Mt. Fear or Mt. Joy

(Originally published June 26, 2012) At Bible study this morning we were discussing Hebrews 12:14-29. For some time now I have viewed salvation as a positional reality, and we choose to be "in the world" or "in Christ". I hear Christians make comments such as, " We are just filthy sinners, saved by grace." and I used to hold that statement up also. However now I prefer to champion, "We were filthy sinners, now we are saved by grace."

Today, I found another passage that I think supports my current position. It discusses. how we are to not allow each other to fall short of God's grace. Verses 18-21 acknowledge we were filthy sinners, and I agree and think other passages acknowledge this also. Verse 22 however says that is no longer the reality. We were residents on the Mountain of Fear; now we live on the Mountain of Joy. Mountain of Joy has been established on a better covenant, and it cannot be shaken (v. 28).

Some may wish to retort I am on Mt. Joy, however any second I can run back over to Mt. Fear. I wish to strengthen such brothers and sisters with verse 29, Our God is a consuming fire. Allow Him to consume the pathway back to Mt. Fear. As the birds consummed Hansel and Gretel's bread-crumb-path, allow God to burn the way back to Mt. Fear.

There are times when I look back toward Mt. Fear, and talk to God about things that occured back on Mt. Fear... From Mt. Joy that is. I ain't going back to Mt. Fear. It was horrible over there, plus the path is gone. I stumble and fall on Mt Joy; it does get hard over hear at times. But I ain't going back. I may fall 7 times, or even 70 x 7 times, but when I get up again (and I will get up again). I worship God, because I am on Mt. Joy because of the new covenant sealed in the Blood of the Lamb.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above you heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.