A Christian Response to Michael Jackson’s Death
June 26, 2009By now you all know that Michael Jackson is dead. Heart attack. Maybe natural, maybe-stress induced, maybe drug-induced. The autopsy will tell. No need for conjecture. Like everyone else, I’m stunned by the fact of his death but not at all surprised by the news. What I am surprised by is the negative buzz from the Christian world on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Quote: “At least he’s not wasting our oxygen anymore.”
Quote: “Michael Jackson ruined my day.”
Quote: “One less child molester in the world.”
Quote: “The world is a much better place.”
Quote: “You have a responsibility to take this opportunity to condemn Jackson.”
Seriously? Do you think you would ever hear such words coming from the mouth of Jesus? You might hear these words: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye,” (Matthew 7:5); “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven,” (Luke 6:37); and ”If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone,” (John 8:7). But you will never see such quotes coming from Jesus as I’ve seen on social-networking sites.
But what about making judgment calls about people? Is there a proper time and place to point out people’s sin? Jesus also said, “By their fruit you will recognize them,” (Matthew 7:20). Don’t we have an obligation to inspect people’s fruit, so to speak? Yes and no. Yes, we have an obligation to inspect the fruit of a believer, but it is not our business to judge an unbeliever. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you,” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). Therefore, we conclude that is is sometimes appropriate to judge a Christian, or a Christian leader, or a Christian who is a “false-teacher,” but it is completely inappropriate to judge an unbeliever.
Jesus Himself, while on planet earth, made it very clear in John 3:17 that he did not come into the world “to condemn the world, but to save the world.” And if we are going to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ then we must adopt the same spirit. When we interact with the world, we should interact with mercy, grace, and compassion; and when speaking the truth we must do so “in love,” as Ephesians 4:15 says. None of the social-networking quotes could even pretend to be “speaking the truth in love.”
I think the real problem is that even Christians fail to understand their own salvation. “It is by grace you have been saved, through your faith. This is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8). They may say they believe that salvation is by grace not by works, but their attitude of judgment demonstrates that they know nothing of the sort. If they are operating in judgment, then they are operating in “law,” thus nullifying their own salvation. “With the measure you use it will be measured to you,” (Luke 6:38b). Likewise, Galatians 3:10 says, “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse.”
If Christians truly understood that their own sins are just as offensive to God as Jackson’s sins, they would be more careful in judging him. In fact, an unbeliever who sins is less egregious to God than a believer who sins. The reality is that my sins, as a Christian leader, are far more offensive to God and far more dangerous to our world than Michael Jackson’s sins (James 3:1). Therefore, I have no right to judge him unless I myself want to stand in God’s judgment. I do not!
Here’s the reality of it all: If Michael Jackson was not a Christian, then he does not have access to God (John 14:6). Michael Jackson may have been a good and benevolent man, but being good and benevolent does not get you into heaven (Ephesians 2:9). Michael Jackson may have been an evil, child-molester; we’ll never know so let’s not quibble over this one. God gave Michael Jackson tremendous gifts and talents, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating God-given gifts and talents.
God is likely grieved over the life and death of Michael Jackson because it is His desire for all people to be saved (1 Peter 3:9). If we are true followers of God then we should be grieved as well.
Thank you for that – very well said Matt – may we all grieve what our Lord grieves – love what He loves and hate what He hates.
Matt, you said a lot there. I hope more people read it
Thank you, thank you. So very very well said. Thanks for a respectful, intelligent response.
Brother Matt, your commentary above includes Truth, but not the whole Truth. Where you there when this soul went out into Eternity? No. Is there a possibility that he, like the thief on the cross, could have cried out for mercy and heard the assurance of Eternal Life? Yes. As a reader of your blog, if I did not already know the Sovereign Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, then I would tell you to take your religion and shove it. But you and I both know there is more to the Good News that what you have written. God have mercy on Christians who appear to “play god” instead of recognizing that God alone is Judge. Quit the nonsense and tell the Whole Truth. Kind Regards.
Dr J: I’m leaving that open. If Jackson cried out to Jesus in his final moments, then there will be another angelic voice in heaven giving God the glory. I pray this is the case. His most recent profession of faith, allegedly, was faith in Allah. If that’s the condition in which he died, then he is seperated from God. You are correct, it is not mine to make the final judgment.
