May vs. Shall

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

As a United Methodist pastor, I had to take a course in seminary about our rules and regulations book (this is not the Bible I am referring to but our Book of Discipline). Sadly, I don't remember a whole lot about the class. But one thing did stick with me. That was the difference between the words may and shall.

If something in the Discipline says "may" this is a permission giving statement. You can do it or not as the Spirit leads.

However, if the Discipline says "shall" there is no room for error. This is something you must do in order to remain part of the UMC.

I find it interesting that this verse says that all who believe in him may not perish. May not perish. This doesn't say shall. I even checked with my Greek/English Inter Linear New Testament.

So, if you believe in Jesus, there is a very good possibility that you will have eternal life. But God doesn't give this as a guarantee. This is not cheap grace nor once-saved-always-saved. There is more to this belief stuff than just saying yes. And, God knows, we humans are often prone to error. Believing is good and a great start. We hope in God's promise of eternal life. But we also realize our dependence upon God. It is not just about our acquiescence. In the end it will all come down to God's judgment.

God, you don't make things simple, do you? Just when we think we have it all figured out and our way is made, you let us know that it will still be up to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Some Eternal Thoughts

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

The scripture tells us that we are to believe in Jesus so that we won't perish but will have eternal life. Eternal life. What does that mean to you? Life everlasting? Living forever? Never really dying? I think most of us would point so somewhere in (we hope) our very distant future. But what if the word eternal means more than a lack of future ending. What if it means something that begins right now?

I know that I am not good at waiting. When I go to the checkout line I do not want to get behind someone who is buying fifty items, paying with a social security check and needs a price check and/or return on at least three items. I also don't like the fact that God won't always give me immediate answers to all my prayer requests. It seems I have to pray the same things again and again, waiting for God's answer. So it stands to reason that I am a bit impatient about this eternity deal. I'm not ready to die quite yet but I am ready to receive some of that eternal life Jesus is promising.

What if that eternal life begins now? What if we didn't have to wait but could receive that life, that righteousness, that new life with Christ at this very moment? Wouldn't that be great?

God, we believe. We ask for a New Life in Christ in this moment and for all time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims