God’s Story
God's Creation
God created the world. How long it took and what methods God used are questions people debate, but all Christians believe there is a Creator. So the universe is something God made, and that’s why it’s so wonderful. Trees, mountains, food, music, relationships, it's all good.
Our Human World
But life isn’t all good. The world isn't wonderful. The world is a beautiful place and people are a lot of fun, but the world is dangerous and people do evil and selfish things. Bad things happen - people get hurt in car accidents, high school students get shot, people make cliques and ignore everyone else, people lie and cheat and turn their backs on you. People are depressed, purposeless, scared, angry, ashamed. If God made the world, shouldn’t it be better than this? Yes. It should be better. Then how did human life get so trashed if God intended it to be good?
Our Decisions
It’s not God’s fault. It’s ours. We said “no” to God and “yes” to ourselves. “No God, I would rather do things my way” is something all of us have said. We expect other people to be kind and friendly and accepting, but we don’t do it ourselves. We are messed up.
God's Decision
What did God do when we said “no” to him? Amazingly, God said, “Okay.” God was merciful and let the world continue on, but he was also just and punished our rebellion. God said to us, “If you want to make your own decisions and put yourself at the center of the universe, go ahead. But you will live with the consequences.” We are living with the consequences to this day. When everyone in the world lives for himself or herself first, things get ugly. To live with the results of our selfish decisions is a fitting punishment for being selfish.
Death in Slow Motion
Unfortunately, when we turn away from the one source of life in the universe, the consequence is death. We see death getting played out in slow-motion all around us every day. Think about it. Life for a lot of people is like a death scene played in super slow-motion. Their parents ignore them, they never find real friends, they try drugs, they get a job they hate, and they do the same thing to their kids. Sometimes it's better than this. Sometimes it's worse. But eventually we all die.
God's Son - Making Things New
But it’s also possible that in the middle of everything, life changes direction and starts getting better. God didn’t abandon the people he created. God is at work to redeem his creation, to make things new.
God sent his Son into the world, to receive the consequences of our rebellion himself. We can be forgiven. We can be healed. We can be reconciled to God.
Life
You’ve probably heard about how Jesus was crucified. But that’s not all. God’s Son Jesus rose from the dead with a new immortal body and went back to be with his Father in heaven. Out of death came new life! A new, eternal body awaits all those who turn back to God. So do it, turn back to God. God still plans to make our life in his universe wonderful! God is making all things new!
How do you get on board?
You believe it. And then you live it.