It was the title of the book, referred to in the heading, that really caught my eye! (As a fan of Hogan's Heroes, I was also drawn by the surname of the author!). Of course, it is a book from the "science fiction" genre. The accompanying note read: "To escape a failing Earth, Skylar leaves on a spacecraft captained by a mysterious alien she has met before in dreams. But when the aliens onboard start dying, can she save him before it's too late?"
Perhaps I should have purchased it, as I enjoy some science fiction books. This story might have turned out to be one of those "can't put it down" volumes! However, I was so caught up with the title.
It raises a couple of questions. To start with, I asked, "Is Earth in need of 'hope'?" That didn't require too much thought! Even without the ongoing Covid-19 situation, there are so many who appear to have no hope. I'm thinking of the homeless; the terminally ill; the addicted; the friendless; the persecuted; etc. Yes, I would strongly suggest that there is a great, and deep, need of 'hope'.
The second question must surely be: "Will leaving on a spacecraft, crewed by aliens, be the hope that Earth needs?" My first response is: "How will leaving the planet bring it hope of any kind?" Surely, hope must be here, on planet Earth! If, in the story, Skylar leaves, what hope is that for those who remain?
Thankfully, there is indeed hope for the people of planet Earth. Not by anyone leaving, but through One Who came, and Who dealt with the basic problem that affects humanity - the problem of sin. What is sin? Well, I've shared that information many times on this blog. I always like the definition provided by the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God." What does that mean? Simply that if I fail to match up to the requirements of Almighty God, or if I break His laws, then I have sinned - I am a sinner. Earlier this evening, I was listening to Ray Comfort witnessing to a young Muslim. Ray's method is basically the same for everyone with whom he speaks. He shows them how they have broken just four of the Ten Words (Commandments), and points out that even that is sufficient to ensure that we stand guilty before God. Of course, the young man came back with all of the good things that he does - as Islam teaches that God keeps a "score-card" (two angels on the shoulders - one recording 'good' deeds, and the other 'bad' deeds) and, if I have done more good than bad, then I may be accepted into paradise.
That is referred to as "salvation* by works" - and is doomed for all of us. It is why Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, could write to the early disciples of Jesus in Rome: "... since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward as an expiation by His blood, to be received by faith." (Rom 3:23-25). Did you read those words carefully? Yes, all of us have sinned, and continue to sin. But because the Lord Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, we may receive the forgiveness of the Father. So Paul could also write that: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1; emphasis added).
Earth's only hope - and the only hope for you and for me - is found, not in flight to another part of the universe, but in the One Who loved, and loves, us so much that, in the Persona** of the Son, He came into our world; shared our life; was "... in every respect ... ... tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15); and "... set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51), knowing that He faced mockeries of trials, scourging, mockery, and one of the most cruel forms of executing the death sentence, contrived by man. But He rose from the dead, and is, even now, seated at the right hand of the Father. And He is coming back - sooner than many appreciate! - to take His own to Himself, to be with Him throughout the timelessness of eternity*.
Will you be among those who are awaiting that return with great anticipation? You may be! Just come to Him, in repentance* and faith*, and receive the new life that He has gained for you.
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