PERISH / DESTRUCTION
Humanity is born into a state of spiritual destruction due to the original sin committed by our first parents, Adam and Eve. This fall introduced the influence of Satan, sin, disease, and death into the world. However, through Jesus Christ, we have been offered redemption and salvation. Yet, this gift of salvation is not imposed upon us; it requires our voluntary acceptance. If we reject this salvation, we will face eternal perdition. As stated in the Gospel of John, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). Maintaining our faith is essential for salvation, and those who reject it will end up in eternal destruction. The Greek word for “perish” is ‘apollumi,’ which means “to lose.”
The Fall and Redemption
The expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise was a temporary removal with the promise of redemption through a Savior. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost, as He stated, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 15:24). Just as the fall was a result of a free-will decision, our acceptance of salvation through repentance is also a free-will choice. If we choose not to accept this salvation, we are essentially choosing our own destruction. Thus, our ultimate destruction is not from God but from our own decisions.
Examples of Choice
The concept of choice is evident in various aspects of life:
– Parental Neglect: Careless parents might destroy the life of a child through neglect or poor decisions.
– Student Laziness: A lazy student might opt for a less quality adult life due to a lack of effort in their studies.
– Medical Decisions: A patient who refuses necessary medication or surgery for a terminal illness is accepting their own immediate death.
– Traffic Violations: A driver disregarding traffic signals can cause accidents, leading to injury or death.
In each of these examples, there is external support available to guide individuals towards a better life. Similarly, Jesus is our ultimate guide and rescuer, offering us the path to regain our sonship with God.
REFLECTION
Satan, who misled Adam and Eve and tempted Cain, remains active in the world until the second coming of Christ. He even tempted Jesus, who taught us to pray for deliverance from temptation. Jesus warned us, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many” (Mt 7:13). This narrow gate represents the challenging path of following Christ, which leads to eternal life.
The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a gift from God that requires our cooperation. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of working out our salvation with “fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12). This means that while salvation is a divine gift, it necessitates our active participation through faith and good works. The Church rejects the notion of predestination to damnation, affirming that God desires all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4).
As Christians, we are called to make conscious choices that align with God’s will. Our salvation is not guaranteed by mere belief; it requires a continuous commitment to living out our faith through actions. We must remain vigilant against the temptations of the world and strive to enter through the narrow gate by following Christ’s teachings. By doing so, we can hope to attain eternal life and avoid perishing in eternal destruction. Let us remember that our ultimate destiny is shaped by our choices. By embracing the salvation offered by Jesus and living according to His teachings, we can secure our place in the eternal kingdom of God.