I’m going to side with Matt in the assessment of Michael Jackson’s spiritual state before his death, although it is true God will have the final say on all matters which pertain to this life. In my neck of the woods it seems that everyone who passes away is said to now be in the arms of Jesus, despite the sad record of a lifetime of spiritual neglect and apathy. And I can understand why people gravitate toward this conclusion, given the alternative.
No, God did not call us to be judges, in the negative sense of the word, but He did call us to be fruit inspectors, and it’s pretty clear Michael Jackson spend his years on earth pursuing the things of this fallen world, not the things of the kingdom of God.
Remember, the things that are highly esteemed among men are often an abomination to God.
The “King of Pop” will have to answer to the “King of Kings, as we shall all do.
Let’s get busy rescuing a lost world with the saving Gospel of Christ.
I have to agree with Dr. J. While I think the intro of the article about not judging is wonderful, I am concerned about the assumption that Michael Jackson was not a Christian. While I understand why you have said this, I think it could be construed as presumptuous.
In your reply to Dr.J above you said that you were leaving it open. To me, however, it would appear that you are not, as there are a number of instances where you have said he is not a Christian as though it is a fact. That is a matter for God and God alone. It is not for us to comment or even speculate on.
This is not a question of taking sides. It is a question of Truth.
Inspecting fruit is one thing. Making statements about the state of someone’s heart is something different altogether.
First I must say that I have the utmost respect for Dr. J and his basketball skills.
I’m also aware of ‘deathbed confessions’. Far be it from me to ‘judge’ their effectiveness, but I would guess that far too often they are more like avoiding what one fears, rather than accepting what one loves. Feel free to disagree.
Personally, I’m not shocked by some of the quoates Matt used from so called ‘Christians’ or ‘Christian social sites’. Though it is sad they were said. I believe ‘unbelievers’ often view Christians as too judgemental. Perhaps we are, perhaps we aren’t. It can be a fine line. As mentioned by previous posts, Matt did a terrific job of showing us what God says on the subject.
As for the specific person we are talking about, Michael Jackson, perhaps I’m not as close to him as everyone else seems to me. He never bothered to communicate his religious status to me. I’m feeling rather left out now!
Furthermore, God has yet to consult me on my opinion. Wait a second! He (She-cover my rear for political correctness) has yet to ever consult me on this! Perhaps God does not need my opinion for anyone’s salvation. They are right at funerals- we are all in God’s hands one way or another.
Personally, we can all have opinions on anyone’s salvation, and we can all disagreee on it….no big deal. I suppose it becomes a problem when one’s opinion hurts a person. Well its too late to hurt Michael. Personally, I could care less (not a very Christian attitude- I know)because its too late to do anything about it. Fortunately, Matt gives us several practical things to do.
Finally, I do have my opinion on Michael Jackson’s fate, but I’d rather share my opinion on more practical things- such as who is the better modern day leader of the free world Optimus Prime or Barack Obama- my wife sides with Optimus Prime.
I don’t know if the king of pop was saved or not but its a very sad day for us cause of him. And I’m really surprised P. Diddy is quiet and oprah is quiet about this . . . what would there responses be?
womanofworship.com
thanks for getting the true message out. my God bless your ministry.
Thanks for this..I have been so grieved by his death because of this very issue, people have judged this man and also not realize the horrible way he was raised, also that we all have choices to make. God did give him gifts to use for God, I can’t judge him though. I am grieved and hope that his soul is in heaven that’s all I can say, but let’s not worship him however, God will not share His glory with anyone. Thanks.
[...] Matt Summers has another persepctive to this very same issue here. [...]
thank you…i really needed to read this. you articulated my feelings on this whole thing. let’s pray for MJ’s children. Our God is mighty to save and i believe in the power of prayer!
http://www.dasouth.com/news/24-news/1632-
First of all Matt, the reason why Christians don’t judge the world is because there is nothing left to judge. The world is passing away anyway, so there’s no need to judge the world when it’s already condemned.
The world is condemned ALREADY because it has not believed on the name of GOD’s only begotten Son.
Secondly, Jesus clearly instructs Christians to make a RIGHT judgement rather than by mere appearance in John 7:24, and yet somehow, you missed that verse.
I’m sick and tired of folks telling Christians not to judge when it’s our job to make judgements about all things since we have the mind of Christ and since the spiritual man makes judgments about all things according to 1 Corinthians 2:15.
