R. I. P.
Doesn't that mean 'Rest In Peace'? Doesn't this imply peaceful rest in preperation for the judgement? Is this not a theological refrence to paradaisical bliss or a "Bossom of Abraham " type situation?
If so, then can one live any way they want, die and then rest in peace? I don't think so.
By faith, I would have to say absolutely not.
Look, I loved Michael's music too. Yes he was a musical icon (same term for idol in theology). Yes he was the greatest entertainer in history. Does that merit peaceful rest? Sorry but no.
Jesus says, "No man can come to the Father but by me (I John 14:6). "
It may be a hard truth but it is truth nonetheless. God is not impressed by what impresses the world. When Mike, Elvis, Kennedy, Biggie, Tupac or whoever stands before the throne, the Judge will not ask for autographs. You can't please heaven by being famous, talented or well loved. Lordship is a serious, as a matter of fact, eternally consequential issue.
Let's not call it like we see it, let's call it like God says it.
11 comments:
Tough words teacher, but soo truth.. I certainly agree.
Amen Brother
This is a good challenge to the status quo. I think "RIP" has become so common place that we often don't examine what it truly means. I think it has become one way to keep the person who passed away alive in our thoughts - so that in our daily hustle and bustle, we don't forget the departed loved one who meant/means so much to us. It's another way of saying, "hey, I will always remember this person who was so dear to me and I want you to remember them as well." However, words have meaning and if we dig deeper into what we are saying, I believe you are 100% right, it can give the impression that we are wishing that person peace in the after life regardless of what they did while they were alive. It may be a term that causes confusion on what truly happens in the after life and our ability to impact someone's state after they have left the earth.
Tough talk, but relevant. Sometimes you have to say the uncomfortable for growth to happen.
Question: What are ways that we can remember the loved one and keep the person alive in our memory? R.I.P was one shortcut way to do that, but had issues associated with it...any suggestions?
It is true. I think we tend to conveniently "forget" lol when it comes to that. And sometimes we (I) shirk from saying you going to hell if you haven't obeyed the gospel. "We can't say who's going to go to heaven" (smh at myself)
What's the word for a blogger who doesn't engage in conversation with his readers?
The word is kerrijsmith.
See http://kerijam.blogspot.com/ for example.
I think that the response really just falls in line with what we want as humans. We WANT it to be true that our talents and abilities are so dazzling that they will automatically catapult us into a heavenly status. We want it to be that these "wonderful" people's lives are enough, because then that means that we can find something "wonderful" to do ourselves that will be enough too. We don't want God's word to be true...that would mean we don't have the power like we think we do.
Keri - I'm not ready to agree that RIP was a way to keep someone alive in our memory. I think it is the vernacular of a culture or tradition out of sync with truth. I think people say it with the same thought as, "They're in a better place now", or "He won't suffer anymore."
To give a suggestion why not simply say - "We will miss him" or "We hated to see him go." Something simple but true.
Shevy- I definitely wouldn't say who's going to hell only because it would spoil the rapport with the family or friends of the departed. Even when I do a funeral for a sinner I speak more to the family than about the deceased.
Amen Karon. Removal of God and His word creates the sinister void whereby we can input our own reprobate will.
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