Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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“He 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).

Have you ever thought about what allows a person to live eternally with God, and why some will spend eternity in hell? There is a very simple answer. It almost seems too simple. Any Christian should know the answer to this, but with all of the false teaching around many people get confused. Do you think a person will spend eternity in hell because they sin?

No, there won’t be one single person in hell because they were sinners here on earth. A person will be in hell because of their rejection of the remedy that God provided to take away their sin. Jesus Christ paid the price and gave us a free gift. If you do not accept that gift then you have made your choice. All human beings, both Christians and non-Christians, are sinners and whether or not you want to admit it that’s just the simple truth. Yep, we’re all a bunch of sinners. The only reason some of us avoid hell is because we have said yes to God’s remedy. There is no other way.

Jesus the Christ is God’s only remedy, which will fully deflect our punishment. His only begotten Son paid the price for all of our sins past, present, and future.

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

The “Man” referred to in this passage is, of course, Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is the full payment for the sin of this world there is no other sacrifice available for forgiveness of sins. If you sin or should I say, when you sin, there is nothing you can do to make that right. You cannot do any works that will take that sin away. You cannot deny yourself food, you cannot say prewritten prayers, you cannot ascend a flight of stairs on your knees, nor can you go to a mere human to be absolved from your sin. There is nothing you can do to take that sin away. There is no other sacrifice than Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection that takes sin away. A person does not go to hell because of sin. Rejection of Jesus Christ is the reason for multitudes spending eternity in hell.

Why reject the truth? Why reject something God made so easy to accept? Stubborn pride, self-will, believing lies instead of truth, and thinking that you are a good person who doesn’t need a Savior are just a few excuses. So many want to complicate what Jesus did, but the truth is, accepting His sacrifice is easy for us, but what Jesus accomplished on that cross was far from easy for Him.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

Too often we focus on only one aspect of Jesus’ character. Either we see Him as just a man and forget that He was also fully God, or we see Him as God and forget that He became human. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His arrest, He knew what He was about to face. Not only would He suffer pain and humiliation by the hands of His human tormentors, He would be standing in our place.

This means He bore our sins and for the first time He would be separated from God the Father.

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

The pain would pass, but the separation from God the Father was what He asked God to let pass from Him. Because we live sinful lives and every day we need to ask forgiveness we get used to this feeling of separation. We cannot possibly imagine how forsaken Christ felt as He hung on that cross, separated from God the Father, when He became sin in our stead.

There is no other sacrifice for sin. Jesus asked that God the Father would allow the cup to pass from Him if there was another way. But the cup did not pass from Him. There is no animal sacrifice that can take sin away, nor can praying while counting beads, or fasting, or anything that we try to do instead of accepting Christ’s free gift.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

That makes it very clear. There is no other way of salvation but through our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Those who reject Jesus will remain unforgiven. When they die they will be sinners in hell. At that point there is no turning back.

In the verse from Matthew 26:39 above, we can hear the anguish of Jesus. He knew what was coming and His human nature wanted the company and support of His closest friends. He had asked Peter, James, and John to be with Him.

“Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).

Although it was Christ’s passion to die for His creation, He knew what He was facing. He wanted the support of His friends. We get an even clearer understanding of His agony from Luke:

“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44).

There was nothing easy about what He was about to face. Accepting His free gift of salvation may seem easy for us, but for Jesus there was nothing easy concerning what was involved in what He accomplished on that cross. It wasn’t the nails that held Him there; it was only His love for His creation that held Him on that cross until death.

We all sin, but those who have accepted Christ as their Savior, are forgiven. John wrote to fellow Christians:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

This is not a license to sin. Paul makes it clear that our faith in Christ should make us not want to sin:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)

Our desire needs to be to remove sin from our life. Christians do sin but when we ask forgiveness, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. But we should hate sin in all its forms – thoughts, words, and deeds – and take no pleasure in it. As we draw nearer to Jesus, our desire for sin will diminish.

