1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Whenever I see the Church’s references expressing ideas like this one today I’m reminded of the ‘70’s song ‘I never promised you a rose garden’…
Now that I’ve dated myself, and sarcasm aside, did Jesus really die so we could be happy?
There’s nothing in the Bible indicating Jesus said such a thing!
When someone becomes a Christian life is changed – of this there is no doubt! However, that change isn’t always met with cheering and happiness from those around you. Many times your decision is met with shunning, antagonism, and outright anger from others.
Jesus warned of disharmony in Matthew 10:34, and also family divisions in Luke 12:53 —
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
“The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
At first glance one might wonder if Jesus contradicted Himself when He said He’d leave us with peace in John 14:27 —
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
It’s not that Jesus wants us to be unhappy – God forbid! It’s just that the LDS definition they gave is wrong! The word ‘happy’ is in the Bible 29 times, and the Lord does want for us to be happy and joyful. The truth is that it isn’t why He died!
Jesus died to redeem sinners, and as Paul said, I am chief as well.
He came to redeem you my friend, and it’s in your best interest to know why!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle