Monday, March 13, 2006

What about: Last Second Decisions

During the week, ask the question, "What about?" We'll be exploring the destinies of those who haven't placed their faith in Christ. Check out the devotional for today, then come back and look at the question:

What about: Last Second Decisions?

Is it possible for people to accept Christ right before death? Does God respond the same way to people who repent and trust Christ early in life as those who do it on their death bed? Is an amount of time serving Christ necessary to prove you have made a commitment? Luke 23:39-43 gives us some insight into this area.

Jesus tells the criminal, "...today you shall be with Me in Paradise." The man did not first need to be baptized. He was not required to prove his commitment (since God sees the heart and knows the sincerity.) He confessed Christ and was saved.

So what do you say to the person who decides to wait until later in life to make a decision. They want to live their life their own way for now, and turn to Christ later. Here are some things to consider saying to them:

1. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. James 4:13-16 reminds us that our days are not guaranteed. Each day you wake up is one closer to your death. You are playing a game that you can't control if you are waiting to repent.
2. Your heart gets harder. The person may believe that later in life they may repent and trust. However, no one comes to Christ unless the Spirit draws them. As you continue to harden your heart toward God, you have no guarantee He will continue to prod you toward salvation.
3. You're missing the point. Wanting to avoid hell is not what salvation is about. It's a by product of salvation, but not the way to salvation. (Do you think Satan or demons want to be tormented for eternity in hell? No, but their desire to avoid it is not what saves.) I would have strong questions about whether a person is repenting of their ways, or just wants to avoid the consequences if they see their sin, understand it offense against God, but choose to continue in it until later so they can have more fun.

This does not mean that we give up on a person who rejects Christ at first. Modern statistics show that it takes about eight times of a person hearing the gospel before they are truly opened up to the message. But God may desire to use us to challenge the person who sees the validity to the gospel but doesn't want to surrender to it until later in life. We need to encourage them that they may not get that chance.

Today can be the day of their salvation!

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