In God's Good Time:Chapter Thirteen of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

In God's Good Time:Chapter Thirteen of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

by

C V Ford

xxxxx


Chapter 13: Revelations


"Really ... and just what is it God's done to straighten things out."

"Hara kiri ... Or, as in your Kanji, seppuku."

"What!?"

"Well ...  Not a ritual suicide so to speak. Rather what Christ went through."

"That crucifixion thing, right?" Yuris' head cocked to one side. "I've seen pictures ... paintings ... Just what IS THAT about?"


"That salvation/redemption thing I mentioned before." (John 3:16)

"Now you lost me."

"Well, back to the beginning. Just before God evicted the first couple from that paradise, he killed two animals, using the skins to cover their nakedness. This was the first time blood was spilled in order to cover sin ... guilt ... shame ... from the sight of God. (Genesis 3:21-24)

"In the centuries after, the Hebrew people, starting with Abraham (Genesis 22) then through Issac, Jacob, later Moses and Joshua, set up a symbolic system of ritual observance in remembrance. This involved the spilling of animal blood for the covering of sin. The type of creature (Cattle, sheep, doves.) was determined by the magnitude of a particular sinful act. The ritual performed was a token gesture on the part of the sinner showing his sincerity.

"As the ritual would only cover in blood a particular act and being only symbolic, it was only a reminder of what was to come, falling far short of what was really needed." (Hebrews  10:3-4, context Hebrews 10:1-14)

"Kinda like what you said about nothing we can do of ourselves no matter how hard we try?"

"Yes. Like a loan where you're never gonna get enough money to pay it off. All you can do, if at all, is make small payments while the interest piles up. No end to it. All you can do is 'kick the can down the road.' Sorta like the U.S. national debt. Or Japans' for that matter ...

"So what was needed was a one time/for all time settlement. Perfect ... complete, resulting in total removal of guilt for the sin nature hanging over us." (Hebrews 10:14, context Hebrews 10)

"And that would be this Jesus of yours ... right?" Yuris' skepticism more than apparent. "Why's that?"

"The imperfect incomplete can't cover what the perfect complete can. Our sinful nature prevents that. What was needed was that which isn't under that bond. Something totally perfect, without sin." (Hebrews 9:11-15)

"He being the 'son of God' qualified him for it? My aunt talked about him like that."

"You hit the nail on the head, Noda."

"So Jesus wasn't just a man I take it," speculated Yuri. "If he wasn't under this 'sin nature' thing."

"Yuri ... Jesus was ... IS God. (Isaiah 9:6, John 8:58 and 10:30) (1) God coming in the form of man to shoulder the responsibility we ourselves can't (Galatians 1:4). Completely sinless, not under the condition we're in. It was through his death the debt is paid (Colossians 2:13-14). It's through his return from death we'll all live again one day."

"So if Jesus is God ... ," thought Yuri. "Face of the enemy?"

"So he had nothing to answer for? He was completely innocent?"

"It was through His innocence that our guilt could be lifted."

"But if he had nothing to do with the state we're in, WHY did he do it? And if so, why not just 'fix' everything else too?"

"You could say He owed it to himself. What others did with His creation wasn't His fault, but it was

His responsibility to set things right. He still had to fix what is His. The Bible mentions more than once, when there was no higher authority to answer to, He swore on Himself (Hebrews 6:13, Genesis 22:16, Isaiah 45:23). It's not in Gods' character to let things go.

"Then there's the fact ... strange as it may sound to you, God loves and cares about us. Not only in our being part of his creation, but also as individuals ... everyone ... me, Noda here, them." Jack swept his arm out over the grounds. "And you Yuri." (Ephesians 2:4-5, 1st John 4:9-11)

"If God ever did care about me or anyone else for that matter, he wouldn't have-"

"Don't blame God Yuri. Blame those three mutants for turning your life into a living hell. They, as well as everyone else will come individually, face to face before the Lord to be judged (John 5:27-29, Heb 9:27). If they've kept their backs on Him ... they'll get theirs." (Ephesians 5:3-7, Galatians 5:19-21 and 6:8)

"As for everything else getting fixed, Gods' word says that will happen eventually." (Revelation 21:4 and 5)

"So why not NOW ... or right after he got killed and came back? Why do we have to wait ... and why here?"

