Saturday Song: The Eagles, "Hotel California"

This is perhaps the most controversial song by The Eagles. Certain evangelical leaders claimed that the lyrics praised Satan. For example, the line about not having that spirit here since 1969 was supposedly referring to the founding of the Church of Satan. Gathering in the master's chambers and not being able to stab the beast to death was supposedly a reference to the Antichrist. These  people also spun  other songs backwards, searching for hidden messages.

Listen to the song here and decide for yourself.

I don't know if this is true about the song or if it's just another conspiracy theory. What I do know is that sinners are locked into a dead end life. Seeking pleasure isn't satisfying since the feeling wears off. Furthermore, God can give permanent joy which the world can't give.

Psalms 4:2 (BBE) tells us, "O you sons of men, how long will you go on turning my glory into shame? how long will you give your love to foolish things, going after what is false?"

It's true as well that sinners are prisoners of their own device. They actually work hard to go to hell. Romans 6:23 (BBE) explains what they earn. "For the reward of sin is death; but what God freely gives is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
And though the person couldn't leave the hotel, sinners do have somebody who can rescue them. Acts 2:38 (BBE) holds the answer. "And Peter said, 'Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you."

Surrendering to the rule of Christ and asking his forgiveness for sin is thee only way to be freed from a dead-end life. After all, is Champaign on ice and mirrored ceilings really worth an eternity in hell's agony?

Christ told a parable of a rich man and a beggar, both of whom died. The rich man in hell begged Abraham in heaven for a little relief from his torment. Here's Abraham's reply in Luke 16:25 (BBE). "But Abraham said, 'Keep in mind, my son, that when you were living, you had your good things, while Lazarus had evil things: but now, he is comforted and you are in pain."

Heaping up riches won't protect anybody either when God takes us out of this life. As Psalms 39:6 (BBE) reminds us, "Truly, every man goes on his way like an image; he is troubled for no purpose: he makes a great store of wealth, and has no knowledge of who will get it."

And at the end of this age, those who trusted in anything other than Christ's salvation will suffer for ever in eternal torment. Revelation 20:14 (BBE) warns every one, "And death and Hell were put into the sea of fire. This is the second death, even the sea of fire."

Thanks to Roger Brannon of Tallahassee, Florida for indirectly inspiring this post.

On Monday, provided that Christ doesn't return first, I want to post about why we must hope for the best but plan for the worst.