The truth of the matter is, according to the Bible is that there’s a proper way to judge and there’s a proper way not to judge…and who are you to say we shouldn’t judge at all?
Jesus never said we couldn’t judge at all, Jesus is clearly referring to certain types of judgement.
Therefore, I’m not going to sit here and defend somebody famous, who never gave GOD anything in his life, faced child molesting charges, payed 20,000,000 to the child’s family (why pay that amount if you didn’t do anything?), and then turned right around and married Ms. Presley.
Face it, Michael was of the world, and the world loves him.
Walter,
I’m sure Michael and his legacy does not need nor desire your defense.
His actions speak for themselves. How much money, time, and service to he give to help the hungry and poor? Perhaps not as much as you give, but its a lot more than I’ll ever do. He was and is a pioneer in bridging the game in race relations. Could be argued that if it wasn’t from him, Barack Obama may not even be president. As for the child molestation charges- he was never found guilty. Perhaps the 20 million was paid, because he could afford it and he was sick and tired of the media and people like you condemning him.
As for your views on judgment, perhaps you should ‘take a look in the mirror…and make that change’.
Thank you for your words about M. Jackson. I am a Southern Baptist-raised Bible-Belter who has been through so many experiences in Christian settings that, at 55, I am very close to not even calling myself a Christian any more. I am now a follower of Bishop Carlton Pearson. “Christians,” w/ historically few examples, are NOT Christ-like & cause most people to want to run & hide when they see a “Christian” coming. I am ashamed to call myself Christian; after all, J.C. came to show THE WAY, NOT to start another church!
Wow…interesting string.
This reminded me of Hebrews 9:27 for some reason: “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.
If we focus now on seeking and serving God in this lifetime, no worries about the “after that” part of Heb 9:27! When we seek Him, he reveals Himself to us… (Deut 4:29 [and many others] “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul”.
Whew, thank God for that promise…I am glad seeking and finding Him is not difficult or complex. I hope Michael knew him…but that’s not for me to determine really. Only God knows.
You are well meaning but an Armenian at heart. That we know where people are going in the afterlife I do not know. Only that some are destined for salvation and others to condemnation. We will judge angels the Word says. To speak in a vulgar way I agree with you. But as far as this mans life. Is it in accord with Christ? This you may judge as you well quoted by their fruits…
He desires to perish but Gods election is at hand here. It is the Lords choice to elect based on his good pleasure as the bible puts it. Not based on any future choice we would make in selecting Christ. This is not found in any verse in scripture. This is man made doctrine. Anyway, His election holds preeminnence over any sentimental attachment we have for people on earth.
This guy was an angel! Any angels seem to face all the mud slinging. He was a genius, and therefore he faced jealousy, envy and greed. He did so much good, he loved children as a benevolent father figure, he donated enormous sums of money and wanted to help them. God didn’t hate. This is where so many Christians fail to understand their own faith. Jesus would turn to offer the other cheek to his own enemies that smite him on the cheek. Ghandi got it, passive resistance with love. Oh well, Michael, what a dreamy dancer… what a gift to us all. Sad, so sad!
I wanted to tell you Matt that if anything could
be said so biblically correct, you said it. Thank you for making us Christians understand that we are not to judge. God desires all to be saved, and that included Michael Jackson. Why did we need to be saved, because we too are sinners. I guess that is why we are so said, because we want to believe that He knew Jesus too. And that we may never know on this side.
God bless your ministry
When I heard the news about MJ’s passing I was shocked and greatly saddened. Although I am not a fan, I am greatly concerned about where his eternal soul is right now. A number of people have said that he became a Christian before he died. I hope with all of my heart that they are right.
I know that i know that i know God Is FAIR & JUST
He is a God of Mercy
GOD is GOOD
I found & was encouraged by this article From The christianity today Website Titled Was Michael Jackson a Christian?
You can Find the Full Article Here
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2009/06/was_michael_jac.html
Many think Michael was of the world. I don’t know what to say about that. But i know all of his songs( i guess) and some of the songs he sang were not for us..but seemed for God if you would study the lyrics. And what if he accepted the Lord before he died,maybe 2 days before he died. And though all those allegations(which weren’t true) were made, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t a christian,no one is perfect. And christians should stop judging. This is one of the reasons why people don’t become christians because we act like we know better.I think a lot of us would be happy if he’s in heaven,but only God knows.
