Condemnation by Choice?

John 3:17-21

Message No. 0738 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

Many years ago, I watched a gospel movie about the bondage that people put themselves into by the choices they make. Two people sold their souls to the devil by entering into agreement with ritualists for quick riches. Until they got deep into the game, they did not know that it would demand them to make incredibly painful decisions, especially regarding their families. As they sought ways out of the troubles, each solution required them to make choices that would take them even deeper into devilish practices.

Eventually, one of the two got saved and delivered from the bondage, but the other refused, insisting that he had gone too far now, and it would make no sense to turn back. Many attempts were made to make him realize that he could be delivered, but he had done irreparable damage to his family and could not forgive himself, let alone accept the forgiveness of God. He lost it all in the disastrous end to his life.

How deeply have you gone into sin? Do you believe that you’re beyond redemption? Rather than consider your ways and surrender to the only Savior, is something pushing you even deeper? Are you being constantly deceived that there are better days ahead, providing you remain in your current state? Please consider the story above and surrender your life to the only Deliverer, while the chance remains.

One man who almost lost the chance to live was a member of Charles Spurgeon’s church. According to Spurgeon’s own writing, he had been convicted of fraud and was on the death row. The king had pardoned him after many pleadings, and had signed a letter to this effect, but an officer had negligently put the letter aside, until someone discovered that the letter hadn’t reached the prison authorities, and a man named Dr. Rippon ran to meet the king to obtain a copy of the letter. By the time he got to the prison, the condemned man was already in line to be executed. He had been pardoned many days before, but he was still going to be executed, except for the quick intervention of Rippon.

The condemned prisoner above was guilty of an earthly crime and executing him would have fulfilled the requirement of the law. In contrast, anyone who refused to accept Christ is condemned, but dying here on earth does not fulfill the requirement of God’s Laws. Rather, dying on earth without Christ is just a requirement to begin the unending serving of the punishment for rejecting the salvation offered by God. No one can escape this punishment.

In John chapter 3, verses 17-18, the Bible says:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

An earthly king might be able to forgive a condemned criminal, but only God can forgive sins, and only man can choose to be condemned, by choosing to reject the offer of salvation. Which way have you chosen? If you surrender your life today, you will receive instant pardon, and no officer can be negligent with your pardon. On the other hand, if you decide to not surrender your life, your condemnation will be permanently, and no Rippon can plead on your behalf. God is very merciful, and He is extending the free gift of salvation to everyone today. What will your choice be?

PLEASE ACT NOW:

If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:

Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!

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