Many people who reject Christ just don’t understand the eternal consequences of their choice. Hell is temporary, but the judgment on sin is eternal. You don’t just cease to exist when you die and the torment you will feel is eternal. In Luke chapter 16 we read of an incident that Jesus told of a rich man who died and found himself in Hell. Before the cross there were two sides to Hell (also known as Sheol). There was the place where the faithful went, commonly known as Abraham’s Bosom. After Christ’s resurrection the faithful went with Him to Heaven. There is also the torment side where those who are not faithful go. It still exists and will be emptied at the White Throne Judgment.

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:23-24).

That doesn’t sound like a place anyone would choose to be. But it gets worse. When the final judgment comes at the Great White Throne Judgment, each person who does not have their name written in the Book of Life will be judged according to their works. Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good. In fact, it is worse than we can imagine.

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

This punishment will be forever. This lake of fire is also the final destiny for the devil, the beast, and the false prophet “…and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10b).

“But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:5).

Who is it that has the power to cast a person into hell? It is true that Satan and his minions try their best to keep humans from accepting Christ, but he has no power of judgment. Only God will judge and His judgment is completely fair. He has told us in no uncertain terms what sin is and the penalty of sin. He has had mercy on us and has shown perfect love when He stepped into His creation to die on that cross for our salvation. He only asks us to believe.

So, what can we do? Yes there are sinners in hell, but their sin didn’t send them there. It was their choice to reject Christ’s sacrifice and it was that choice by which they condemned themselves to hell. What about today on this earth? Everyone sins whether we have accepted Christ’s free gift or not. The difference is that Christians have accepted God’s free gift…the only way for sin to be forgiven.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Only believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can take sin away. Do you know someone who has not accepted this free gift? Today is when you need to talk with them. What about you? Do you have any doubts about your salvation? Will you be one of those unforgiven sinners in hell who rejected Christ?

Time is running out. Will the Rapture happen leaving you behind? Perhaps you will have an unexpected heart attack. If you or a loved one dies before accepting Christ, you will be one more sinner in hell. Don’t let that happen. Commit yourself to Jesus and talk to your friends and family now…tomorrow may be too late.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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Without a doubt, prayer should be an important part of any believer’s life and we know that God is always with us and hears whatever we say or think. When we pray we talk directly with our Lord. King David is an example of a man who prayed about everything.

“A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips” (Psalm 17:1).

David always prayed from his heart with an attitude of reverence to God in every prayer he uttered. David knew that God was listening.

We first see David’s confidence in his relationship with God when Israel’s army under the leadership of King Saul—was intimidated by the Philistine army—mostly they were intimidated by the Philistine champion, Goliath. Now Goliath was a sight to behold and huge by any reckoning. He was at least 9 feet tall and his weapons of war reflected his gigantic size. David had taken food to his brothers who were in the army and heard the threats of Goliath toward the army of Israel. David took this as an affront to God and he was offended. David volunteered to fight this Philistine giant and told King Saul:

“Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:36).

Today, our Lord is mocked by the heathens of this world, but how many of us are willing to fight for Him? If Christians had the same love and zeal for God today as David did all those years ago, perhaps we would win more spiritual battles against the enemy

“David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee” (1 Samuel 17:37).

David didn’t take credit for his victories over the lion and the bear, but acknowledged that it was God who had delivered him from these wild creatures.

We know the outcome of that battle. Goliath, who had confidence in his own stature and armor was out matched by David who had confidence in the Lord.

“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).

David was armed only with a slingshot and used one stone to fell the giant. He then used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head.

“Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled ” (1 Samuel 17:51).

The battle was won that day because one young man armed with confidence in the Lord did not back down. His relationship with God gave him the confidence he needed to defeat a lion, a bear, and a giant. David’s example shows us that when we face our own giants, our confidence needs to be in the Lord.

We know that David’s was a man of war, but he loved God and was known as a man after God’s own heart. David was the son of Jesse, son of Obed, son of Boaz. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth, and a picture type of Jesus. In spite of that, David was a sinner. His sins should make us cringe. David lusted after another man’s wife, got her pregnant, and then he made sure the woman’s husband was killed in battle. We would call that murder today.

