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Our Appointed Time
Nov. 15th, 2012 07:20 pmAll this talk about the end times and rapture, while very important, we sometimes can gloss over the fact we are mortal beings with very limited time on this earth. While many including myself believes Christ will comeback for his church soon and consequently we won't have to experience the sting of death, we still can die before that event happens.
No one likes to think of dying or that our lives can come to an end at anytime whether we are healthy or sick, but the reality is any one of us can die at any given moment. Next to each of our names is our appointed time of death. Apart from God, no one truly knows the exact manner, location and hour of our death, so it's vitally important to "get right" with our Lord Jesus Christ before that happens. While we are told to prepare and get right with our Lord before he comes for us (his church), it's also important we prepare ourselves for the unexpected, including an untimely death (well it's untimely for us, not God).
What is the first step in getting "right" with God if you are not a Christian? Simple: believe that Jesus Christ did indeed die on the cross for humankind's sins and was resurrected (Ephesians 1:13). Then believe and have faith that Jesus Christ alone can save you from an eternal separation from God, commonly known as hell (Romans 1:16). Repent and call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10, 13).
What do we need saving from and why do we need a savior? No matter who you are: Christian or a non-Christian, a "good person" or a bad person we all have sinned and therefore have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). What that means is we as sinners have fallen short of God's standard in respect to holiness and righteousness. The bible teaches us that sin is what separates us from God. The consequence of us dying in our sins is eternal death/separation (hell) (Romans 6:23).
I've heard many stating as long as we are good people and do good deeds you will go to heaven. While being a "good" person and performing good works is fine; however those things alone will not save you (Ephesians 2:8-9). God has attributed our attempts at being "good" as "filthy rags" not worthy of his glory (Isaiah 64:6). God knowing man's sinful nature has provided a way out of certain death through his son Jesus Christ. Because God loves us so much he has given us a gift that ensures, if we accept it, eternal life--that gift was achieved when Jesus died and was resurrected (John 3:16). Jesus Christ died for our sins--he basically paid with his life for ours. When we accept Jesus Christ as our one and only Lord and savior in our hearts we become reborn or a new person through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Meaning our old nature has died, while our new nature is born. When we are reborn (accepted Christ) our sins that before separated us from God, are now forgiven and through Christ we are given eternal life.
With that said, it's sometimes hard for me to fathom why anyone, especially those who are suffering in this world would reject God's gift of salvation. By rejecting God's gift of salvation, you are ensuring you will continue to suffer, but this time in eternal torment, which is beyond anything seen on this earth. But by accepting this gift, you will ensure your suffering will end the second you leave this earth--to be replaced with eternal peace and happiness with God. Do not delay another second, accept Jesus Christ right now--God is waiting for you.
No one likes to think of dying or that our lives can come to an end at anytime whether we are healthy or sick, but the reality is any one of us can die at any given moment. Next to each of our names is our appointed time of death. Apart from God, no one truly knows the exact manner, location and hour of our death, so it's vitally important to "get right" with our Lord Jesus Christ before that happens. While we are told to prepare and get right with our Lord before he comes for us (his church), it's also important we prepare ourselves for the unexpected, including an untimely death (well it's untimely for us, not God).
What is the first step in getting "right" with God if you are not a Christian? Simple: believe that Jesus Christ did indeed die on the cross for humankind's sins and was resurrected (Ephesians 1:13). Then believe and have faith that Jesus Christ alone can save you from an eternal separation from God, commonly known as hell (Romans 1:16). Repent and call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10, 13).
What do we need saving from and why do we need a savior? No matter who you are: Christian or a non-Christian, a "good person" or a bad person we all have sinned and therefore have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). What that means is we as sinners have fallen short of God's standard in respect to holiness and righteousness. The bible teaches us that sin is what separates us from God. The consequence of us dying in our sins is eternal death/separation (hell) (Romans 6:23).
I've heard many stating as long as we are good people and do good deeds you will go to heaven. While being a "good" person and performing good works is fine; however those things alone will not save you (Ephesians 2:8-9). God has attributed our attempts at being "good" as "filthy rags" not worthy of his glory (Isaiah 64:6). God knowing man's sinful nature has provided a way out of certain death through his son Jesus Christ. Because God loves us so much he has given us a gift that ensures, if we accept it, eternal life--that gift was achieved when Jesus died and was resurrected (John 3:16). Jesus Christ died for our sins--he basically paid with his life for ours. When we accept Jesus Christ as our one and only Lord and savior in our hearts we become reborn or a new person through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Meaning our old nature has died, while our new nature is born. When we are reborn (accepted Christ) our sins that before separated us from God, are now forgiven and through Christ we are given eternal life.
With that said, it's sometimes hard for me to fathom why anyone, especially those who are suffering in this world would reject God's gift of salvation. By rejecting God's gift of salvation, you are ensuring you will continue to suffer, but this time in eternal torment, which is beyond anything seen on this earth. But by accepting this gift, you will ensure your suffering will end the second you leave this earth--to be replaced with eternal peace and happiness with God. Do not delay another second, accept Jesus Christ right now--God is waiting for you.
