza. Di dalam sel itu adalah jiwa-jiwa, tetapi apa yang tersisa dari mereka hanyalah tulang abu-abu yang terbakar hangus. Tetapi mereka tetap dapat merasakan sakit, dan mereka berteriak kepada Yesus untuk berbelas kasihan saat Yesus lewat. Saya mengetahui bahawa orang-orang ini pernah berada di Gereja; beberapa bahkan menyampaikan Firman Tuhan saat mereka hidup, beberapa mengusir syaitan-syaitan dan berbicara dalam kurnia lidah saat di Bumi. Tapi sekarang orang-orang Kristian berada di bawah sini, kerana suatu hari mereka memutuskan untuk berpaling dari jalan-jalannya Tuhan. 

JALAN MENUJU NERAKA

Tuhan berkata, “Lihatlah pada jalan yang lebar ini.” Saya melihat sebuah jalan dimana banyak umat percaya

yang berjalan, dan mereka bahkan membawa alkitab. Saya melihat beberapa berdoa dan yang lainnya menyanyikan pujian. Saya melihat jalan yang sempit dari Tuhan membelok ke kanan, tapi orang-orang Kristen terus berjalan lurus menuju Neraka. Yesus menjelaskan, “Mereka mempunyai kehidupan ganda; mereka menjalani 2 kehidupan; satu di rumah doa KU, dan yang lain di rumah mereka sendiri.”  Saya berkata,  “Tapi Tuhan, orang-orang ini memuji namaMU!”  Yesus menjawab,  “Ya, dan bahkan saat mereka

menanggis, berteriak, dan mengatakan hal-hal yang baik mengenai Aku dan kepada kepadaKU, hati mereka penuh dengan perzinahan, penuh dengan kejahatan, penuh dengan kebohongan, penuh dengan penipuan, penuh dengan kebencian, penuh dengan akar kepahitan, penuh dengan pikiran-pikiran buruk.” Kemudian, saya mengerti apa yang telah tertulis di Alkitab, “Bukan semua orang yang berkata kepadaKU, ‘Tuhan... Tuhan..’, akan memasuki Kerajaan Surga, tetapi hanya dia yang melakukan kehendak Bapa-Ku yang di Syurga.” (Mat 7 :21). 

Banyak orang Kristen yang mempunyai kebencian atau kepahitan dalam hati mereka terhadap saudara mereka; dan tidak beribadah kerana saudara tersebut. Tetapi saat pendeta bertanya kepada Gereja, “Berapa banyak dari saudara yang mengasihi Tuhan?”  Mereka menjawab, “Amin!” tetapi Alkitab berkata bahwa mereka yang membenci saudaranya adalah seperti pembunuh, dan tidak pembunuh yang dapat masuk dalam Kerajaan Surga. 

Ada tertulis,  “Barang siapa yang marah dengan saudaranya, akan dihakimi. Dan lagi, barang siapa yang berkata kepada saudaranya, ‘Raca’,  harus menjawab para Sanhedrin. Tetapi barang siapa yang berkata, ‘Kamu bodoh!’ akan berada dalam bahaya api Neraka!”  ( Mat 5 : 22 ). Saudara ini akan sangat menyesali hal itu saat Tuhan datang kembali.

Alkitab mengatakan kepada kita,  “Janganlah membenci saudaramu dalam hatimu. Tegurlah tetanggamu secara terus terang sehingga kamu tidak berbahagi dosanya. Janganlah mencari pembalasan atau menaruh dendam terhadap orang lain, tetapi kasihilah tetanggamu seperti dirimu sendiri. Akulah Tuhan.” ( Ima 19 : 17-18 ). Sangatlah menyedihkan saat mereka yang melayani Tuhan, tidak berhasil mencapai Surga. Anda perlu secara serius merenungkan hal ini dan bertanya,  “Apakah saya siap untuk Tuhan? Apakah saya sungguhsungguh melakukan kehendak Tuhan? Apakah hidupku menyenangkan hati Tuhan?”  Anda masih memiliki waktu untuk mengarahkan hatimu kepada Tuhan dan menghindari Neraka. 5

Beberapa orang tidak perduli mengenai kemanakah mereka akan pergi, mereka hanya ingin menikmati hidup

ini. Tapi saya memberitahu Anda, meluangkan waktu bersama Yesus, bukan dengan wanita asing untuk menikmati hidup. Meluangkan waktu di rumahnya  Tuhan,  bukan di bar, adalah hidup. Kita perlu meminta

Tuhan untuk berbelas kasihan bagi mereka yang masih berjalan di jalan kematian dan dosa.

Di Neraka, kami melihat banyak yang berfikir mereka menjalani kehidupan yang kudus selama di Bumi, tetapi sekarang mereka hanya memohon untuk belas kasihan dan kesempatan lain. Jiwaku sakit kerana mereka. Kami melihat seorang wanita yang berpura-pura seolah-olah mereka membaca Firman Tuhan, dan berkhutbah mengenai Yohanes 3:16. Dia berkata: “Karena Allah begitu mencintai dunia hingga DIA menganugerahkan putera-Nya yang tunggal, supaya barang siapa yang percaya kepada-Nya tidak akan binasa melainkan beroleh hidup yang kekal.”  Yesus berkata bahawa wanita tersebut ada di sana “Kerana dia tidak dapat mengampuni suaminya; dia tidak pernah mampu untuk mengampuni suaminya.”  (Mat 6 : 14-15).  Wanita ini telah menggembalakan sebuah Gereja Injili selama 35 tahun, tetapi sekarang berada di Neraka, dia memohon untuk satu kesempatan lagi untuk mengampuni suaminya.

