Did 9/11 Change the World?

Another anniversary of 9/11 has rolled around, and it is hard to believe how much time has passed since the event that literally "changed the world". Anyone who has used an airport recently, or even had to deal with some agency that requires ID, can verify that. Some, even today, have flashbacks every time they look into a beautiful blue fall sky and see a lone aircraft slowly passing overhead. Yes, it was another day that will live on in infamy, and it did indeed change our world – but not totally.

Just after those horrific moments, America kicked into high gear on the so-called War on Terror. Most know what efforts were made, how much was spent, and how many precious lives were lost. And most know that the great effort to stem the tide of death, destruction and dominance was not completed and has even lost ground recently. That must be absolutely heartbreaking to those who fought in this worthy battle and for those that lost loved ones along the way.

That day back in 2001 changed our world in some ways, and, in other ways, much remains the same as the battle rages on with a new intensity. The brutality and determination of ISIS makes what we faced before look mild in comparison.

In reality, the only thing that will ever solve this entire mess is when hearts are changed by the events of another epic day. That day was long ago when Jesus Christ hung on a Roman cross and at His death there cried out, ”It is finished.” His completed sacrifice meant that the sins of the world were fully paid for and all had access to a new, clean and loving heart through faith in Him.

All men are born as lost sinners. And for that to change, they must also change, but on the inside. They must have a change of heart, something not really possible apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit. The God of the Bible commands that, after being saved, we then win the lost through love, and that applies for even those who attack or oppress us. We never demand conversion and acceptance through violence or force of any kind.

In Roman 12:19-21, we read what is the exact opposite philosophy of those now troubling the world and preying on countless innocent victims, many of whom are Christians.

"'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This attitude only makes sense in the context of true Christianity. It surely finds no place in the ideology of the radical terrorists now causing so much fear, carnage and suffering. The contrasts could not be more clear. One is based in love as evidenced by the cross, and the other is founded and focused on hate. One saw a Savior take His own life for others, and one takes others lives for its own means. One changes the world for good and peace, and the other for evil and terror. And one occurred precisely because of what being done through the sinful and selfish acts of the other.

Jesus Christ came to change the world, to change the impact of sin, and to change the consequences of evil. He came to change lost sinners to righteous saints and to change a frightening future to a blessed eternity. He came to change the hearts of all men through His grace. That includes you, me and even those who are ISIS.

“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

Bill Breckenridge