Under Jewish Law David should have been stoned to death. David wasn’t stoned, but he did suffer punishment. God told the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin. Nathan told David a story of a poor man who only had one little lamb that was loved and nurtured by the man’s family. One day a rich man, who had a large flock of his own, had a visitor. Instead of killing one of his own sheep to feed the visitor, he took the one little lamb owned by the poor man. The injustice of this enraged David:

“And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:5).

Like David, it is easy to see someone else’s sin and overlook our own. When Nathan told David the rich man in the story was him and the poor man was Uriah and the lamb was Bathsheba, David was convicted of his sin. Unlike recent US presidents who use their office for their own pleasure, David did not feel he was above the law.

“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13).

The result of this sordid affair was that David became a broken man before the Lord. David acknowledged his sin and was deeply repentant. Out of David’s brokenness he wrote:

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).

God put away David’s sin, and he was restored to favor again in God’s eyes, but David asked for His mercy.

“Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:2-3).

David didn’t justify his actions.

“Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight” (Psalm 51:4a).

David recognized that he had sinned against God and made no excuses for his behavior. Yes, his sin caused harm to people. Uriah was dead and Bathsheba committed adultery, but David sinned against God.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12).

The Psalm goes on and David’s brokenness before the Lord is clear. As Christians, are we broken before Christ over our sins? Is it our prayer that He: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me, or do we try to cover up and justify our sins, never humbling ourselves before Christ and asking forgiveness? David has given us an example of brokenness before God and we should take heed.

“And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth” (2 Samuel 12:15-16).

David grieved and prayed that God would not let his son die, but he did die. David’s reaction was not anger towards the Lord for not answering his prayer the way he wanted God to answer.

“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat” (2 Samuel 12:20).

He got up, made himself presentable before the Lord, “…and worshipped.” He didn’t blame God for the child’s death nor did he blame the doctors, Bathsheba or anyone. He worshipped. When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we think He should, do we worship Him? Just as David did, a Christian should always worship God.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Many of the psalms were written as prayers and praises to God. We all know the 23rd Psalm and can feel the comfort of our Great Shepherd in its words:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2).

I cannot read those words without feeling peaceful. David had been a shepherd and understood the shepherd’s care over his sheep, and how the sheep depend upon him. King David also saw God’s glory all around him. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we need to depend upon Him. David also wrote:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1).

He knew that God created all things and was not shy about declaring that fact. Many people today deny God’s handiwork by accepting the lie of evolution. David didn’t. This fact is confirmed in the Gospel of John:

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). David declared it, and so should Christians today.

On the other hand, David also cried out to the Lord in times of distress. When his son Absalom wanted to kill him, David cried out:

“LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalm 3:1-2)

His distress was great, but he turned in prayer and song to the Lord.

“I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:4).

God always hears the prayers of His children. From King David right on down to you and me, God hears our prayers.

At times David faced great persecution from friends and family. King Saul wanted to kill him as did his own son Absalom. During a time of persecution, David’s anger at his situation is recorded.

“For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue” (Psalm 109:2).

Do you ever feel as if lies are being spread about you? David did and he took it to God.

“For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer” (Psalm 109:4).

David took the problem to God…but he didn’t ask for mercy upon his enemy!

“Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin” (Psalm 109:6-7).

David felt no mercy and didn’t want God to show mercy, either.

“Let his days be few; and let another take his office. Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places” (Psalm 109:8-10).

This Psalm is filled with raw emotion and anger from David, but he is crying out honestly to God. He does not pray for any mercy upon this person or his family, but the cry from his heart changes to his own need from God.

“But do thou for me, O GOD, the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me” (Psalm 109:21-22).

David finishes this psalm by saying:

“I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul” (Psalm 109:30-31).

David knew that he could honestly take any problem to God. So can we.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

The Psalms, which King David wrote came from deep within him. They were praises to God, supplications, prophecy, and repentance. David’s example of continuous fellowship with God should encourage us in our own walk. As Christians we too, can take everything to God. Whether we are filled with the joy of our salvation or in awe of His creation, angry with an enemy or repentant over our own failures and sin, God wants us to talk with Him. He will always listen.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

On the other hand we also need to listen for His voice. He talks to us too.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham