2 COR 2:14-15
"...thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
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Biblical message: Life to one, Death to another
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RELIGIOUSLYINCORRECT.org
Have you ever had the impression from people around you that if they just pretend as though the word of truth doesn't exist, therefore it doesn't exist?
That if they ignore their Creator's message, it will somehow disappear and go away?
Sadly for such people, they will one day understand a truly tragic reality—but then it will be too late.
A much wiser approach would be to take our Creator's message seriously, and reap the enormous benefits from doing so.
The sword of truth cuts both ways
The Bible describes itself as being a "2-edged" sword (Revelation 2:12; Hebrews 4:12).
Obviously, such a weapon cuts both ways, depending on which direction it is wielded.
If the user employs it with
wisdom, care, and training—it can result in protection, safety, and salvation.
But if complacency and carelessness rule the day, that sword can do fatal damage to its owner.
In the same way, the gospel of truth cuts both ways: For one it's an instrument of life;
but for another, it's the instrument of eternal death and judgment.
The Biblical message: Life to the accepter, death to the rejecter
The Holy Spirit via Paul revealed the alarming paradox of the message Jesus Christ came to this world to make available to us. Paul wrote:
"God...always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
(2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
What was Paul alluding to here?
Well, when ancient battles were completed, it was apparently customary for the victorious nation to have a "parade."
For the victors, what a time of rejoicing this was! Instead of being subjected to slavery to another nation, they now had
peace and safety.
But to the conquered nation, it was a time of tragedy and mourning. And apparently at the end of these
triumphal processions were significant captives of the conquered nation, who, when the parade was completed, would be
executed in the final act of their enemy's extermination.
As you can see, such parades produced a paradox in that the fragrant odors of the incense and flowers employed in the celebration
represented to the victors a very real salvation from potential destruction—but to the losers, that same fragrance
was a terrifying reminder of their impending execution.
The smell of death to one; the smell of life to the other.
And that is exactly what the message of salvation represents to this world.
Where you will march in the "final parade" is your choice!
Where you will be positioned in the "final parade" is, thank God, your choice.
You alone can determine to take the spiritual battle to the enemies of truth as an active participant—or, to oppose the
truth actively (or passively by pretending there is no battle and/or ignoring it altogether).
Either way, the battle will go on—with or without us.
But you will certainly be in the parade when the final judgment comes, when God will render to each person according to what he has done:
God "will give to each person according to what he has done."
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil...but glory,
honor and peace for everyone who does good...For God does not show favoritism.
(Romans 2:6-11)
Choose therefore to be at the front of the parade, among the victorious, among those who taught and lived the truth in the cause of Christ
Jesus our Lord!
(Please click here for information on how to be saved.)
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