What If You Knew …?

Jarrod Jacobs

            What if you knew the day of your death? Suppose you could know. Would this change you? Would you be in denial that you would really leave this earth on a “set” day? I imagine some would be. Perhaps by knowing, some would spend the rest of their lives trying to extend their life just one more day. I imagine some would accept it and live their lives as if they didn’t know.

            But, would we change anything about our lives? Would we “straighten up” and live as the Bible says? Would we howl and cry against God, blaming Him for our death-day? I am positive that there would also be those who would procrastinate doing anything about their lives until the literal last minute!

            What if you knew ….. What would you do?

            No, we do not know the day of our death. All we can do is prepare. We don’t know if we will live another 10 minutes, 10 years, or 100 years (Prov. 27:1). Therefore, it is written, “Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:7-8). Paul said, “Now is the accepted time ... now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). How interesting it is to note the urgency with which the apostles preached and wrote. Perhaps part of their urgency stemmed from the fact that they did not know when they were going to die, either!

            All we know is that there is a day coming when we will either leave this world, or the Lord will return to judge the world (I Cor. 15:51-57; I Thess. 4:13-18). We do not know when the Lord is returning, any more than we know when we will die (Matt. 24:36). Sounds to me like we better be prepared for eternity, and do so without delay.

            What if you knew ….. What would you do?

Almost

Jarrod Jacobs

            The word “almost” is used several times in the Bible. Some of the times when this word is used include: 1) When the people were thirsty, Moses asked God, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Ex. 17:4). 2) When Asaph was frustrated when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, he said: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled ...” (Ps. 73:2). 3) When Paul preached the gospel to Agrippa, he responded by saying, “Almost you persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). What does “almost” imply?

            The word “almost” implies failure. In the case of Moses being stoned, or Asaph stumbling, that is good that it “almost” happened, but did not come to pass. However, in the case of Agrippa, it is different. Agrippa failed to believe and obey God. Therefore, he failed to be saved from his sins (Mk. 16:16). This is a tragedy!

            Also, the word “almost” implies sadness. In the case of Agrippa, it was sad to think he was so close to being saved, but he refused, and we never read in the Bible where he repented and was saved.

            Friend, don’t let your family follow your casket to your grave knowing that you were “almost” saved from your sins! Don’t die with your family knowing you failed at this! Truly great sadness is the result for the family left behind when someone dies in sin. Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). Please be more than “almost persuaded” but be “altogether” saved! (Acts 26:29) Become a Christian today!

How Will God Feel When You Die?

Jarrod Jacobs

            God is not oblivious to the goings-on of men. He knows who we are, and what we are doing (Prov. 15:3). Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31). We know that God is aware of us, and knows when we leave this earth. How will God feel when YOU die? Will He be...

            SAD? “As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezek. 33:11). “Have I any pleasure in death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ezek. 18:23)

            GLAD? “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps. 116:15). “He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood be in his sight” (Ps. 72:13-14).

            The difference in God’s response to a man’s death is seen in what that man’s relationship was with God in life. Which are you, a sinner or a saint? Become a saint by believing in Christ as God’s Son (Jn. 8:24), repenting of your sins (Lk. 13:3), confessing Christ as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16). Have you done this?

Those Who Are Not Going To Heaven

Jarrod Jacobs

            In Matthew 25:46, we read, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” As Jesus taught His apostles about the final judgment, we see that Jesus said some will not be in Heaven. Specifically, Matthew 25:41-45 shows that some not going to Heaven are those who did not treat their fellow man in a righteous way. Yet, this is not only seen in Matthew, but in other passages as well.

            For example, John, the Revelator, tells us that “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars” will not be in Heaven. Rather, they will “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8). Passages like Galatians 5:19-21 and I Corinthians 6:9-10 list others who will not be allowed into Heaven. Let us pay close attention to these words and make sure we’re doing what pleases the Lord.

            Lastly, a group that will not be in Heaven are some Christians! Paul teaches that Christians can fall from grace and be lost (Gal. 5:1-4). Let us read what Jesus said to the saints in Ephesus: “But I have this against you that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent” (Rev. 2:4-5). Let us heed these warnings and be with those going to Heaven by believing in Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins, confessing your faith and being baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16).