Alkitab memperingatkan kita,  “Segeralah berdamai dengan lawanmu yang membawamu ke pengadilan. Lakukan itu selama kamu masih bersama-sama dengan dia dalam perjalanan, atau dia akan menyerahkanmu

kepada Hakim, dan sang Hakim akan menyerahkanmu kepada petugas, dan kamu akan dilempar ke dalam

penjara.” (Mat 5:25) dan “diberkatilah mereka yang murah hati, kerana mereka akan beroleh belas kasihan.”  (Mat 5:7).

Jika anda adalah seseorang yang menangis di hadapan Tuhan, anda masih berada di bawah anugerah dan belas kasihan. Tetapi jika anda merasa tidak dapat menangis lagi, atau berdoa lagi, jika anda telah menghentikan kehidupan doa anda, maka anda berada dalam bahaya besar.   Pengampunan adalah suatu hal yang istimewa, dan wanita tersebut tidak pernah mengampuni. Setelah 35 tahun bekerja keras untuk Tuhan, dia kehilangan semua pada akhirnya. Renungkanlah hal ini, dan pastikan anda telah mengampuni semua. Bagaimana caranya anda ingin menghabiskan kekekalan?

Saudara laki-laki saya sering berkata kepada saya: “Di hari saya meninggal dunia, saya akan pergi ke Neraka dan membiarkan para syaitan menyiksaku.”  Tapi bersyukur dia telah bertaubat dari kepercayaannya yang bodoh, kerana penghakiman daripada Tuhan telah menjamah dia. Sementara menuliskan pesan ini, dia sedang terbaring sakit, kerana AIDS. Dia memohon Tuhan untuk kesempatan, dan dia akhirnya menyerahkan hatinya kepada Yesus. Dia tidak berfikir seperti dulu lagi, dan tidak mahu pergi ke tempat penyiksaan itu. Syukurlah, saudaraku telah menerima Yesus sebagai Penyelamatnya. Saudaraku beruntung; dia tahu waktunya tidak banyak lagi. Tetapi kebanyakan orang tidak tahu bila mereka akan meninggal dunia.

Yesus dan saya terus berjalan sampai kami tiba pada sebuah kelompok orang yang menyebut diri mereka “Kristian Injili”. Yesus menjelaskan mengapa orang-orang ini berada di Neraka. Di lingkungan mereka tinggal, ada seorang pemabuk yang menjadi seorang Kristian. Suatu hari isterinya sakit parah. Dia mulai mengetuk pintu demi pintu, mencari pertolongan untuk membawanya ke rumah sakit. Ketika dia tiba di rumah orang Kristian, dia mengatakan kepada mereka,  “Isteriku menjadi sakit parah. Saya perlu untuk meminjam sedikit wang untuk membawanya ke rumah sakit!”  Ketika dia pergi ke rumah orang Kristian lainnya mereka juga menolak menolong dia. Pada akhirnya isteri pemuda tersebut meninggal dunia.

Salah satu dari sekelompok Kristian itu berkata, “Saya yakin telah mengajarkan pemabuk itu sebuah pelajaran, dia hanya ingin wang itu untuk mabuk-mabukan, tetapi dia dapat membodohi aku! Saya tidak memberikannya satu sen pun!”  Sekarang di Neraka, mereka berada dalam api dan tersiksa, dan secara mendalam menyesali kejahatan mereka. (Mat 23:31–46).   Orang-orang ini diikat dengan tali, dan terbakar. Kulit mereka jatuh dari tubuh mereka, dan tidak akhir dari penyiksaan tersebut. Mereka ingat segala yang jahat yang mereka lakukan.

SEORANG KRISTIAN YANG SOMBONG

Tolong dengarkan saya dengan hati-hati. Saya juga seorang Kristen Injili. Saya berdoa untuk orang sakit dan

Tuhan menyembuhkan mereka, saya berdoa untuk orang lumpuh dan Tuhan membangkitkan mereka. Saya mengusir setan dan berbicara dalam karunia lidah, tapi saya mempunyai roh kesombongan, yang membuatku

melihat pendetaku secara spiritual lebih kecil dari saya.

Saya melihat banyak mukjizat dalam pelayanan saya, lebih dari pendeta saya. Tapi saya mulai berfikir bahawa hal tersebut kerana saya, bahawa yang melakukan mukjizat adalah saya. Dalam kesombongan saya, saya berfikir bahawa saya mempunyai kurnia super, seseorang yang istimewa. Saya tidak mengerti bahawa kerana belas kasihan Allah yang ada dalam hidupku. Ketika saya pergi ke Neraka, Tuhan memberitahuku,  “Aku bukanlah Allah atas orang-orang yang sombong.”

