Pluto Demoted!

“Everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

“Pluto Demoted!” This was the declaration by the International Astronomical Union on August 24, 2006, upon the completion of its annual General Assembly. Amazing! In just a few short days, the 2500 astronomers talked science and decided to reclassify Pluto, what we had known as the ninth planet in our Solar System, as a “dwarf planet”. What God had created in the beginning of time as “good” (Gen 1:14-19) was abruptly given a lower standing by humankind!

Mulling on this announcement, I thought that it is OK to change the status of Pluto as we gain more understanding of the universe, but what about our standing with God? Can our status suffer the same demotion? Can our salvation be changed by a vote? Although this is a serious theological question not easily answered quickly, here are a few Bible verses to consider that give us assurance of our status with God:

1. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). If we believe in Jesus, we will receive eternal life.

2. “Turn from your sins and turn to God” (Matt 4:17) and “But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 5:19). Confess your sins, change your ways to God’s ways (repent), and show others the way then you will have rewards in heaven.

3. “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live!’” (Luke 10:27, 28). Focusing all of our being on God and then sharing his love with others will keep secure our good status with God.

In order not to have our status with God reclassified, let us not only consider these verses but also study the Bible for more implications of faith and pray that God will guide and keep us in his Way.