The attitude of most of the world today is to “go along to get along” or “don’t rock the boat.” For true believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, most of the time, this is not possible for us. There are certain lifestyles that go against our beliefs, and we are not to participate in them. We are commanded to love everyone for their immortal souls, but we do not have to like what many represent or what they do. (ESV – all emphasis is mine)
Jesus told us in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Paul continues this thought in 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
Our adversary, Satan, knows that his time is drawing near to his final end. He and his demons are doing all they can to pull souls away from our Savior. Satan started in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:1 by deceiving the first two humans, Adam and Eve. His line, “Did God really say?” was enough to cause them to commit the first sin, and he is still successfully using it today.
Just imagine how different this world would be if Satan failed to cause the first humans to sin. As is, what was supposed to be a beautiful world of immortals became a planet that has a designated ending. Our Heavenly Father is not bound by Earth’s time as we are, and He tells us what the outcome will be in His letter to us – the Bible. He also tells us how we can escape eternal punishment if we follow His instructions.
The way is described as hard because people try to add their own versions of the rules that make it more logical to them. Instead of all the pomp and circumstance, we’re told our Salvation is as easy as A-B-C (Romans 10:9-13).
We must admit we’re all sinners in need of a Savior, as we cannot save ourselves.
We must believe that Jesus is our Savior, a part of the Triune Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He came to this earth as a human of His own free will, and He was crucified and died on a cruel cross. He was raised from the dead three days later. He is back in Heaven until the time arrives that is designated for His return to Earth.
Finally, we must call on Jesus to forgive us our sins and ask Him to be our Eternal Savior.
Admit, Believe, Call. Nowhere does it say we must do so many works or donate funds to be saved. Also, the Father knew we would still sin until we leave this earth, so He gave us the means of receiving forgiveness in 1 John 1:9.
Satan and his demons (fallen angels) do not have the pathway to forgiveness as we humans do. They had been in Heaven with the Father, and because of sinful pride, they were cast out, as given in Revelation 12:7-9:
“Now war arose in Heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated and there was no longer any place in Heaven for them. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world – he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
Eventually, all who are associated with Satan will be cast into a lake of fire that was made specifically for them in Matthew 25:41. The false prophet and antichrist of the seven-year tribulation will be first, as given in Revelation 19:20. Satan will be next (Revelation 20:10), followed by all humans who left this earth without having received and accepted Jesus as their Savior, or who were out of the will of the Father prior to Calvary (Revelation 20:11-15). All will be in the lake of fire forever. There will be no exceptions or reduced time; it will be permanent.
As for all who put their faith and trust in our Blessed Savior and Redeemer, there is only one pathway, and that’s to fight on. Dale and Cheryl Golden released a song, “I Will Fight On,” that addresses this very issue.
1.) A shepherd boy stood all alone; his weapon but five little stones. In faith he fought, with spirit strong, while in his heart rang Zion’s song.
Ref.) I will fight on, till the battle’s o’re; and the enemy shall rise no more. I will trust in God, and God alone; I shall not lose heart, and I will fight on.
2.) The wounds of life cut cold and deep; and triumph’s mount is hard and steep. The shepherd’s Lord is my God too, and I know He will see me through. (ref)
3.) No earthly fall can hinder me, for with God there’s righteous victory. I will trust in God, and God alone; I will trust in God, and I will fight on. (ref)
We were not promised an easy life on this earth, but all who will receive and accept Jesus as their Savior will be in Paradise with Him forever after we leave this sinful world.
In John 15:18-19, Jesus told us, “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
What I am sure of is that a precious part of our Triune Godhead left His home in Heaven to come to this earth as a human. He became lower than the angels while He was here (Hebrews 2:7, 9), and He could’ve called it off at any time. However, He was faithful to our Heavenly Father and provided the only pure, sinless blood sacrifice the Father could accept. And yes, He loves us that much!
Hebrews 10:4 specifically tells us, “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Until the sacrifice provided by our Eternal Shepherd took place, God accepted animals’ blood as a temporary measure. However, these had to be done on a regular basis to be within God’s will.
Hebrews 10:12-14: “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting for that time until His enemies should be made a footstool for His feet. For by a single offering, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
This goes back to what happens when we leave this earth. No matter what any false prophet may try to tell you, there are only two paths that are available after your life on this earth is over.
All who have Jesus as their Savior, when they take their last breath here, will be with Him forever. This is what the Savior told the thief on the cross who believed and accepted Jesus (Luke 23:42-43).
All others who have not asked Jesus to be their Savior will be separated from Him forever in the lake of fire.
John 14:6 is explicit: “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
The choice is yours to make: Jesus, and eternity in Heaven with Him. Or reject Jesus, and eternity in the lake of fire. Our Heavenly Father will not force anyone but allows us all to make our own mind up.
Today would not be too early to make your decision. Please remember, we are not guaranteed another day here. This is the most important decision you will ever make!
Shalom! May His Peace Be with You!