If-I-die-tonight! Can it be possible that at some moment I, too, must die? That time will still roll on, others be born to work and play, the sun and stars still shine, but I shall not be here? And if I die tonight, where will I spend eternity?
A divine voice from the Word of God answers: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:4646And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)).
Everlasting punishment for me? Can it be possible that I have lived here all these years, intensely busy with the cares, debts, moneymaking and pleasures surrounding me, and have left God out? Oh, how blind have I been?
I have given my youth, my talents, my thoughts and my ambitions for things that are only passing, and have neglected the most important thing of all— my soul's salvation! But if I had taken the time to find God, to love and serve Him— what then?
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)).
And I have neither hearkened nor believed! Oh, what a fool I am! If I were to die tonight, I would spend my eternity in hell! Again God's Word warns me. "Be not afraid of them that kill the body...Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him." (Luke 12:4,54And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But 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 12:4‑5)).
Oh, if only I had lived for God! Wasted youth, fruitless years— I wish I could recall them now. Is there no escape for me? Must I be lost forever? Am I too late to find God?
God's Son answers: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:2020Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)).
My poor wandering, lost, sin-sick friend, come to Jesus. He is waiting, His loving arms outstretched, His heart overflowing in love and pity— waiting, knocking, patiently standing at the door of your heart. Open to Him before He departs forever.
Will you do so, friend, right where you are? Will you pause in your hurry, for just one brief moment, close your eyes, and quietly surrender right where you are standing? God grant you will— for you may pass into eternity tonight!