Life Without God

A few years ago someone very dear to me said, “Life is hard trying to live for God. I want to see what life is like without God.”

I said, “Fortunately that won’t happen in this life. That’s what hell is. And it scares me to say it, but I will pray that God gives you a taste, a sense of what that is.”

From all outward appearances, life seems to be going well for him while he’s waited for God’s ‘wrath of disapproval’.

Somehow in the evangelical world, many have believed and advocated that the life of a follower of Jesus should be easier. The Bible teaches the opposite:

2 Timothy 3:12 And indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

John 15:19-20 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

John 16:33 … In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

But in doing so is the only way to Real Life, Eternal Life, Life Abundant (full, overflowing, more than enough, more than you dream possible) and assurance of heaven in the next life. John 10:10

The Bible teaches that life in this fallen world is hard for everyone (Genesis 3). All are faced with separation from God and will struggle with guilt and shame, the fear of punishment and being exposed, futility/lack of fulfillment in work, and pain and struggle in the roles for which we were designed. It also teaches that God is the One who still gives everyone life and breath and all things. Acts 17:25

1 Peter 5:8,9 …  the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. … know(ing) that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

Acts 17:25  nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things;

Matthew 5:45 … For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

So what’s the difference for Jesus followers? He is with us and all the promises of God belong to us in Christ. (so many passages; here’s a start)

Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Peter 1:2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

1 Corinthians 1:20a For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; …

Psalm 66 (whole psalm but specifically vs.10-12) … For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance….

I can only imagine, but could not bear, trying to live this life without God.