“Come along, Uncle George, and hear the gospel tonight. There’s a young solder back from the war who will speak tonight, and you’ll hear something to do you good for time and eternity.”
The speaker was a fine stalwart young fellow, who had just been converted to God, and like all who have found Christ as their Savior, he wanted to see his friends and relatives saved and happy too.
But Uncle George had no desire to hear of things eternal. A long life of sin, and several narrow escapes from an ocean grave had hardened the old fisherman against God and His gospel.
Strong drink had mastered him badly, and most of his earnings and evenings were spent in the tavern.
Looking up at his nephew, the old man said in a determined tone, “I’ll go to no such place, Johnny, my boy, and I’ll take my chance for eternity.” Johnny tried to remonstrate with him further, but it only drew forth angry words, so the young fellow had to go, heartsore at his uncle’s indifference to the things of God.
Three nights after that, the old fisherman dropped down dead in the tavern. Suddenly, and without God, he was ushered into that eternity he had spoken of so lightly.
Reader, do not trifle with God or mock His word. There is no “chance” at the close of a Christless life. So surely as God has said, “The wicked shall be turned into hell,” (Psa. 9:1717The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)), He will do it. Equally sure is the salvation of the sinner who comes to God, trusting in the merits of the atoning death of the Lord Jesus as his only plea for salvation. As the damnation of the unpardoned, unbelieving sinner is sure (John 3:1818He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)), so are the present salvation and the eternal glory of the sinner who believes in Christ (John 3:16, 3616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)). On which side do you stand? Are you a Christ-accepter or a Christ-rejector? There is no middle class.
ML-12/27/1964