Have you ever wondered why God, known for His infinite love, chooses not to save some people? This question opens up an intriguing panorama about divine love. While vast and unquestionable, God remains steadfast in His principles.
Among Christians, it's widely believed that God's will encompasses everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, longing for the salvation of each one. The Holy Scriptures confirm this in 1 Timothy 4, proclaiming God's desire for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. But what happens to those who seem far from this salvation?
In today's video, I will reveal seven profiles of people who may encounter obstacles on this spiritual path. In other words, I will talk about seven types of people who may not achieve salvation. It's vital to pay attention; many of us could be inadvertently under obstruction on our path to redemption.
Thus, remain vigilant and reflect: does any of these profiles resonate with your spiritual journey? The answer could be key to a deeper understanding of the nature of divine love and salvation itself. I invite everyone to take a moment to watch this full video, participate in the prayers, and receive abundant blessings for you, your families, and friends.
Before we dive into the heart of this content, I kindly ask you to show your support: like this video, subscribe to our channel, and share this essential message. Every action of yours helps to spread the gospel, reaching more hearts and strengthening the Kingdom of God here on Earth. Beloved faithful, we face an unsettling truth: not everyone in this world can or will be saved.
This reality is a warning, especially for those who attend church diligently. It is not just the presence at Sunday celebrations, active participation in the community, offering tithes, having a Christian title, speaking piously, or even baptism that guarantees salvation. The Bible, in Matthew 7:21-22, brings us Jesus's stern warning about the Day of Judgment: many will believe they performed miracles in His name, but He will reject them, saying, “I never knew you.
Depart from me, you evildoers. ” This message is an invitation for each of us to reflect on our true position before the Divine Throne on Judgment Day. Ask yourselves: if the Lord returned today, would we be ready and worthy, clothed in His righteousness, spotless before Him?
Contemplating this is not just important; it's essential for our spiritual journey. Feel blessed to be here, participating in this video at such a crucial time, as 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each may receive according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or bad. Now, let's reflect on seven types of people who, according to Scripture, cannot be saved.
The first group is made up of unbelievers. But who are they? They are those who do not believe in the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
According to the Bible, these people cannot achieve salvation. The only path to redemption is through faith in God. Without this belief, no one can be saved from sins and Satan's influence.
There is no other way to achieve salvation except through faith in God and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. The well-known passage in John 3:16 highlights that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Many may underestimate the simplicity of this redemption plan, and that's why belief is so dangerous.
Secondly, God cannot save those who seek salvation through means other than Jesus Christ. John 5:40 states that some refused to come to Jesus to have life; He is the only way to the Father, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Acts 4:12 tells us there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved except Jesus Christ.
Nothing else can save a person: not intelligence, power, money, good looks, or even family or friends. We are saved only by the blood of Jesus, and His death on the cross paid for our sins. The next category of people who, according to Scripture, cannot be saved are the hypocrites.
Jesus directly addressed these individuals in Matthew 23:3: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
” A hypocrite is someone who pretends to be what they are not. On Sundays, they present themselves in church with appropriate attire, raising holy hands to God; yet on the weekends, they behave like anyone else in worldly settings. For them, salvation and the life of faith are mere formalities, treating the church as a social center without true devotion.
These people may worship God publicly, but they do not allow the life of Christ to truly manifest in their actions and thoughts. They can spend years in the church but do not show fruits that prove the faith they profess. They are at the kingdom's door but do not enter, and even prevent others from entering.
In the Gospel of Luke 18:9-14, we find the story of a Pharisee who considered himself righteous and looked down on others. In contrast, Jesus praised the humble attitude of the tax collector, who, aware of his sins, pleaded for God's mercy. This narrative illustrates the biblical warning against self-justification.
In Ephesians 2:8 and 9, we are reminded that salvation comes by grace through faith, and it is not something we can achieve or boast about. The fifth category of people who cannot be saved are the apostates. 2 Peter 2:20-22 speaks clearly about them, saying, “If anyone, after knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, gets involved again with…” The world is overcome; their final condition is worse than the first.
This underscores the seriousness of turning away from the path of truth after having known it. These individuals find themselves in a worse situation in the end than at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn their backs on the sacred command that was delivered to them.
It's as Proverbs describes: the dog returns to its vomit, and the washed pig to wallowing in the mud. The Bible shows us the picture of those who become religious and abandon their corrupt and immoral practices but who, in the end, reveal their true nature and return to them. A washed pig remains a pig.