Banyak dari kita berdiri di depan altar Tuhan dengan keangkuhan dan kesombongan. Banyak, yang menyanyikan pujian kepada Tuhan, mulai penuh dengan keangkuhan. Banyak dari pelayan Tuhan yang menyampaikan Firman, dan yang dipakai secara dahsyat oleh Tuhan, mulai berfikir bahawa mereka sangatlah penting? Banyak orang yang bekerja dalam pelepasan juga penuh dengan keangkuhan? Saya ingin memberitahu anda bahawa Tuhan melihat semua, dan mengetahui hati anda. Jika Anda mempunyai kesombongan, keangkuhan, atau kebanggaan dalam hati anda, jika anda melihat saudara anda atau pendeta dengan  sepele, tolong bertaubatlah dari dosa-dosa anda secepatnya! Lebih baik dipermalukan di depan manusia, daripada dipermalukan di hadapan Tuhan. Saya harap Anda dapat melihat tempat ini, seperti saya. Saya harap anda dapat mendengar tangisan mereka yang terkutuk, merasakan kengerian yang saya rasakan, dan melihat penghakiman kekal mereka, maka Anda akan mengerti. Kami terus berjalan sampai kami tiba di semacam ruang tunggu. Kami melihat setan yang berteriak, dan setan lainnya mempersembahkan diri mereka kepadanya. Dua dari mereka berada dalam wujud seorang wanita cantik. Tugas mereka adalah untuk menghancurkan pelayanan, dan memimpin pelayanan kepada dosa. Mereka yang melayani Tuhan, haruslah berhati-hati akan jebakan iblis. iblis ingin menghancurkan hidup Anda, dan dia bisa memakai orang-orang yang dekat dengan Anda, mereka yang tidak berjalan dekat dengan Yesus. Mereka bisa menjadi alatnya iblis.   Iblis juga mempunyai setan yang menyamar sebagai pria. Mereka pergi ke gereja untuk mencari wanita muda dan bahkan wanita yang sudah menikah, untuk menuntun mereka kepada dosa, menghancurkan pernikahan dan hidup.

Di Neraka, saya juga melihat seorang pemuda yang menghujat Roh Kudus (Luk 12:10). Dia ada di sana memohon belas kasihan, dan berteriak dalam kesakitan. Ada banyak cacing di seluruh wajah dan tubuhnya. Dia mencoba untuk memindahkan mereka, tapi ada lebih banyak lagi yang keluar  ( Mark 9 : 44 ).  Sakitnya sungguh tak tertahankan.  Pria ini kuatir anggota keluarganya akan tiba di sana.  Jika Anda sungguh-sungguh mencintai keluarga Anda, sampaikan Kabar Baik Allah kepada mereka, sehingga mereka bisa menghindari Neraka ( Kis 16 : 31 ).   Alkitab berkata, “Janganlah takut kepada mereka yang sanggup membunuh tubuh, tetapi yang tidak berkuasa membunuh jiwa; takutlah terutama kepada DIA yang berkuasa membinasakan baik jiwa maupun tubuh di dalam Neraka.” ( Mat 10 : 28 ).

Orang-orang Kristen haruslah ingat walaupun mereka bisa menyembunyikan kebenaran dari pendeta mereka, majlis, penatua, dan JemaaH, mereka TIDAK dapat menyembunyikannya dari hadirat Tuhan. Seperti ada tertulis,  “Kemanakah aku dapat pergi dari RohMU? Kemanakah aku dapat lari dari hadiratMU? Jika aku pergi ke Surga, Engkau ada disana; jika aku menaruh tempat tidurku di kedalaman, Engkau ada di sana. Jika aku bangun di atas sayap fajar, jika aku menetap di ujung laut, bahkan disana pun tanganMU akan menuntunku, tangan kananMU akan memegangku kuat-kuat.” ( Mzm 139 : 7-10 ).7

BERBOHONG KEPADA TUHAN

Mungkin terdengar gila, tapi banyak orang Kristen berakhir di Neraka karena berbohong. Orang-orang Kristen sering tidak acuh berbohong di Gereja, dan berpikir tidak apa-apa. Pendeta mungkin akan bertanya kepada mereka sebuah pertanyaan, dan seorang jemaat akan berbohong kepada mereka. Tapi kita harus ingat bahwa sebuah kebohongan yang sederhanalah yang menyebabkan Tuhan membunuh Ananias dan Saphira saat di Gereja ( Rm 5 : 3-10 ).

Banyak orang Kristen yang berada di Neraka karena berbohong kepada pendeta. Mereka tidak menyadari

bahwa mereka berbohong kepada Tuhan. Dan alkitab memperingatkan kita, tidak ada pezinahan, tidak ada

pezinah, tidak ada PEMBOHONG yang akan mewarisi Kerajaan Allah ( Why 21 : 8 ; 1 Kor 6 : 9-10 ).

Anda harus tahu walaupun Anda menyatakan diri Anda sebagai seorang Kristen, Anda masih bisa menjadi tidak kudus di hadapan Tuhan, jika Anda terus berdosa. Saya secara pribadi telah dipakai oleh Tuhan, tetapi tetap mempunyai kesombongan dalam hati saya  ( Mat 7 : 21-23 ). Masih banyak waktu untuk bertobat dan

memperbaharui hati dan pikiran Anda.