"Remember what I said about history being a long string of people making bad descisions?"

"Yeah."

"Well ... if we're made in the image of God then we have the ability to figure out the difference between right and wrong. God has written it in the hearts of all of us (Romans 2:12-16). We have the ability to make the right ... or wrong ... decisions. Including living correctly and making the ultimate decision ... that of accepting Christs' atonement personally. It's called free will, Yuri." (Proverbs 16:9 and Revelation 3:20)

"Free will ... as in ..."

"Each individual must make the choice for oneself ... To either accept the fact of the blood payment the Lord made for us personally and live accordingly ... or not. Right now, too many folks have ... are ... making the wrong one decision or are trying to ignore it. One day ... when enough people have made the right choice ... The Lord will return, PHYSICALLY setting things straight. Until then ... well ...

"The way things are now ... simplistically put ... That's the way life is. That's the way it is."

"Yeah ... right!"

"Let me put it this way. And I hope you don't get the impression that I'm trying to trivialize what happened to your brother and sisters explaining this ..."

"OK. Go on." Face darkening again.

"When you were little, did you ever break or steal anything? Like say from a neighbor?"

"Hmmm ... yeah."

"What about you Noda?" Duffy smiled. "BEFORE you came here that is."

"Uh ...," the young man looked aside with a sheepish grin.

"OK ... Now ... who paid the damages?"

"Well ... Mom and Dad of course." Yuri answered, Noda giving a nod.

"Why?"

"Why'd they pay for it? Because there was no way I could. Not even with my allowance."

"You had an allowance Yuri?'

"Oh geez," Yuri thought." Noda's back in dense mode."

"So just as you damaged or stole someones' property so the first couple damaged the world. As your parents monetarily paid for what you did, so God ... Jesus ... paid the perfect penalty." (2nd Corinthians 5:21)

"What about my brother and sisters killers?"

"You were disciplined in some way weren't you?"

"Ye ... ss. So what's this got to do with those three sick bastards? Like you say ... For all I know they're still running loose ... hurting ... Bastards! You-"

"Please ... Again ... I'm not trying to make light of what happened to your family. Just trying to make a point."

Yuri calmed a bit, left hand again gripping the railing.

"I'm also not trying to argue or score talking points. This is about something I'd like everyone to know about. It's important.

"Did it take awhile for your parents to come up with a fitting punishment?"

"About a day or two ... Got grounded ... other things."

"So it's going to take awhile before those three will see justice. The world is full of those who 'got away with it'. And you're right in thinking justice delayed is justice denied ... Those three WILL pay in the end."

"Won't bring my brother and sisters back."

"Though your neighbor was compensated he still had to cope with the damages somehow. Just as you have to with your situation and-"

"The neighbor fixed things with the money he got from my parents, my-"

"You WILL see your brother and sisters again, Yuri. Right now they're safe with the Lord ... happier now than they've ever been. I don't think they'd want you to miss out on what they're experiencing." (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Yuri slowly turned again toward the lower campus both hands now gripping the railing. Noda, on full alert, held tightly to his halberd. For his part Jack kept a mental eye on Noda as he unobtrusively hooked his right thumb in his belt, a preliminary to drawing the .45.

Jack heard the Battlefront leader curse softly. "Damn ... Damn ... this place ... "

"I don't usually tell many people this ... I had two sisters I never met. One before me ... the other after. Both died at birth. They didn't have to go through life ... through that ...  this ... krap. I know it's not the same but I think I have a faint idea how you feel. You at least knew yours. I envy you for that."

