These words seem so simple, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” yet they are so often overlooked or ignored. Why is that?
I think, in large part, that we don’t understand that we need saving. We don’t grasp our need for rescue. We don’t perceive ourselves to be in trouble.
If we are at the beach in water lapping at our ankles, we are okay. If we move into the water up to our knees, it’s all good. If, however, the water is at our necks, we may need help. Add some undertow that draws us further and further from shore, and we recognize there’s a problem.
While we have the capability of contemplating the future outcome of our current action or inaction, far too often, we only think of the here and now, and in the case of our need for God’s salvation, we simply don’t sense the imminent danger because we don’t see our choices dragging us further from shore.
Each of us is living an eternal life. This time on Earth is a short part of that life, the rest of life is exponentially longer. Where we spend that part is fully determined by our faith choice here.
The Bible talks of a place of eternal torment, of unending screams, cries, groans, and grinding/gnashing of teeth. It describes a place of unquenchable fire—all the water in the world could be turned upon it and the fire will still rage as fiercely as before. This is the place where God is not.
The scriptures speak of Heaven as the place of rest without grief, where the sun and moon are not needed, where precious metals and gems are used as paving and building materials. This is the place where God is.
As we live this earthly part of our lives, we must decide where we will live the longer part of our lives, and really, the location isn’t all there is to think about. See, here on Earth, we experience the things of God. The fruit of the Spirit, the things that identify us as followers of His, reveal Him. We see and experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. When we are no longer of this world, our experience of those will continue… or not.
If we have chosen to be rescued from our anti-God life, we will be in His presence, enjoying the fruit in magnified portions.
If we have decided that we don’t need rescue from our anti-God state, we will experience the complete and utter absence of Him in that place of torment. No light. No kindness. No peace. No joy.
Many have flippantly said they will bust hell wide open, take over, and party forever. What a reckoning to realize there is no party, no happiness, no life—only eternal death. And upon that realization, the decision to make the choice for life is too late.
Today is ripe to evaluate where you stand. Have you decided where you’ll be when your time on Earth is over? Do you realize you need rescue? Will you reach out to the One who loves you enough to provide the Way to Him?
If you have been rescued, have those you love also been? Is their future secured in the Savior? Do you need to help them see that the shore is further away now than ever before?
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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