These are people who toy with the fundamentals of Christian beliefs, such as baptism, communion, and church attendance, but who eventually reveal their true selves, returning to the world and its temptations because, in reality, they never had faith. The next category of people the Bible says cannot be saved are the blasphemers. Jesus addresses this topic in Matthew 12:31-32, where He warns that every kind of sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the coming one. Some people blaspheme against God, mocking the Holy Spirit and belittling its manifestation. This is considered the unforgivable sin; therefore, it is crucial to be careful about what is said about the Holy Spirit.
Avoid jokes, associations, or groups that speak disparagingly about the movement of God's Spirit, as this can lead to the commission of this unforgivable sin. The last group of people that, according to the Scriptures, God cannot save are those who have already died. It is common for many people to seek pastors and religious leaders, asking for prayers during the funeral of a loved one.
However, it is important to understand that no prayer can change a person's destiny after their death. Salvation is only possible while alive; after death, it becomes completely unreachable. The idea of Purgatory, as some believe, is not supported by the truth of God's Word.
Salvation is only possible in life, and that is why it is crucial to surrender your life to Jesus. Friends, I hope you can now understand that some people may not be saved. This does not occur because of a lack of love from God, but because He cannot compromise His standard of justice to save someone.
The greatest act of love was when God sent His Son to die for us on the cross at Calvary, even when we were still sinners. After this supreme sacrifice, if someone chooses not to believe, God will not compromise His principles. Again, in conclusion, I ask you, have you truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If not, this is the ideal moment. The Rapture is a topic widely discussed among Christians and even non-Christians. It's not just a predicted future event, but a prophetic occurrence that will surely happen.
The exact timing is unknown, but here's what we know: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 tells us that according to the Lord's word, we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be with the Lord forever. This is the moment we await with hope and faith. Being caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds is undoubtedly a glorious experience that every believer looks forward to with great anticipation.
The Rapture is an event uniquely intended for the Lord's people—those who have placed their faith in Jesus' saving grace and have turned from a life of sin. This means that no matter how many good deeds one performs on Earth or how noble one's intentions, if someone is not a believer living for God, they will not be caught up when the time comes. Some believe the Rapture will occur more than once, offering a second chance to those who miss the first; however, the Bible does not support this idea.
Therefore, it is crucial to do everything possible to ensure you are part of this glorious experience. The Rapture will happen only once and will not be repeated. Being left behind will mean facing the chaos and persecution of the Antichrist.
On the other hand, for those who are caught up, it will be the beginning of an eternal reign with the Lord. The relationship between the caught-up believers and Jesus will be eternal; they will not only escape the danger of hell but will also fully embrace and enjoy what it means to have eternal life. The last enemy, which is death, will be judged and conquered.
This video will explain in detail what the Rapture is. I ask that you follow attentively as it will strengthen your faith and remove any fear about the Rapture from your heart. The word "Rapture" describes a crucial event in the Scriptures where God removes all believers in Christ Jesus from the earth, paving the way for His righteous judgment to be poured out during the tribulation period.
It's important to note that the word "Rapture" is not explicitly mentioned anywhere in the Bible; however, various verses in different parts of the Scriptures point to the occurrence of this great event. Examples of these verses are found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in the Epistles and other writings. Parts of the New Testament, these texts confirm the prophesied occurrence we call the Rapture.
Due to the importance of this future event, much has been taught about the Rapture. These teachings have generated a variety of opinions and interpretations. A significant but mistaken belief associated with the Rapture is that many believe it and the Second Coming of Christ are the same event; however, the Scriptures do not support this view.
The Bible clearly states that the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are separate events. Let's clarify some key differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming. During the Rapture, all believers will meet Jesus in the clouds, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
On the other hand, at the Second Coming, all caught-up believers will return with the Lord to Earth. This return has the purpose of judging those who remained on Earth and did not receive the mark of the beast, to defeat the Antichrist and Satan, and to reign for a thousand years, as reported in Revelation 19 and 20. This is a significant difference between the two events.
The Rapture, as previously defined, will be the moment when the saints are removed from the Earth to meet the Lord in the clouds. In contrast, the Second Coming is the event in which the Lord returns with all the believers who were caught up to judge those who stayed on Earth and to imprison the devil for a thousand years. Secondly, the Rapture will be an instantaneous event, unlike the Second Coming of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 15:52, it is written, "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. " The Rapture will occur in the blink of an eye, whereas the Second Coming will be a visible event to all. As per Matthew 24:27, "For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will also the coming of the Son of Man be.
" Thirdly, the Rapture could happen at any moment, but the Second Coming of Christ will not occur until certain prophetic end-time events have been fulfilled. This means the Rapture will precede the Second Coming. There are various interpretations and schools of thought regarding the concept of the Rapture, but the Bible remains the most valid and accurate source of information about this end-time event.
A common misconception about the Rapture is the idea that it is intended only for good and moral people. The Scriptures teach and confirm that the Rapture is for believers in Christ Jesus. You might be an exemplary citizen, generous and law-abiding, but if you have not confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I'm afraid you might be left behind at the Rapture.
The Bible offers great hope and comfort, especially for those who have lost believing loved ones in Christ. The Scriptures declare that the dead in Christ will rise first; therefore, if you have a loved one who has passed away and was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ, I bring good news: they will rise first and have the hope of being with the Lord in the air during the Rapture. This is a reason for great encouragement and joy.
Now you might wonder, is it possible to prepare for the Rapture? How can I prepare for this grand event? The answer is a resounding yes!
I will share how to prepare for the Rapture. One way to be ready is to live a life of faith and righteousness. Remember the question Jesus asked His disciples in Luke 18:8: "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?
" Therefore, beloved, dedicate yourself to things that build your faith and motivate you to live a righteous life. Do not let anyone discourage you from the need to live in faith and righteousness. Make sure you're not only talking about purity but also living it, as the Lord gives you grace and wisdom.
Another way to stay prepared for the Rapture is to study and understand biblical teachings. While living in preparedness, it's crucial to study the Word of God and learn its principles for yourself. Every believer who dedicates themselves to studying the Word of God becomes a worker who does not need to be ashamed, capable of rightly applying the Word of Truth in all areas of life.
It's essential to read, study, understand, and apply the Bible, avoiding the pursuit of new revelations that, though they may seem excellent, deviate from the sincere truth of the Word of God. A lesson that is overly complex, mystical, or ambiguous is not necessarily true. More often than not, the truth of God's Word is presented in a simple manner so that all can be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Another important way to prepare for the Rapture is to remain among a community of genuine believers. Proverbs 27 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. " Living in community with other believers is crucial.
As the popular saying goes, there is safety in numbers. The Bible encourages us not to neglect gathering with other believers and to ensure that nothing isolates us from fellowship. Isolation from the community of believers is not from God but rather a trick of the enemy.
The fourth way to prepare for the Rapture is to pray for guidance and strength as we live in these last days. Prayer is one of the ways we stay connected to the Lord, especially in moments when we feel alone on this heavenly journey. Pray to the Lord for guidance and strength; for our own strength may fail, but with the Lord's equipping, we will not falter.
In conclusion, as you take steps to prepare for the Rapture, remember that God is placing signs along the way to. . .
Guide us. The Bible does not clearly specify when the Rapture will occur, but we have been warned and taught to be vigilant for the signs of the end times. Jesus Himself instructed us about these signs and the need to stay vigilant in the last days.
Jesus spoke about these events; therefore, as these signs manifest in our days, it would be wise to pay closer attention to the scriptures than ever before. It's crucial we focus on the guidelines Jesus left us on how to conduct our lives in the end times. As He said in Matthew 24:33, "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors.
" In this video, I will share three vital teachings of Jesus and how they apply in a practical and direct manner to our daily Christian Life. The first piece of advice from Jesus, found in Matthew 24:46, tells us we will be blessed if we are found doing His commands when He returns. Jesus, in guiding believers about His return, highlighted that true faithfulness lies in being found "doing" when the Master returns.
He promised that upon His return, those faithful servants would be blessed. But what does it mean to be found "doing"? What exactly should the servant—the believer who follows Jesus—be doing when the Lord returns?
To remain secure in these last days means to be found faithfully carrying out the tasks that the Lord has entrusted to us as believers. This implies that we must not neglect the mission He has entrusted to us until His glorious return. Jesus clarified this idea through the parable of the talents.
To be found "doing" means to be actively engaged and dedicated to the mission entrusted to us, carrying it out with excellence while living in sincere anticipation of our Master's imminent return. Some of the responsibilities entrusted to us include preaching the gospel. Jesus instructed each of His followers to preach the gospel message as part of the Great Commission.
This is a call to all who have placed their faith in Jesus to be active in the mission of taking the gospel to everyone around us. Our commitment to spreading the message of the Kingdom of God to the approximately 8 billion people in the world must be steadfast, regardless of the obstacles and challenges we encounter. Making disciples: In addition to spreading the gospel, Jesus commissioned us to make disciples.
This task is clearly outlined in Matthew 28:20: "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. " Today, the need for disciples is immense, and Jesus calls each of His followers to multiply disciples, thereby facilitating the work of His kingdom. Only a disciple can make another disciple.
There’s an urgent need for dedicated workers in the Kingdom of God today. As we endeavor to help people draw closer to God—to love Him, serve Him, and present Him—we are indeed fulfilling Jesus's mandate. By doing so, we commit to being found "doing" at the moment of the Lord's return.
One of the crucial guidelines Jesus gave us for living well in these end times is to always maintain high spiritual vigilance, avoiding distractions that divert us from the true path. As Mark 13:33 in the Amplified version says, "Be on guard; keep awake and pray, for you do not know when the time will come. " For a Christian, to be on guard means to be attentive and devoted in prayer.
We must, beloved Saints, remain ever vigilant, not succumbing to spiritual slumber. This is an exhortation to delve deeper into the practice of prayer as we await the Master's return. In the place of prayer, we find grace, comfort, and patience—essential elements for navigating the challenges of these last days.
Escaping snares and deceptions: The current challenges demand that you and I dedicate quality time to the Lord in daily prayer. Ask yourself: How is your prayer life? How much time do you dedicate to prayer each day?
Understanding that it is crucial to pray continuously to grasp God's will for you and the actions He desires you to take at this moment is paramount. Communicating with God provides us an advantage against the numerous plans of Satan. Many Christians have yet to realize that the world is changing daily to align with the antichrist's agenda, and that Satan is committed to deviating as many Saints as possible.
But remember, he is a deceiver. Dedicating quality time to daily prayer keeps us awake and attentive to Jesus's call for awareness of His return. Sleeping in the pursuit of maintaining our vigilance in these last days is to ignore this vital counsel: to be watchful and alert, for we do not know the exact hour of His return.
In Mark 13:35-36, it says, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. " This warning is clear; we must avoid spiritual insensibility.
Here, sleeping refers not to physical rest, but to a state of spiritual insensitivity and negligence. Therefore, in this period of uncertainties and transformations, it is essential that we faithfully follow this advice of vigilance and prayer. We do not know the precise moment of the Divine return.
Staying spiritually awake and alert is key to not being caught off guard and being ready to face the challenges that await us. Jesus, in His instructions on how to live in these end times, emphasizes the importance of not becoming indifferent or careless concerning the things of the Kingdom of God or the imminent return of Christ. He exhorts us to remain vigilant, for we do not know the hour of His return.
We should not be carried away by fleeting trends or distractions. Forget his warnings. Each believer is encouraged to be on guard, waiting with hope for the Lord's return, taking conscious steps to be cautious of anything that might threaten our focus or spiritual commitment.
Being on guard means actively committing to protecting the convictions of our heart and our faith in Jesus, prioritizing everything that glorifies Him and rejecting anything that diverts our heart from Him. The third counsel from Jesus is found in Luke 21:34-35. He sternly warns us to be careful so that our hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and the anxieties of life, for that day can come upon us suddenly, like a trap.
Jesus alerts us to the danger of deception from a frivolous and unrestrained lifestyle that may become common in the last days. We recall that similar events occurred in the days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and even Babylon before they were destroyed. The Bible recounts that before these events, people were so absorbed in their lives—eating, drinking, and marrying—that they forgot about God and His warnings.
Today we are in a similar situation, with many gradually forgetting about God and turning to the lies and deceptions spread by the enemy through influences, media, and even governments. Jesus also warned that some might stray, not necessarily because of sin, but because of the anxieties of life. Thus, it is necessary to be vigilant of the pressures that weaken others' faith.
Although we face difficult times, we must not allow anything to cool our hearts towards God. Regardless of the circumstances, do not let anxiety draw you away from your faith; rather, let your faith free you from the anxiety that dominates so many these days. Dear friends, after hearing these counsels from the Lord Jesus Himself, what should be our reaction?