Stepping away from the railing, Yuri slowly relaxed. Looking straight at Duffy she remarked, "one would think you're trying to get me to disappear."

"Far from it. Don't like the idea of anyone going into eternity without the salvation Christ offers ... I also don't want anyone saying I didn't tell them about it when it's my time to be judged." (Matthew 25:31-46, 2nd Corinthians 5:10)

"Into eternity ... OKay ... If you know so much about this salvation thing ... " She took a long pause.

"Then ... Why are YOU here?"

"Oh?"

"Why aren't you in Heaven right now with your God?"

Though it seemed his turn to grip the railing, Duffy didn't. A wry non-grin spread across the left side of his face.

"That's something I've given a lot of thought about since I came here. I think I've come up with a couple possible answers."

"Really? ... OKay ... ." Yuri was always looking for some light to be shed on the present situation. Maybe the past half hour wasn't a waste to her after all. Maybe this foreigner might have some insight.

"The first is, if ... that's a big IF...if this 'place' is based supernaturally ... if it's 'valid' though extra-Biblical ... Then God has his hand in this. Maybe I'm being judged right now ... A trial of sorts. Who knows? Maybe this is a version of the 'valley of the shadow' the Bible mentions (Psalm 23:4, context Psalm 23:1-6).

"I don't think this is the punishment of hell. It's too mild in comparison to the Biblical descriptions of it." (Matthew 13:41-42, 49-50 and 25:41) (2)

"Say if it is hell or this ... what was it? ... Purgatory ... then what?"

"I wasn't what God would have me to be."

The two younger looked at Duffy quizzically.

"I know. From what I told you previous, you'd think I was bucking for sainthood. Heh ... Far from it.

"No ... Though I had this knowledge of God ... Though I knew of his offer of forgiveness and salvation ... I just wouldn't live it."

"How do you mean? After all, if you knew of what this Jesus did for you ... everyone ... why wouldn't you get to Heaven and all?"

"The word of God also teaches that when one is, as they say ... 'saved' ... You're to live in such a way as to be an example to others ... I didn't." (Acts 26:20)

"Hypocrisy?"

"Yes ... in spades. Salvation involves living as God would have you. A thing called repentance. An active turning away from our sin nature ... not letting our baser selves control us. It involves putting our backs on sinful acts while countering every evil thought through prayer, faith and confidence in that God will help you to resist. Through that, one gains strength and the will to live a believers' life (Ezekiel 18:30, Matthew 3:8).

"I haven't. In spite of what I know, I turned from God, living mainly for myself. Indulging in what I could afford and yearning for what I couldn't. This cut me off from Him ... The same mistake done by the first humans ... I did. The one we all do (Galatians 5:19-23).

"The only explanation ... and that's all it is ... not a defense or an excuse ... Is that as a fallible human being, I do what fallible human beings do ... Being fallible. The fault ... the blame are all mine."

"So what's the other explanation?"

"Maybe simpler. Say I'm not dead somehow. Maybe this is a very long and detailed near death experience or waking dream I'm having. For all I know, I could be lying somewhere in a coma hashing out this ... amazing fantasy ... to pass the time. I could think up all sorts of sci-fi scenarios from secret government projects to the pharmacist messing up my prescription.

"The fact the Bible doesn't mention anything like this or a 'purgatory' for that matter, leads me to conclude that this may not be supernatural in any way.

"For me, supernatural or not ... Wether I'm at the steps to the gates of Heaven or something else ... I haven't faced Gods' judgement yet. I have not yet been face to face with Him. I still have a chance ... Both in having acknowledged what He's done for me  ... and living accordingly." (Romans 6:1-6) (3)

"So ... You a praying man?"

A large grin broke across Duffys' face.

"Hon, you and that Brigade of yours-"

Nodas' snickering was cut off sharply  by a soft elbow jab from Yuri.

