Advanced Man
What's Different About Those Who Are Saved?
Much talk is blown about today about man's progress, his evolutionary journey, the 21st century man, scientific advances, global citizenry, enlightened humanity, and recently I even heard a fellow say his "belief" in abortion on demand for women was 'hallowed ground.' Strangely religious talk for those who make no claim to belief in Christ as undeserving sinners in need of his grace and forgiveness. It proves the old saying that man is incurably religious, and will always seek something outside of himself to look up to and worship, if you will. I find it almost laughable (if it weren't so tragic, in the end) that contemporary men who can't even seem to shave in the morning still consider themselves superior to the men of old; Patriarchs who gave us the Old and New Testaments, the Constitution, and other worthy items from earth's ancient past. Do they honestly believe that having cars, cell phones, computers, television and all the other junk we 'moderns' clutter up our lives with makes us better than our forefathers? Actually, I believe it makes us lazy, physically and intellectually, because we become accustomed to a life of ease and pleasure. I also think that our predecessors on this earth would have done much greater things than we are doing, had they had access to the same tools we enjoy. Can't you just picture George Washington or John Adams sitting around wasting time playing computer games?-no, don't answer that-maybe you can, depending on how PC your history class was, and how old you are now. Well, enough of that.
Just what do I mean by 'advanced man'? Well, I've told you what I don't mean, so now I'll tell what I do. An advanced man in one who has chosen by an act of his own free will to trust in and follow after Jesus Christ, God the Son. Observe that I did not say 'perfect' man-if we were able to achieve (or were born in) perfection, there would be no need for salvation in this life. Eternity alone will reveal the heartaches and troubles that are avoided by those who have been given new life as a free gift from the Father above. I have never touched a drink of liquor (beer included) a day in my life, nor have I taken a drug to get high, or avoid life. In fact, I do not even drink coffee, tea, or rarely (a few times a YEAR) drink soft drinks, unless they are offered when I am a guest somewhere, and I accept to avoid offense. Am I boasting? No, because I am giving the credit to my new life in the Saviour, who has taught me to avoid many things I once thought were O.K. Am I saying that everyone who drinks a cup of coffee, tea, soda, etc. is not a Christian? Of course not. Many of the things we do in life, are done out of ignorance. Santification in the life of a born-again man is a process, occuring over time. Paul the Apostle compared spiritual growth with physical growth in the New Testament Book of 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13.
Speaking of the Scriptures, how does one become an advanced man? First, you must see that you are a helpless man. Only a sinner can call upon Christ to save him. This would be illustrated by a wretch who finds himself drowning in the sea. What fool would thrash around in the water after falling overboard, saying something like, "hey, don't throw me that lifeline, I believe in evolutionary progress!" Or, "I was a swimming champion in college, I can save myself!" Do you see the absurdity here? Second, you must be willing to reach out and catch the preserver or rescuer. Would you push away or reject the only means of saving your life, be it an object or a man? I think not. In the case of salvation, the (only) rescuer is the man Christ Jesus. A man or woman caught in the clutches of a sinful life will grab onto him and not let go, no matter what. This is accomplished (spiritually) by a simple prayer of faith. Do you feel as though you are being drowned by the troubles and cares of this life? Call out to God to save you, and he will!-I can speak from experience, and assure you that he will not let you drown (go down to the lake of fire). Once you are saved, you will see (from experience) what it means to be an advanced man. Any adversity you (have, or will)experience in this world will seem as nothing, compared to the glory that shall be revealed when we see our blessed Saviour face-to-face, in our glorified, resurrection bodies. The Bible (and the Christian life) tells me so!