According to the second letter to Timothy 3:1-5, we live in difficult times. In the last days, people will become selfish, greedy, boastful, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, traitorous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They will maintain a form of godliness but deny its power; we must avoid such people.
This guidance is crystal clear. We must distinguish and separate ourselves from the rest of the world, avoiding any association or group that presents only an outward form of godliness but, in reality, lives in a way contrary to the power of a godly life. In other words, their actions or endorsements are direct reflections of a life of disobedience to God's Word.
If we look to the future with hope and anticipation for the Lord's return, we must cling tightly to our profession of faith and zealously fight for the faith that was entrusted to us. Let's remain stable, steadfast, and unchangeable, remembering that when the Lord returns, He will reward all those who kept their gaze fixed on Him and lived their lives to please Him. In Revelation 22:12, it is said, "Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to give to each one according to his work.
" Have you thought about what really matters in life? What would be the one thing you would preserve if you were minutes from facing eternity? If you've ever had a near-death experience, your view of life changes radically.
At that exact moment, nothing else seems to matter except for one essential thing: Christ Jesus. In the face of death, it becomes evident that amidst all our worldly pursuits and achievements, it is our union with Christ, made possible by His work on the cross, that carries genuine significance. Join me as we delve into this profound message and explore the eternal truth of Christ's cross, which has the power to save our souls and offer us the assurance of life after death.
This is a message of utmost importance, and God desires for you to give it your full attention. Do not let anything pass by; open your heart to receive it now. We never know what may happen after this moment.
As highlighted in Galatians 6:14, our greatest pride should reside in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. In the face of eternity, all our worldly pursuits and ambitions lose their value and become insignificant.
Let's reflect a bit on a person facing an encounter with death, as it offers a striking parallel to our own lives. Consider a businessman who meticulously planned a business meeting for the next week. Facing his imminent death, as his life unfolds before his eyes, that meeting becomes a distant and irrelevant thought, losing its value.
The relentless pursuit of wealth ceases to dominate his thoughts, and even his passion for his favorite football team fades in comparison. His beloved home, once seen as a treasure, now appears as a trivial possession. Friends, this is a poignant reminder that the things we strive for and place so much importance on in the end hold no relevance in the face of eternity.
Money, material possessions, and even our most cherished achievements are ephemeral compared to the fundamental question of where we will spend eternity. The only thing that truly matters is the cross of Christ, for it plays a crucial role in determining our eternal destiny. It's essential to take this lesson seriously as it applies to each one of us.
Death is an inescapable reality that will come for all, and at the moment it approaches, all our temporal concerns and misdirected priorities will vanish like smoke. Deep down, we know this truth, but we often fail to prioritize our relationship with God, lost in the pursuit of success, recognition, and worldly achievements. We must not lose sight of.
. . What is eternal?
May this revelation serve as a call to awaken, encouraging us to re-evaluate our values and readjust our priorities. Reflecting on the mysteries of life after death raises profound questions: What happens at the end of our earthly journey? What awaits us beyond the threshold of death?
Is there a realm called purgatory, or do we simply enter into a sleep until the promised day of resurrection? Hebrews 9:27 offers a clear answer, stating, "Just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment. " God's word dispels any notion of an intermediate state after death and emphasizes the reality of judgment following our earthly life.
The idea of purgatory is replaced by the certainty of divine judgment after our time on Earth. Friends, as we come to realize the inevitability of this impending judgment, our lives will change drastically. The understanding that we will be assessed by a holy and eternal God, who will meticulously examine every detail of our existence, drives us to adopt a different way of living.
Know that even the words we speak will be thoroughly analyzed and judged. My dear friend, judgment is at the door, lurking on the horizon, and in this judgment, a crucial factor will determine the fates of our souls. Soon we will see what this factor is.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18, we revisit the theme of the cross: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. " Reflect again on these words. The preaching of the cross, the cross of Jesus, may seem absurd to those in perdition, but for the saved, it represents the power of God.
The cross once more stands out, differentiating those who follow the path of perdition from those on the path of salvation. Christ's cross is the decisive element for the forgiveness of our sins. Without the events at that cross and the subsequent resurrection, salvation would not have been possible for anyone.
