Things We Say (Part Two)

I was just thinking about a few more things we say that are not really accurate.

“He Got His Angel Wings”

This is often said when a believer dies — especially a child. This concept of a believer’s transformation from Earth to Heaven has been promoted for centuries, but it is just not true.

Angels are God’s messengers. (That is the actual meaning of the word.) Angels are created beings — they are not former humans. God’s Word says that humans have been created a little lower than the angels for life on this planet. But on the New Earth, because we are children of God and co-heirs with Christ, we will be above the angels.

Paul addressed the church at Corinth with this: “Do you not know that we will judge angels?” (I Cor. 6:3). It is much better to say that our loved ones are in the presence of the Lord than to say that they have received their angel wings.

“God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle”

My, that is reassuring, isn’t it? But that is not what Scripture says. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (I Cor. 10:13).

Note that it does not say one will not have unbearable heartaches, serious illnesses or the loss of jobs. What the Bible says refers to humans and the temptation to sin. The Lord has given believers the ability to walk away and to resist the devil. How does God provide a way from that temptation? He says the devil will then flee from the one who resists him.

Here is how the Lord provides real help in the face of terrible temptation: He has given us His Holy Spirit Who aids us when tempted and prays for us when we don’t know how to pray or what to pray. But be certain of this: temptation does not come from God — He is not putting that on any of us.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (James 1:12-13).

Have a great rest of the week! Worship the Lord this Sunday!