Jika Anda seorang Kristen yang suam-suam kuku, penggosip, atau menjalani kehidupan ganda,  tundukkan

kepala Anda saat ini di hadapan Tuhan, dan mohon untuk pengampunan, bersedia untuk berbalik dari jalanjalan yang jahat. Jika Anda tidak mengenal Yesus, berdoa sekarang, dan minta DIA untuk pengampunan, minta DIA untuk masuk ke dalam hati Anda, terima DIA sebagai Juruselamat Anda.

Jangan menyia-yiakan waktu lagi!

Dan jangan menjadi seorang Kristen yang berakhir di NERAKA !

Email : evi_wenx@yahoo.com

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Christians that wound up in HELLby Carmelo Brenes      MP3   PDF   DOC  MP4    MP4-HIGH a.k.a. Rescued from Hell, Originally from Spanish, this version has been polished, Illustrated, and abridged www.DivineRevelations.info/BRENES Translators Needed!!!  Chinese Simplified  Spanish  Portuguese  Malaysian   French   Thai  Indonesian  Tagalog  Afrikaans  Vietnamese

In 1982, I had an accident in which I died.   As death came over me, I felt everything become dark.   I found myself walking through a dark tunnel, and some kind of being was taking me.   While we walked in this cold and dark tunnel, I began to hear horrific screams and moans, and an intense fear was growing inside of me.   I knew that, although my body was already dead, I was somehow still alive in this place.

I saw large snakes moving all around, and all the people were crying out for water.   Soon we arrived at an open plateau, which had many chambers and divisions, each contained different people inside.   I began to cry out with terror, begging God for mercy.   "Lord, remember my life! Have mercy!" Sheer terror was gripping my soul, and my whole life was passing before my eyes.   As we approached some door, I shouted again, "Have mercy on me my Lord; have mercy on me! I beg you to help me! Help me Lord!!"

Suddenly there was a silence, and I heard a loud voice say, "Stop!" The voice shook all of Hell, and the being that was taking me by the hand, released me.   "I am not the God of adulterers, I am not the God of fornicators, I am not the God of liars.   Why do you call me Lord, if I am not a God of those who boast?" (Luke 6:46)
I felt like I was going to be destroyed, but as the moments passed, God’s voice became softer, "Come and I will show you the things going on in this place that are waiting for all who haven't been willing to follow My way and have walked after the imaginations of their own hearts."
We then went to a place where I saw a woman was sitting in a rocking chair.   There were still terrifying moans coming from all over that place.   At first, she seemed ok, but then her body transformed into a witch, and she screamed in agony, burning in flames.   She begged for mercy, but the Lord said to me "The wages of sin is death, and those who arrive in this place will never get out again." (Romans 6:23)
The Lord showed me many disobedient people, many who were once part of a Christian Church.   They were crying out and begging for mercy, but there was no mercy.   Mercy could only be found while a person is still alive on Earth.   Once people are dead, mercy cannot be reached anymore, as it says, "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)
Jesus also showed me a place with some kind of boiling oil, and there were people suffering inside, burning in flames and trying to get out.   But demons would throw them back in.  
We walked until we came to a place with people that had once listened to the word of God, but never wanted to repent.  
I even saw pastors, evangelists, believers and missionaries.   They were all there for different reasons.   I saw one pastor who never believed in the power of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, healings or the baptism of the Holy Ghost.   (Mark 3:29) He was begging for mercy, and just one more chance tell the world that speaking in tongues is real, that that the Holy Ghost is real, and that there is real freedom in the gospel.   But it was too late for him; he could never get out, even though he was a pastor.   His chance to repent was only possible on Earth.
I also saw a missionary in Hell.   He was there because he asked for money to open a mission in Africa, but he kept half the money for himself.   Now he begs for mercy and another chance to return the money that wasn’t his.   When he saw that Jesus could not help him, he cursed Jesus.
I saw people that were once inside the church praising God.   Now they only cry out for mercy for their un-repented sins, they lost their chance to repent after they died.   I saw pastors there who robbed tithes and offerings from their churches.   They also begged to undo all their bad works, but there was no more chance.

Those who die without Jesus Christ go to hell, and those who die with Jesus Christ go to Heaven.   Many people believe that dying is just stopping this existence.   (Annihilationism) But at death, your real life begins, either in God’s Glory or in everlasting condemnation and shame.   (Daniel 12:2) You are making that choice right now.   We must all carefully meditate on where we will spend eternity.   Do you want to spend eternity in Hell or in God’s glory? It’s your choice.

We continued walking to another horrifying place where there were demons of all types, shapes and forms; some that had just one arm, one eye and one hoofed leg.   Their faces were like half of a human face, but the rest was just empty.   I asked, "Lord, what is this?” And He said, "These are demons of destruction, in the homes of all those who are lost.   This is the demon that will destroy and destroy without rest, day after day."