As Galatians 6 reminds us, the emphatic statement of the Apostle Paul, "Far be it from me," acts as a guiding principle to center our glories solely in Christ. He invites us to direct our gaze to Jesus, to fix our eyes on the cross, and to place our trust in the one who is the author and finisher of our faith. The cross stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the incalculable love and sacrifice that secured our redemption.
In our daily lives, we are constantly distracted and tempted to stray from the true meaning of the cross, seduced by the allure of worldly achievements, wrapped up in the pursuit of personal gain, and drawn to the fleeting pleasures of this life. Often we lose sight of the eternal value of the cross. In the face of eternity, these pursuits become insignificant compared to the lasting impact of the cross.
It stands out as the central element that differentiates those who are perishing from those being saved and serves as the foundation for the forgiveness of sins. As we navigate the complexities of life, the teaching of the apostles remains a firm call to fix our eyes on the transformative power of the cross. We must reflect on the truth contained in these verses as we consider the reality of the impending judgment and the transformative power of the cross.
In a world full of disputes for our attention, we face a myriad of distractions that seek to divert our focus from the cross. The importance of keeping the cross at the center of our lives is a constant reminder not to get lost in the trivialities and passing illusions, but to seek the profound and eternal meaning it represents. Society often encourages us to focus on our own goodness, urging us to pride ourselves on our deeds and personal righteousness, promoting the idea of self-sufficiency based on trust in our perceived goodness, perpetuating a distorted view that disregards the deeper truth of our human condition.
We often hear whispers reminding us of all our good deeds—our kindness, love, responsibility, support for the community, and care for our families. We are praised for our moral righteousness and law-abiding nature, leading many to believe they are indeed good people. This mindset is common among many around the world, including those who do not believe, failing to recognize their own sinful nature and the dire consequences that stem from it.
Many are unaware of what Romans 3:23 tries to teach us: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. " Or again in Romans 6:23, where it reads, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. " We are all sinners.
The Bible teaches us that we inherit a sinful nature from Adam. However, deception deludes people, giving them a false perception of righteousness, keeping them away from salvation until it is too late. The limited understanding of sin, viewed only as heinous crimes or severe transgressions, is challenged by the gospel's message, which points to each of us and declares that we all fall short of the glory of the Almighty.
The gospel presents a direct and impactful message, revealing a disturbing truth: every person, no matter how respected by society or deemed virtuous, is a sinner in the eyes of a holy God. Many are startled by this firm assessment of their moral condition and vehemently reject the idea of being labeled as sinners. Instead, they prefer to cling to the illusion of their own righteousness.
Thus, the message of the gospel becomes offensive to them and difficult to comprehend—a real stumbling block. This happens because they are unwilling to accept the reality of their need for salvation. The idea of redemption seems foolish to them, an insignificant concept that.
. . Is easily dismissed.
Many seek comfort in their achievements, acts of charity, and moral righteousness, believing such commendable actions are enough to secure their standing before God. They are seduced by the deceptive belief that the message of the Cross is unnecessary, trusting that they can achieve salvation through their own efforts and merits. The world reinforces this illusion, perpetuating the lie that the Cross is irrelevant in our lives.
However, it is crucial to resist this falsehood and accept the uncomfortable truth that our goodness, by itself, is insufficient. We must recognize that our own righteousness is not enough to redeem us. There is no need to look further for examples to realize the growing culture of disregard for human life in today's world; simply pick up a smartphone and browse the internet to find the hostility that permeates the planet.
We observe an unprecedented increase in murders, armed conflicts, and acts of terrorism, more than at any other time in the last 90 years. More lives have been lost in wars than in the previous 500 years combined. Only in the last century is it estimated that 203 million people lost their lives in wars, and in the last decade alone, approximately 2 million children were murdered and another four to five million were disabled due to conflicts.
Given this reality, it is hard not to think that divine judgment is near. But regardless of whether the Rapture happens first or we leave this world for eternity, the crucial question remains: are we prepared to meet our Creator as we are now? Do we have a relationship with Jesus?
Listen: set aside the concerns of this life. In the end, what will truly matter is your connection with Jesus. It doesn't matter your bank balance or social status, Instagram followers, or other social media, but how prepared your soul is.
Let us surrender our hearts to the Lord at this moment, repent, and be steadfast in truth, regardless of the cost. Let's pray for God to guide our hearts to the things of the Spirit and free us from the bonds of corruption that dominate the world. May our love for God become our main motivation and grant us certainty about our eternity.
Amen.