There's Still Time To Obey The Lord

Marcus Tullius Cicero, an orator and statesman of ancient Rome once said, “While there’s life, there’s hope” (source). As Christians, we have the promise and hope of eternal life, because the risen Christ lives (1 Corinthians 15:19-22). There are some things in this life, however, that are irreversible, and any hope for change is forever gone. A person may destroy his health by drinking, drugs and immoral living. He may contact a deadly disease such as AIDS so that it becomes too late to live a productive, healthy life because irreparable damage has been done. By immoral living, a person may hurt others so much, that affection and trust are hopelessly destroyed. We see that Paul clearly argues for a time when the hardness of heart will prohibit truth’s effective pricking (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

In 1 Timothy 4:2, Paul employs a figure of a "hot iron" that destroys nerve sensitivity. The conscience can become so seared, that the heart cannot be touched. There are times when we as Christians must make some judgment about the receptiveness of a man’s heart based on his speech and conduct, lest we waste precious time on those who have no interest in God’s truth. However, we should always be ready for every opportunity to teach God’s word. From man’s perspective, “While there’s life, there’s hope.”

Our benevolent Creator does not want any man to be lost (2 Peter 3:9), and gives him every conceivable opportunity to respond to His mercy and grace. And, if we look at life from God’s perspective, we will appreciate and use opportunities to obey. However, one should never operate on the assumption that tomorrow will come (James 4:13-14). Which of us knows when the thief will come? (Matthew 24:42-44). Which of us knows when we shall meet death’s appointment? (Hebrews 9:27).

If we view our lost condition as hopeless, because we think that our sins are so terrible that God will not forgive, then we have missed the point about God’s mercy and grace (Luke 18:13; Hebrews 4:16). If God could forgive Paul, as a "murderer" and "blasphemer" (Acts 7:58; Acts 8:1; Acts 22:1-16; 1 Timothy 1:12-16), He can forgive any man (1 John 1:7,9). Are you a murderer or a blasphemer? As long as your heart can be “pricked” (Acts 2:37 KJV), you can have remission of and be cleansed from your sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 ).

Dear reader, consider this. While you are alive on this earth, there’s hope, because there is still time to obey the will of the Lord. But the clock is ticking. If you haven’t already, won’t you please consider God’s gift of time to you, and obey His truth today? (cf. Acts 8:26-39; Acts 22:1-16). And, as the Ethiopian eunuch, you can go on your way “rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets