Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
We’re now about mid-autumn, which is also called fall. Autumn is from the Latin word “autumnus,” which likely came from a pre-Latin word meaning “increasing,” possibly referring to the typical lengthening of the dark period due to shortening days.
Fall, on the other hand, is likely a shortened version of “fall of the leaves,” which needs no explanation. “Spring” also is easy, being derived from “springing time,” which refers to plants popping out of the ground in areas with any spring precipitation at all and temperatures warm enough for germination.
The fates of individual humans are also related to what’s commonly called the fall of man, pertaining to Adam’s sin, although that’s not a term used in the Bible, and the “springing up (rising/resurrection)” to either eternal life or eternal punishment when Jesus returns (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-24; John 5:28-29; 11:21-24; Mark 9:47-48; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22).
It’s recognized that Adam fell from God’s grace when he sinned and, because of that, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and grace (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 5:12-14; 3:23; 6:23). The increase in sin in all of Adam’s descendants is proof his sinful nature, gained through that first disobedient act, has been inherited, although some have lived so as to return to and remain in God’s favor (Genesis 6:1-8).
God’s grace is always shown to a limited extent to all people through his provision of our basic needs of sunshine and rain so we can earn our material sustenance, when able, from the garden of the earth as well as our greatest need for salvation (Matthew 5:45; 1 Corinthians 3:6-8; Hebrews 6:7; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15; Galatians 6:7; Titus 2:11-14).
Christians are to reach out hoping to lead others into reconciliation with God, including those who’ve fallen away (Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 6:1-5; James 5:13-20; 1 John 5:16-20; 1:5-9). Even now that we’re in the last days before Jesus’ return, we’re told that evil will continue to increase, leading to an even darker world, and many who had followed God’s plan for reconciliation to return to his grace can and will fall away (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-13; Matthew 24:12; 13:18-23; Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 3:17-18; 1:3-11; James 1:21-25).
Only by hearing and doing the word and will of God and continuing to do so can people become Christians and protect themselves from falling away and, if we truly try, God will help us remain faithful (John 15:1-11; Matthew 7:21-27; Jude 1:24; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; 1 Peter 1:1-9; Hebrews 10:22; Revelation 2:10). This is when the full measure of God’s grace is shown (Ephesians 2:1-10; 3:14-19; 4:11-16; John 10:7-10).
It’s evident that sin is increasing in the world, which is proof that God’s word is true. So, at the last resurrection, there’s a reward for those who’ve obeyed God and retribution for those who haven’t (Ephesians 1:3-14; Acts 2:38-39; 5:32; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 2:20-21; Matthew 24:21-42; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10).
Do you have hope in the resurrection despite the darkening times? You can (1 John 5:13)!
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].