Matt, I like most of what you said. I am an entertainment journalist who has been researching Michael Jackson for the past several months for a tribute project. What I have found is that Michael Jackson was very much a man of faith and talked a lot about Jesus and God and his faith and love for God. I think many people will be surprised to find that out. He read the Bible before rehearsal, he spoke often of creation and God’s creation and of how his talent was not his, but came from God. I think we are too quick to make judgements and just assume he was a non-believer, when in fact, that doesn’t appear to be the case. I also have found through my research and talking with people in the know and who were in the courtroom, that Michael was not guilty of those heinous crimes. The project will go live soon, so if anyone is interested to find out more about what I found out, you can sign up on the mailing list at http://www.mjsite.homestead.com
One additional thing. Someone mentioned that Michael’s life, like all of us, our “walk” can be judged by the fruit we produce. I think this is another area where there is a lot of misinformation about Michael Jackson. He supported over 39 charities and visited orphanages and children’s hospitals in every single place that he went. How many of us can say that? One example. There was a little boy who needed a liver who would die without one. Michael was pivotal in helping find a liver for the boy and then paid for his operation. Here’s a quote for you (one of many where Michael mentions his faith)….”I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.” And another….”I believe in God and love God.” I really want the truth to get out there. I think it’s very important. Someone else mentioned that Michael was of the world and that is very judgemental. The world didn’t love him per se. He went through many trials and tribulations. The press hounded him. He was mocked and made fun of. The charges were false (if you want to know more, sign up for the website I mentioned in my other post http://www.mjsite.homestead.com) There you will find the truth about the payout and the allegations, the truth about the people behind the allegations. I am talking to the people who knew. People like the woman who worked as the legal secretary of the lawyer for the accusser’s father. She actually witnessed Michael Jackson being set up for extortion by the boy’s father. The 2005 trial case also is loaded with misinformation. You need to know the history of the people behind the allegations. I just ask that everyone get informed and not make judgement. Most people don’t know the truth in regards to Michael.
Debbie, I wish you all the joy in the world as you launch your website in tribute to Michael Jackson, surely one of God’s angels here on earth. Michael, like Jesus Christ, was SO misunderstood! Why do so many people– even Christians!–believe he was a child molester? Well, most people are incapable of critically thinking for themselves. They were influenced to believe the allegations by the presumed legitimacy of a biased mainstream media. This was wrong and continues to be wrong. To a high degree, mainstream media has gone tabloid and is very destructive to many people’s lives, most especially Michael Jackson’s.
Michael Jackson always followed God’s word, as best he knew it. For example, to Walter who posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:57 pm, did you know that Michael Jackson was forced by his insurance carrier to settle the false claims of Evan Chandler, a desperate crook if ever there was one? If you don’t believe this, here’s the court document. Please read it carefully. http://tinyurl.com/kw5aft
Now listen to an interview with two men who knew Michael quite well. http://thesportsinterview.com/mjackson.html
Now listen to a statement by someone who witnessed to Michael Jackson a few years before he died.
http://darkchild.com/dctv/video/my-thoughts-loss-mj
Now read about someone we all know, who’s a committed Christian, and what he says about Michael’s faith.
http://tinyurl.com/nd6a2d
To those on this thread who believe it’s their “Christian duty” to judge Michael Jackson, I say, “How dare you. You need to get on your knees tonight and ask God to forgive you for judging a man you don’t even know, have never met, and cannot possibly understand.”
Debbie, you are absolutely correct.
I think his death was not an acident. the docter had to be doing something to bring his death on. may people think that he was asking for the drugs or begging for them but i have to disagree with this stament. the truth, only God will know what really went on. he will tell us . i may only be 10 but i do have an opinion. now you all know.
