The Tie That Binds

(Proverbs 5:22 KJV)  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Some people get upset about the idea of Hell and eternal torment.  One of the approaches they like to take is “How could a loving God...?”  There are certain assumptions that are made, most of them totally wrong.  Yes, God is love.  But God is also holy, just, jealous and a host of other attributes.  His love motivated Him to send Jesus to die for our sins.  Though we don’t deserve it, there is a way to redemption. 

His holiness and justice demand that sin be paid for.  Again, He has provided for that through the cross.  The gift is offered to all.  Some respond with repentance and faith, others with rejection and scorn.  One group lives their lives seeking righteousness; the other, rejecting it.

Another side of the love aspect of God is that He does not force us into salvation if we don’t want it.  The sad truth is that most don’t.  Salvation involves honesty about ourselves.  It demands submission to Almighty God.  Jesus Himself said that most people would follow the road of iniquity.

So?  We can pray, witness and agonize over loved ones who reject the truth.  Keep in mind that they are making their own choices.  As the old saying goes, “They are making their bed and they will lie in it.”  They tie their own bonds.  Make sure you don’t join them.