The torment in that place is so terrible; the souls always remember the things they did while on Earth.   Just like in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.   (Luke 16:19-31) The rich man could remember that he had a father and five brothers.   You remember all the things you did in your life, good or bad; you remember all your relatives, and this is part of the torment, because you so desperately don’t want them to enter Hell also.
Today there are many people that preach the gospel, warning those on Earth to repent.   The only one who can save you is Jesus, who is at the right hand of the Father, ready to save you.   "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Trust in Jesus alone.  

Children in Hell

I witnessed a woman with two children who were yelling at their mother: "Why? Why didn't you take us to Sunday school? Why didn't you allow us to go to church?" They cursed her because she never allowed them to hear the gospel.

Even today, I still feel pain and terror in my soul when I remember that there are even young children in Hell.   I saw some between the ages of 12 and 14 years old.   They also regret many things they did while on earth.   Many Christians ignorantly say that children can never be lost, because they are so young.   But I tell you, if a child can distinguish between good and evil, and they are not walking in the ways of the Lord, they also can arrive in that place of torment.   (Prov.   22:6)
In the bible it says "I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.   Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.   The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” (Rev.   20:12) All persons that can comprehend between good and evil will have to stand before the Lord; nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord.

We continued walking until we came to a place that was similar to stadium.   There were demons there laughing at lost souls.   They were mocking them, and tormenting those who were made in God’s image.  

The demons would tear off parts of people and hide them, making the people search for it.   Demons were getting sadistic pleasure by inflicting pain.   As it is written "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10)
The people there desperately thirst for water, but there is none.   They regret even the day they were born.   But the worst feeling is for those who knew Jesus, but then walked away from Him.   If you have walked away from Jesus, if you no longer follow His ways, today is the day to come back! Don’t be ashamed of what your friends or anyone else may say.
Remember what Jesus said about those who are ashamed of Him.   If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.   (Luke 9:26)
It is time for you to run to the presence of God; and look for salvation.   Do not look for a church that makes you feel good; look for a church where the Spirit of the Lord moves and repent of all your sins! It is time for deep repentance; time to cry out to the Lord and run to Jesus.   If you have sins that you haven’t stopped, your soul is in DANGER, because the Bible says that Jesus will come as a thief in the night, (1 Thess.   5:2) Are you ready or not?
We continued watching the demons torment people.   I saw one rip out a person’s eye, and hide it, and that person had to drag himself in pain to find it.   The demons were getting pleasure from their cruelty.   To some, they ripped off arms and legs.   But to those who once knew the Lord, but died in their sins, their punishment was much worse.   They had a double condemnation.   (Hebrews 10:26-27) Those who never knew God were also in torment, but there is more suffering for those who knew Jesus and then became backsliders.   (2 Pet.   2:21)
When I was there, I felt unspeakable terror in my soul, pure panic.   I had such compassion for all the souls that were crying for mercy.   Jesus said, "I will show you how many things are still waiting for lost souls."We passed another place that had many different burning cells.   Inside the cells were souls, but all that was left of them was just charred grey bones.   But they could still feel pain, and they screamed out for mercy from Jesus as He walked by.   I found out that these people were once in Churches; some even preached the word of God during their lifetime, some cast out demons and spoke in tongues while on Earth.   But now these Christians were down here, because one day they decided to turn from the ways of God.  

The Road to Hell

The Lord said, "Look at this wide street." I saw a street where a multitude of believers were walking, and they were even carrying bibles.   I saw some praying and others were singing praises.  

I saw how the narrow road of God branched off to the right, but the Christians continued walking straight to hell.   Jesus explained, "They have a double life; they are living two lives: one in My house of prayer, and another in their own houses." I said,"But Lord, these people are praising Your Name!" Jesus replied, "Yes, and even when they cry, shout, and say nice things about Me or to Me, their hearts are full of adultery, full of evil, full of lies, full of deception, full of hate, full of roots of bitterness, full of bad thoughts." Then, I understood what was written in Scripture “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.” (Matt. 7:21)
Many Christians have some hatred or bitterness in their heart toward their brothers; and may even skip church because of that brother.   But when the pastor asks the church, “How many of you love the Lord?” They say "Amen!" But the Bible says that those who hate their brothers are like murders, and no murder can come in the Kingdom of Heaven.   It is written,anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.   Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin.   But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.   (Matt 5:22) These brothers will deeply regret that when the Lord returns.
The Bible tells us, Do not hate your brother in your heart.   Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.   Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.   I am the LORD.   (Leviticus 19:17-18) It’s so sad when those serve the Lord, don't make it into Heaven.   You need to seriously meditate on this and ask, “Am I ready for the Lord? Am I really doing the will of God? Is my life pleasing to God?” You still have time to turn your heart to God and escape Hell.
Some people don’t care about where they are going, they only want to enjoy this life.   But I tell you, spending time with Jesus, not some woman is enjoying life.   Spending time in the Lord’s house, not a bar, that’s life.   We need to ask God for Mercy for those who are still waking on the road of death and sin.  
In Hell, we saw many who thought they were living holy while on Earth, but now they were just begging for mercy and another chance.   My soul ached so much for them.   We saw a woman who was acting like she was reading the Word of God, and preaching about John 3:16.   She said: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus said she was there "Because she could never forgive her husband; she never managed to forgive her husband." (Matt 6:14-15) This woman had been shepherding an evangelical church for 35 years, but now in Hell, she is begging for one more chance to forgive her husband.
The bible warns us, settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.   Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.   (Matt. 5:25) andBlessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.   (Matt. 5:7)
If you are someone who cries in the presence of the Lord, you are still under grace and mercy.   But if you feel that you cannot cry any more, or pray anymore, if you have stopped your prayer life, you are in great danger.  
Forgiveness is something special, and that woman never forgave.   After 35 years of hard work for God, she lost it all in the end.   Meditate on this, and make sure you forgive all.   How do you want to spend eternity?
My brother would often tell me: "The day I die, I’ll go to hell and let the demons torment me” But thankfully he has repented of this foolish belief, because the judgment of God has reached him.   While recording this message, he is currently lying down, sick with AIDS.   He is has begged God for a chance, and he has finally turned his heart to Jesus.   He does not think the same way anymore, and doesn’t want to go to that place of torment.   Thankfully, my brother has accepted Jesus as his savior.   My brother was lucky; he knew he didn’t have much time left.   But most people don’t know when they will die.  

