Are you walking dead, deep in sin, too far gone for God to care? How sinful can one be – and yet be forgiven by God?
1. The Apostle Paul, called Saul before finding Christ: hunted-down, killed and tortured Christians. God forgave him.
2. King David, before seeking forgiveness of God: sent his general to the front lines to die so David could then take the man’s wife. He murdered and lived in fornication before seeking God. God forgave him. David wrote many of the Psalms in the Old Testament! It was said of David, by God, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” (Acts 13:22)
3. The thief on the cross next to Jesus on the cross: was condemned to death by the Romans for being a thief, but he repented and acknowledged Jesus as Lord. God forgave him. Jesus Himself said to that thief, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
4. Rahab was a hooker, selling herself to men for sex. God forgave her, and she was in the lineage of Christ!
5. Matthew (Matthew 9:9) was a tax collector stealing and extorting and swindling the common folk. God forgave him. Matthew became one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and eventually wrote the Bible book of Matthew!
6. John Newton,1 former slave trader who said, “What a wretched life I lived.” After a wretched life and life as a slave trader, Newton repented. He went on to influence the British politician Wilberforce who was instrumental in the abolition of slavery in England. As he lay dying, Newton said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior.” God forgave him.2
7. Me. I was…. God forgave me.
Is it ever too late to turn to Jesus for forgiveness?
No/Yes.
NO
it’s not too late: Now is the time. Accept Him now before it is too late. There is no sin, no lifetime of sin – which God cannot deal with. God can forgive you.
YES
it is too late: Tomorrow may never come for you. There is not a chance in hell for forgiveness after life on earth is over and we’re on the other side. 3
Hebrews 9:27
… it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment
FOR MORE:
Tomorrow may never come for you. Are you ready for that? Are you too far gone for God to care? Jesus showed that He cares. Jesus saves sinners. He saved me. You can come to Him.
__________
The story behind the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. flv Lyrics
Story Behind “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus“
Listen to audio: Because He lives I can face tomorrow
It Is Well – The Tragic Story Behind the Hymn
Believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One
God forgives all wrongdoings of all repentant sinners, no exception
God takes care of sinners…Jesus saves sinners
Prepare Your Eternity with great fear and trepidation…You can come to Him
I just want to go to Hell – don’t you? Satire
Choosing God’s greater wealth rather than passing pleasures
What we will be like in God’s Home Heaven Excerpt: We will see better times – and be forever young, living in incorruptible, immortal bodies – like Jesus. At death – we put on immortality. Some sweet day!
Oh immeasurable joy of arrival
Interesting the way Hell will be eternal Excerpt: We see in 1 John 2:17 that it is in Heaven where one lives forever – not Hell. Hell is a “forever dead” space – because it is God Damned. Hell will continue the “lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]” — but never ever reaching fulfillment… whatsoever.
There, in Hell,
you walk dead.
Can being in a place
“devoid of God’s goodness”
be called “living”?!
What are the odds of you going to Hell?
Hell is my last choice, last on my list, not what I really want
Trying God’s patience too long
Are you ready to meet your Maker?…Are you ready for that?
Yes I can – I can stand strong
In Christ I am a strong person
Quick Quiz – Jesus said which of the following quotes?
Footnotes
- John Newton’s song Amazing Grace. The Story Behind the Song… “What a wretched life I lived….” -John Newton, author of Amazing Grace.
- John Newton’s song Amazing Grace. The Story Behind the Song… “What a wretched life I lived….” -John Newton, author of Amazing Grace.
- When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, on YouTube, by Johnny Cash. See lyrics. “…Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there….”
Leave a Reply