Spiritual Ponderings

Will we be allowed to sin after we get to heaven? When we restrict the freedom of a person, even a child, by controlling them and denying them the ability to choose, then at the same time we strip them of the very essence of what is required for love to exist. By trying to produce good behavior through controlling others we often are actually creating an atmosphere in which it is impossible for love to grow. My option to sin must always be securely available if I am to be able to experience and express to others and God the kind of love that He desires in me. If God were to deny us or strip us of the freedom to reject Him, God would create a universe in which His own love would be starved out and it would be impossible to practice. So, will we be allowed to sin after we get to heaven? According to the very essence of what is required for love to exist, the answer cannot be anything but yes. That does not imply that we will want to sin or that anyone will in fact consider it seriousl...

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (1 John 3:1) Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God's dear children. And that's what we are. For this reason the world doesn't recognize us, and it didn't recognize him either. (GW) But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. (John 1:12 NRSV) For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:14-16) I found it quite interesting that these verses were all lined up in this morning's reading in the devoti...