Jesus and I continued walking until we came upon a group of people who called themselves "Evangelical Christians".   Jesus explained why these men were in Hell.   In the neighborhood where they lived, there was a drunk that became a Christian.   One day his wife got severely ill.   He began to go door to door seeking help to bring her to the Hospital.   When he got to the house of a Christian, he told them, "My wife is very sick.   I need you to lend me some money to take her to the hospital." But the Christians told him, "That is what you say! No! We don’t have money here!" When he went to another Christian’s house they also refused to help him.   Eventually the man’s wife died.  

One of the Christians said, "I sure taught that drunk a lesson, He just wanted the money to get drunk, but he didn’t fool me! I didn't give him a single penny!” Now in Hell, they are in fire and tormented, and deeply regret their evil.   (Matt 23:31-46)

These men were tied up with ropes, and burning.   Their skin was falling from their bodies, and there was no end to the torment.   They remember all the evil that they did.

A Proud Christian

Please listen to me carefully.   I was also an Evangelical Christian.   I prayed for the sick and God healed them, I prayed for the lame and God raised them up.   I cast out demons and spoke in new tongues, but I had a spirit of vainglory, that made me see my pastor as spiritually smaller than me.  

I saw many miracles in my ministry, more than my pastor.   But I began to think that it was me, that I was the one doing the miracles.   In my vainglory, I thought that I was super-gifted, someone special.   I didn’t understand that it was the mercy of God that was in my life.   When I got to Hell, God told me, "I am not the God of people with vainglory."

Many of us stand before the altar of God full of pride and vainglory.   Many, who sing praises to God, begin to be full of pride.   Many of God’s servants who preach the word, and are used mightily by God, begin to think that they are overly important? Many people who work in deliverance also get full of pride? I want to tell you that God see all, and knows your heart.

If you have vainglory, pride, or arrogance in your heart, if you see your brother or pastor with disdain, please repent of your sins quickly! It is much better to be humiliated before the men, than be humiliated in the presence of the Lord.   I wish you could see this place, like I did.   I wish you could hear the cries of the damned, feel the terror that I did, and see their final judgment, then you would understand.

We continued walking until we arrived at some a kind of waiting room.   We saw a demon that was shouting, and other demons were presenting themselves before him.   Two of them were in the form of beautiful women.   Their job was to destroy ministries, and lead ministers into sin.   Those who serve the Lord, must be careful of satan’s traps.   satan wants to destroy your life, and he can use those people who are close to you, those who do not walk close to Jesus.   They can be instruments of satan.  

satan also has demons that are disguised as men.   They go into churches in search for young ladies and even married women, to lead them into sin, destroying marriages and lives.

In Hell, I also saw a man that blasphemed against the Holy Spirit.   (Luke 12:10) He was there begging for mercy, and shouting in pain.   There were worms all over his face and body.   He tried to remove them, but more would always come.   (Mark 9:44) His pain was unbearable.
This man was worried about his family members arriving there.   If you truly love your family, preach the Word of God to them, so they may escape from hell.   (Acts 16:31)
The bible says do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.   Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.   (Matt.  10:28)
Christians need to remember that even though they can hide the truth from pastors, deacons, elders and the Congregation, they can NOT hide from the presence of the Lord.   As it is written, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the Heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.   If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.   (Psalms 139:7-10)

Lying to God

It might sound crazy, but many Christians wind up in Hell because of lying.   Christians often just nonchalantly lie in Church, and think nothing of it.   The pastor may ask them a question, and a member just lies to them.   But we must remember that a simple lie is what caused God to kill Ananias and Saphira while in Church.   (Acts 5:3-10)
Many Christians are in Hell because they simply lied to the pastor.   They didn’t realize that they were lying to God.   And the bible warns us, no drunks, no adulterers, no fornicators, no LIARS shall inherit the Kingdom of God.   (Rev.   21:8) (1 Cor.   6:9-10)

You must know that just because you claim to be a Christian, you can still be unclean before God, if you keep sinning.   I was personally being used by God, but still had vainglory in my heart.   (Matt 7:21-23) There is still time to repent and renew your heart and mind.  
If you’re a lukewarm Christian, backsliding, or living a double life, bow you head right now before God, and beg for forgiveness, be willing to turn away from evil deeds.   If you don’t know Jesus, pray now, and ask Him for forgiveness, ask Him into your heart, accept Him as your savior.  

