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Jesus claimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” How do we know this claim is true? Who is this Jesus that He could make such a claim? Unbelievers question “Isn’t it offensive to claim Jesus is the only way to God?” The answer to that question is one of logic. “If we believe that the claims of Christ are true, claims in opposition to Christ cannot also be true!” As a believer, we ought to be raising this question: “Isn’t it hypocritical to trust in Christ and not believe He is the only way to God?” His death, if there is another way, is absolutely unnecessary.
This week we once again mark the anniversary (strange word for this occasion) of the Roe v. Wade decision making legal abortion in the United States. My message Sunday contained these three principles.
1. God creates all human life uniquely.
As I continue to think upon these principles, I think about where God has had us thinking in the early part of the year—on the subject of procrastination. It seems to me that as believers we have been procrastinating on this issue of helping our country pursue a culture of life. What can you do? What does God want you to do? Make a donation? Volunteer? Write a well thought-out letter? Begin the application process to adopt? Do it! Don’t delay!
When we think about spiritual procrastination, I believe that there are at least these two universal truths that are at work. First, procrastination does not take into account the uncertainty of life. Second, procrastination does not take into account the uniqueness of conviction. These two foundational principles are extremely important as we consider the most dangerous form of procrastination—delaying a decision concerning Jesus Christ.
The book of Acts gives us a sad, yet revealing example of this most dangerous form of procrastination. In Acts 24:22-27, we read of Paul’s address to Felix and Drusilla. Felix and Drusilla, although having accomplished much in their professional lives, were bankrupt in the most important area of life—their spiritual lives. Like everyone, Felix and Drusilla were in desperate need of a relationship with Christ. Though curious about Christ (Felix sent for Paul…and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus), they did not decide to follow Christ. Though convicted about their relationship with Christ (Felix became afraid), they did not decide to follow Christ. Though Felix called for Paul often, the governor never (at least as we have record) chose to follow Christ.
Though we are always promised forgiveness, we are not promised tomorrow. Today is the day to decide to follow Christ. If you are already a believer, today is the day to talk to someone about following Christ.
The scenes of Heaven as described in Revelation 21 are beautiful and descriptive. As beautiful as the imagery is, we ought to contemplate, as most important of all, two things about Heaven. First, the glory of Heaven is not the streets of gold or the gate inlaid with precious jewels, but rather it is the place of Jesus. Second, we must heed the warning of John that the residents of Heaven are only those “whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (21:27)