Certain Life in Christ

Life on earth is uncertain.  Few people who walk out their front door in the morning think they may have a heart attack, be in a fatal car accident, or be punched unprovoked in the face and never make it home.  Last night a few of us at church were discussing the recent tragic loss of an 18 year old in King's Cross.  It was reported that as he talked on his mobile phone, he was "king hit" (sucker punched) in the face.  When he fell backwards his head hit the footpath and he never regained consciousness.  It's a nightmare no one should have to experience.  Unfortunately, because of this world soaked with sin, these kind of stories seem to occur with increasing frequency.  Our prayers go up for this young man, his family, and those who knew and loved him.

Due to the incident, the security of King's Cross has been much discussed in the media and government.  Steps are being taken to increase the number of cameras and late-night patrols.  There has been talk of reducing trading hours, increasing the public transport, and reducing the amount of liquor licenses.  Whatever we can do to keep people safe is good.  But even if all the talk produces real improvements in the safety of King's Cross, life still remains an uncertainly.  Quoting from the preacher in "Pollyanna," "Death comes unexpectedly!"  The only certainty we have in life is that it IS coming for us all.  Death does not discriminate between young or old, during night or day.  Death is a certainty of life.

It is only through Christ people can have a certainty of eternal life!  The old saying goes, "No one lives forever."  This is a false statement.  Jesus overcame death at the cross, rising from the dead after three days.  Death could not keep Jesus in its grip because Christ was without sin.  The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our LORD.  For all people who die in their sins, they face eternal separation from God in unspeakable torment in hell as their wages for sins committed.  Yet for those who will repent of their sins, trusting in Christ alone as Saviour, we receive the promise of eternal life.  The death of the body does not mark the end:  it is the beginning of life in the presence of God free from sin as He intended.  Jesus says in John 11:25-26:  "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

So many people who go through life today have no idea of what awaits them after their body ceases to function.  Do you know what awaits you?  Should you die in your sins without atonement, the Bible spells it out clearly:  no second chances, no hope, no life.  God is a Good Judge, and He cannot allow lawbreakers to go free.  For those who believe the testimony of scripture, we have the sober responsibility to warn people of the eternity that awaits them in Hell due to their sins and share the promise of forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent and trust in Christ.  I'm certainly glad someone dared tell me the truth concerning my sinful condition.  Let's take the time and make the effort to tell others about the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Tomorrow might be too late.