"-er ... Battlefront ...  are enough to put the fear of God in anybody. When I saw you and your bunch barreling off that entrance bridge the second night I was here ... with all those wonderful toys I might add ... I didn't know what to think. Like I said, it's up in the air as to what I've been dropped into.

"Right after, Angel shows up with her sci-fi weirdness ... I started thinking I was a protagonist in the middle of a bad anime that never ends."

"Yeah ... Too bad we don't have an audience we can knowingly wink at."

Turning in the direction of the lower campus, Duffy held his arms straight out from his sides.

"Hey! ... Anybody!? ... In the audience! ... Yeah, you! ... Mind dropping your popcorn 'n gettin' your sorry posterior up here to the screen n' clue us in as to what's going on?"

xxxxx

He could be heard below by some passersby. Two of which, Fujimaki and Oyama, looked up.

"Geez! What's the crazy gaijin going on about?" Asked a confused Fujimaki.

"No idea ... Yurippe and Noda seem amused ..."

xxxxx

The American turned back to his two conversationalists, hands hitting his thighs with a slap.

"Didn't think so ... So much for breaking the fourth wall ..."

"I'm gonna ask the same question for a different reason. Knowing ostensibly why this place exists ... Why ARE you here? You don't have to say anything. A lot in the Battlefront haven't said anything personal about themselves either. It's enough to know they're with us."

"You recruiting?" Smiling.

"No, just curious. It's not like anyone comes here without weight of some kind. You've played it close to the vest, probably for personal reasons. I respect that."
Jack thought but a moment.

"Remember our little discussion? The one after the break-in?" Duffy again smiled at Noda who again looked away. "I said my life had its' ups and downs. Let's just say that when I was a kid, one of those 'downs' I let affect me later in life. Led to some descisions ... regrets I'd soon not go into for the time being."

"Good enough I guess. Don't wanna' talk about it ... I'll take your word for it." This partly confirmed to Yuri that Duffy wasn't here by accident or mystery.

"I'm still flummoxed as to why THIS place. I certainly don't fit the demographic. The only connections I can possibly think of are minor ... I'm a casual student of history and I've some Japanese media in my vid collection. Other than that ..."

To be continued ...

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1. See also Philippians 2:5-11 and Colossians 1:13-17.

2. See also Mark 9:43, 2 Peter 2:4 and Rev 19:20.

3. The proceeding is a repeat of "the Roman road" (Most of the verses are from the Book of Romans.) from after the end of Chapter 12. This pretty much explains the plan of salvation God has provided for the individual.

Romans 3:10-12 - 10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11) There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. 12) They are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become unprofitable; there is none that does good., no, not one.

Psalms 14:3 - They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;
 No one is blameless. If you have trouble wrapping your mind around this, think of it as you would an illness or physical condition. It is a state which we are born under.

Romans 5:12 - Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The how and why we are that way. Adam is the reason we're under the weight of sin and trapped in this deadly cycle of entropy, decay and death.

Romans 5:8 - But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus is the way out. The other side of the equation. With our acknowledgement of our sinbound state we can go on to have the Lord correct that.

Romans 10:13 - For whosover shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9-10 - 9) That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10) For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

This is the how in regard to Jesus. Do these and the cycle has no spiritual claim on you.

Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Jesus is waiting for you to answer. He has been there all along knocking. It could be you just didn't (Or didn't want to.) hear it.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Of course, it goes without saying, "Go and sin no more". I really stink at this. However, one should always keep going back and asking the Lord for guidance and strength to resist (It's called prayer.).

This is what's known as repentance, an active turning away from giving in to ones' baser instincts and it's an ongoing thing.

For guidance I strongly suggest one get in touch with a strong bible believing pastor/church in your area.

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Again, I would like to thank Pastor Jon Powers, Chaplain of Ohio Wesleyan University, for his input during the writing of Chapters 12 and 13 of In Gods' Good Time.

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Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford


In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.


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