A Timely Word
It was Benjamin Franklin who famously said, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” While some evade taxes, none elude death. The Bible declares, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Therefore, it is critical that you consider what will happen to you after you die.
Ironically, most people spend hours planning vacations, surfing the web, interacting on social networks, and investing in hobbies, yet spend virtually no time thinking about where they will spend eternity. This is tragic because it is life’s biggest decision and centers on the person Jesus Christ. What you decide about Jesus determines your eternal destiny.
The Bible is clear that you can be certain that you will spend eternity with God by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is simply taking God at His Word. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). When you believe in the person and work of Christ, you receive the promise of eternal life that Jesus freely offers (see John 3:16; Acts 16:31).
However, most people prefer to contribute to their eternal life. Typically this is attempted by keeping the Ten Commandments, performing good works, becoming a church member, giving to charity, or being water baptized. All of these actions are not requirements for eternal life. The Bible says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy (Titus 3:5a). Again, the Bible declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). This is why it is so important for you to transfer your trust to Jesus Christ alone.
The good news of Jesus Christ is this: all have sinned, and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). The consequence for sin is eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). You and I deserve death and hell, but God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin and has given each of us two options: to be pardoned or punished. If you believe in Christ for eternal life, you will be pardoned. If you reject Jesus’ death as a substitute for your sins, you will have to be punished to satisfy God’s justice (John 3:17–18).
Can you think of any good reason why you should not accept the free gift of salvation? If not, place your faith in Christ today.
Ironically, most people spend hours planning vacations, surfing the web, interacting on social networks, and investing in hobbies, yet spend virtually no time thinking about where they will spend eternity. This is tragic because it is life’s biggest decision and centers on the person Jesus Christ. What you decide about Jesus determines your eternal destiny.
The Bible is clear that you can be certain that you will spend eternity with God by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is simply taking God at His Word. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). When you believe in the person and work of Christ, you receive the promise of eternal life that Jesus freely offers (see John 3:16; Acts 16:31).
However, most people prefer to contribute to their eternal life. Typically this is attempted by keeping the Ten Commandments, performing good works, becoming a church member, giving to charity, or being water baptized. All of these actions are not requirements for eternal life. The Bible says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy (Titus 3:5a). Again, the Bible declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). This is why it is so important for you to transfer your trust to Jesus Christ alone.
The good news of Jesus Christ is this: all have sinned, and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). The consequence for sin is eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). You and I deserve death and hell, but God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin and has given each of us two options: to be pardoned or punished. If you believe in Christ for eternal life, you will be pardoned. If you reject Jesus’ death as a substitute for your sins, you will have to be punished to satisfy God’s justice (John 3:17–18).
Can you think of any good reason why you should not accept the free gift of salvation? If not, place your faith in Christ today.
