Back to Fulfilling the Great Commission & the Last Days
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It’s become quite clear nowadays what happens when a Muslim is radicalized. In order to enter paradise they are prepared to die for Allah, looking ahead to “pleasures” untold. By dying in the act of committing unspeakable acts against infidels, they believe their sins are forgiven and they may enter paradise.
But when a Christian becomes radicalized, the very opposite happens.
They are so grateful to their Lord Jesus for forgiving their sins and the gift of eternal life through his obedient death on the cross for them and his subsequent resurrection. They are overwhelmed by His love given so freely, and want to tell the whole world about Him. In gratefulness to Him for what He has already done for them, they become committed to obey His commands as written in Scripture.
They are filled with the Holy Spirit by whose transforming power they are able to put to death the works of their flesh, walking in holiness as the Lord Jesus Himself did two thousand ago when He walked the earth. They walk in love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
They become fruitful witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world according to the calling the Lord has placed on their lives.
Their minds are not set on earthly things, but rather on the heavenly glory which will be revealed in them when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:2-4)
Their minds are focused on what they will receive from their Lord at His judgment seat as their reward in eternity for what they have done while in the body on earth. They know that it will be unimaginable.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”– the things God has prepared for those who love him– (1 Corinthians 2:9)
As a result, some radicalized Christians will give up everything and deny themselves, taking up their cross to follow their Lord. Some have literally left behind everything they possess to follow Him literally to the ends of the earth to share the love of God to those who never heard the name of Jesus. In this way, “radicalized” Christians do not kill unbelievers—but rather they save them.
Yes, they are willing to lay down their lives and to die for their Lord and His gospel. But even more, they are willing to LIVE for Him.
What happens when a Christian gets radicalized? (Part II)