The death of a loved one, a friend, or a relative ought to cause each of us to stop and reflect upon our own mortality. �For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away� (James 4:14). The death of a fellow human being ought to cause each of us to cry out to God like the tax collector in the temple: �God, be merciful to me, the sinner!� (Luke 18:13).
We all need God�s grace, mercy, and forgiveness because we�re all sinners (Romans 3:23) who have broken God�s Law and we all know we will soon die and face our Creator. �For the living know they will die�� (Ecclesiastes 9:5). �And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do� (Hebrews 4:13). �And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment�� (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Did you notice the words ��but after this the judgment�? How are you planning to escape the judgment of God against your sins? The Bible is clear regarding the forgiveness of sins�Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of forgiveness with God. �Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved� (Acts 4:12). �Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many� (Heb. 9:28), and all who trust in His perfect life and sin-atoning death have the full forgiveness of sins and are reconciled to our Holy God. �He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him� (John 3:36).
Don�t be deceived � death and judgment are a breath away for all the living. Therefore, I �implore you on Christ�s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him� (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Run to Jesus while there�s still time � �Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved�� (Acts 16:31) � call out to Him for grace, mercy, and forgiveness � for He has promised rest, righteousness, and forgiveness to all who come to Him by faith. �Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls� (Matthew 11:28-29).