Your message about not judging other people was very helpful, and I appreciated that you put actual biblical verses in there to support your point. I’m very aware that many people tend to call themselves Christians, but like the quotes at the top, they judge others, and condem others. God calls us to be loving and to love people like he does. And you are very correct that Jesus was NEVER say anything like that. A national surevey stated that out of all the people that come into restaurants and public places, workers said that the Church groups and the Christians are the people that they hate serving the most. We tend to call ourselves Christians, and that somehow gives us the right to tell people what is right and wrong and we tend to be the most judgemental and persecting of all. It’s sad to think that we are doing just the opposite of what Jesus called us to do, and we doing it in God’s name. That gives a bad rep to Christians. We need to be loving and kind to everyone, and show people that they are accepted and that when they come to Christ, they will be loved and they won’t be judged when they sin, because we all sin. As for Michael Jackson, I didn’t grow up with his music because I was born after that time period, but I’ve grown and interst in him and have taken a liking to his music. I’ve found several quotes from him on God and on Jesus. “When I see children, I see the face of God. That’s why I love them so much. That’s what I see,” said Jackson. “I’m trying to imitate Jesus in the fact that he said to be like children, to love children, to be as pure as children and to make yourself as innocent and to see the world through eyes of wonderment and the whole magical quality of it all.” At one point, Michael even told told a story from the bible about when the disciples are fighting over who is the greatest, and Jesus said that whoever is an innocent and like a child is of great worth in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I feel that we don’t have the right to say whether Michael is truely in Heaven of Hell. We tend to prejudge people and assume that just because they look different, or because they’ve made mistakes and been through hard times, then that means that they didn’t know God. I’m not saying that he is in Heaven, but I am saying that it isn’t up to us to decide that. And by all means, I hope and pray that he will be in Heaven when I arrive, because that would mean another human life is in Heaven. Thanks for the scripture, and I enjoyed reading all the comments. God Bless
When Jesus MY Lord And Savior left this earth He Left the message “LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.” LOVE also covers a multiple of sins. I beleived MJ loved God because he always mentioned HIM during his life on this earth.Thanked God for his talents and so forth. The Bible says seek and you shall find ,Knock and the door shall be opened . I beleive MJ was seeking he would always ask about peoples beliefs and said he read everything. He didn’t have much choice as a young boy but to become a super star. I read he had many conviction of what he had to portray. He got sucked in by the world and in the end tried to get back to God like the prodigal son.I could go on and on but I personally beleive if he was seeking God gave him a chance to become saved.Love and Blessing to you all
I’m a christian but decided from now on to avoid the christians forums
as a Michael Jackson fan (yes I did skip some church activities because I had an important tap dancing rehearsal, so what?
I’m reading these forums out of curiosity just to see how sick you people are
MICHAEL IS NOT IN HELL
HE’S TEACHING ANGELS THE MOONWALK
and now here’s something that is going to give YOU an heart attack
I DO BELIEVE IN FAIRIES I DO I DO
so you won’t publish my comment
figures…
you are all so sick!!!!!!!
Yes, there are many sick “Christians” out there who jumped at the chance to judge Michael Jackson–who I believe is resting in the arms of Jesus Christ as we speak. Mr. Jackson did more good in one day of his spectacular life than most if not all the so called Christians do in all the days of their miserable, judgmental, sanctimonious lives. Mr. Jackson often expressed, in no uncertain terms, his reliance on and faith in God. No, he didn’t tell us if or when he prayed “the sinner’s prayer” but there are many paths to an understanding of one’s relationship to and reliance on God’s mercy.
Peterpulpitpounder June 26, 2009 at 5:30 pm wrote: No, God did not call us to be judges, in the negative sense of the word, but He did call us to be fruit inspectors, and it’s pretty clear Michael Jackson spent his years on earth pursuing the things of this fallen world, not the things of the kingdom of God.
This attitude is disgusting and so un-Christian.
Now, over a year after his death, people who actually knew Michael Jackson (Brad Buxer, Frank Dileo, Frank Cascio) are preparing to write books about Mr. Jackson, and share with the world the actual actions Mr. Jackson took that were Christ-like–far more Christ-like than the attitude displayed by Peterpulpitpounder.
all right I take it back, you are not ALL sick
it’s reassuring there are sensible people around too
in some internet sites, you even have charlatans (calling themselves christians) who claimed they had visions of Michaël in hell (with a lot of horryfying details)
probably to make themselves sound interesting
I would rather trust that little 12 year old girl who painted visions of Heaven and apologized for not using the right colours because there are colours there we don’t even have here and I think that’s where Michaël is
he left us messages of love, not hatred
of course he was not perfect (who is? certainly not me)
come on it’s Michaël, not Jesus ! but I think they’re close friends