Don’t waste any more time!
And don’t be a Christian that winds up in Hell!

Repentance

What is Repentance and why you can't get to heaven without it

It is noteworthy how little teaching is given on the subject of repentance in our churches, considering its importance in the New Testament. How often does one hear a sermon on the subject? However, that's not surprising. Tolerance is the "in-word" today and anything that implies that we are not all OK just as we are, and that we may have to consider making some serious changes to our lifestyle, is hardly likely to be a popular idea. There are nicer things to talk about than repentance. History records that a certain Jean de Labadie (1610 - 1674), a minister of the Reformed church of southern France, at one time preached 50 sermons in succession on the text "Repent ye." One of these sermons lasted four and a half hours! Today we have gone to the opposite extreme and don't talk about it at all. However, don't be put off by the unpopularity of the subject. What you learn could be a turning point in your life!

The importance of repentance in the New Testament

Before looking at the meaning of repentance, let's have a look at the importance given to it in the Bible.

"Jesus declared that the purpose of his coming and ministry was to call 'siners to repentance'"

The words "repent" and "repentance" occur 56 times in the New Testament. It is similar in meaning to the word translated "convert" or "turn", which is also common. The main theme of the preaching of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus, was: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). The first recorded words of the public ministry of Jesus are also "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near"(Matthew 4:17). Jesus declared that the purpose of his coming and ministry was to call "sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, we read that "they went out and preached that people should repent" (Mark 6:12). After his resurrection from the dead, he declared that"repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations" (Luke 24:47). He declared that unless people repented they would perish, and in order to enforce the message, he repeated it (Luke 13:3,5). In each of Peter's two recorded sermons after the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was given, he told people to repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19). In Paul's recorded sermon to the Athenians he said that God "commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). He said that the message he declared to both Jews and Greeks was that"they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:21). Peter declares that God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). It is obvious from the above references that if Jesus and those he trained knew what they were talking about, none of us will find a meaningful relationship with God unless we do what the Bible calls "repent". That being the case, it is important to find out what it means.

Repentance is more than being sorry

"Sorrow may lead to repentance, or it may not, but they are not the same"

This is a point that needs clarification, as it is common to think of repentance as merely being sorry about things one may have done wrong. However, the word implies a lot more than this. The Bible gives us a good example of remorse without repentance. "When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 'I have sinned,' he said, 'for I have betrayed innocent blood'" (Matthew 27:3,4). You will note here that Judas admitted his guilt, felt sorry about it, and was even prepared to make restitution, at least to some degree. However, subsequent events and other statements in the Bible make it clear that Judas never truly repented. (The Greek word for "seized with remorse" used here is translated "repented" in the old Authorised Version. However, it is not the usual word for repentance in the New Testament, and "seized with remorse" is a better translation.)

Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, talks about two kinds of sorrow. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sorrow may lead to repentance, or it may not, but they are not the same. Sorrow is concerned with feelings, whereas repentance, as we shall see, involves a change of attitude, particularly to God.

What repentance is

To get a proper picture it is important to understand that repentance always takes place in relation to someone - always in relation to God, and sometimes in relation to other people as well. Repentance is never a private affair. God created us to live in relationships - first with himself, and then with others. That is the reason why religions that do not have a personal God of grace with whom we may enjoy a loving relationship, and from whom it is possible to stray, have no proper place for repentance. Hinduism, Buddhism and New Age thinking come into this category.

Essentially, repentance is simply that process by which a person who is away from God recognises that situation and goes back to God. As C. S. Lewis explained, repentance is not something God demands of you before he will take you back, and which he could let you off if he chose; it is simply a description of what going back is like. It is basically a U-turn. Instead of going away from God, or ignoring him, you turn around, go to him and choose to give him his rightful place in your life. Repentance, therefore, has more to do with your will than it has to do with your feelings. You may feel deep sorrow about certain things that you regret, or you may not, but the real issue is whether or not you go back to where you belong. Of course, sorrow may assist that process.

The Greek word translated "repent" in the New Testament has the basic meaning of "changing your mind". However, in the Bible it goes further than just changing one's thinking about something; it means changing one's attitude towards that thing. To truly repent you must make two changes of attitude - towards both God's truth and God himself.

A change of attitude towards God's truth

"Repentance is contrition for what we are in our fundamental beings, that we are wrong in our deepest roots because our interior government is by Self and not by God"F.Allshorn

In the ten commandments (Exodus 20), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7) and numerous other passages in the New Testament, God has revealed to us how we ought to live. It must be plain to anyone who bothers to read what God's requirements are that we all come a long way short. If you are to live in a meaningful relationship with God, which is what being a Christian is all about, then you have to accept that his standards apply, not the ones you choose for yourself. This means being willing to accept the fact of your failures and acknowledge them to God. It also means that there must be a willingness to let go of those things that are inconsistent with living in fellowship with God. You are prepared to let God have his say about how you live rather than making your own rules. Of course, this is impossible in your own strength. However, if the will is there, God will come into your life in the person of the Holy Spirit and begin to change you. It is not something you have to do on your own. More of that later.

Repentance also involves not just a recognition that we have done wrong but a recognition that in a more fundamental sense we are wrong. As African missionary, Florence Allshorn, put it in Notebooks:

Repentance is not a mere feeling of sorrow or contrition for an act of wrongdoing. Repentance is contrition for what we are in our fundamental beings, that we are wrong in our deepest roots because our interior government is by Self and not by God.

C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, underlines this same point from a slightly different aspect:

...fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement; he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realising that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor - that is the only way out of our 'hole'. This process of surrender - this movement full speed astern - is what Christians call repentance. Now repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years.

With some, repentance may begin with remorse over individual sins and a desire for forgiveness and release from them. With others, it may simply be a growing awareness of the wrongness ofliving without Christ and a desire to find a vital relationship with God as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. Either way, the essence of repentance is turning to God, accepting the forgiveness that is offered to you through the death of Jesus for your sins and submitting to him as Lord of your life. This brings us to the second aspect of repentance: a renewed relationship with God.

A change of attitude towards God himself

In his excellent book Making Sense Out of Suffering, in describing the ministry of John the Baptist and his use of the word "repent", Peter Kreeft says:

"the hardest thing I have to do every single day is try to decide what is God's will, rather than what is my will"

In that word John summarises the message of all the prophets, all the preparation for the Messiah. Repent: that is, turn. Turn around, face God instead of running away from him. Face the light, so that when the light comes to you with a face, the face of Jesus, you can meet him face-to-face.

God has revealed himself supremely to us in the life and character of Jesus, the second Person of the divine Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By taking upon himself the consequences of our sins through his death on the cross, he is able to offer us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This involves a personal encounter with him, a willingness to invite him into our lives and to submit to him as Lord. Australian evangelist, John Chapman, puts it like this:

The true response of a person to Christ is a genuine repentance which involves recognising Jesus as true King in God's world and thus seeking to live under his authority.

This means that the greatest evidence that a person has repented is that they genuinely desire to do God's will and serve him. This is well illustrated from the life of Gordon Liddy. Liddy was sentenced to 21 years in prison for his major role in the Watergate affair. He was a student of Nietzsche, the German philosopher who venerated the "will to power" as the highest of human goals. When asked in prison by a Christian friend if he had "seen the light", he said, "No, I'm not even looking for the switch." When asked by David Letterman on his TV show, "What happens after we die?" Liddy replied, "We are food for the worms."

However, the day came when Liddy repented. He was invited to a Bible study group by some former FBI colleagues he had known for 30 years. They were sharp, compassionate and well-read, and he agreed to go, but only after saying, "Please don't try to convert me. I don't want to be bothered." Many people, says Liddy, experience a "rush of emotion" in conversion. Yet as he began to look into the Bible, for him there came a "rush of reason". He realised Christ was who he claimed to be. And Gordon Liddy became a Christian.

Liddy shows the genuineness of his repentance in the following words:

Now the hardest thing I have to do every single day is try to decide what is God's will, rather than what is my will. What does Jesus want, not what does Gordon want. And so the prayer that I say most frequently is, 'God, first of all, please tell me what you want - continue the communication. And second, give me the strength to do what I know you want, what your will is, rather than my own.' I have an almost 57-year history of doing what I want, what my will wants, and I have to break out of that habit into trying to do the will of God.

This comes from a man who spent his life affirming the strength of his own will. (He entitled his autobiography Will.) This is the essence of repentance: to submit one's will to the will of God.

I will sum up this section on what repentance is with a quote and an illustration from the Bible. According to Eugene Peterson, American pastor and writer, repentance is

...deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god; it is deciding that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbours and your world. And it is deciding that God, in Jesus Christ, is telling you the truth. Repentance is a realisation that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and become his pilgrim in the path of peace.

" Repentance is not the means whereby we earn God's forgiveness and love. Repentance is merely the means by which we receive them"

The illustration comes from Luke, chapter 15, in the New Testament. It is the story of the Prodigal Son, one of the best-known stories told by Jesus. The wayward son ends up in the pigpen with nothing to eat but the mush the pigs were fed. He begins to regret the self-will that has led him to this state. No doubt there is a good deal of self-pity mixed with his remorse. However, his repentance is evident in that he decides to eat humble pie and to return home. When he does, his father, who has been waiting for this moment for a long time, throws aside all dignity, runs to meet him and throws a party. There is great rejoicing.

You will notice that the returning prodigal does not earn this father's love by his repentance. Love had never been absent from his father's heart, only he could not experience it in a far country. Repentance is not the means whereby we earn God's forgiveness and love. These are there anyway and are totally undeserved. Repentance is merely the means by which we receive them. It is going home.

You will note the great rejoicing on the prodigal's return. Jesus said, "...there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). William Temple, the influential Archbishop of Canterbury, caught this aspect of repentance when he said:

To repent is to adopt God's viewpoint in place of your own...In itself, far from being sorrowful, it is the most joyful thing in the world, because when you have done it you have adopted the viewpoint of truth itself and you are in fellowship with God.