A SHORT time ago two worldly young fellows walked into the hot room at some Turkish baths, apparently for their first visit, for, after being in a few minutes, one of them exclaimed, “Whew, isn’t it hot? If it is much hotter than this down below we shall not last long.”
A dear Christian, who was lying unobserved at the far end of the somewhat dimly lighted room, said in a low voice, “Forever.”
Upon getting over their surprise at finding they were not alone, the young men laughed, and one said, “Ah, so they tell us.” Our friend again repeated those solemn words “Forever,” and reminded them that the same book which reveals the future of God’s people, and declares their existence is forever and ever, also makes known the eternity of the lost—in the lake of fire—and that forever and ever.
Yes, friends, the Word of God must ever abide. The world and its glory is but as the flower of the field which withereth away, “but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:2525But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25)). Life’s brief day will soon be over, the world and its changes left behind, but how tremendous are the issues of this our life.
Oh, dear reader, think of eternity and its unmeasured and unmeasurable ages, which we have all to spend. Sit down and face the fact, if you have never done so before. Close your ears to Satan’s lies, to men’s false reasoning, and ask yourself that solemn question— “Where shall I spend eternity?”
Oh, let me plead with you very solemnly and very affectionately. Do not let another night, another hour pass, but seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.
Now He sits as Saviour, and whosoever will may know Him as such; but He will shortly take His place as Judge. No mercy then, no salvation then—nothing but judgment, nothing but torment. No end to the wretchedness and sorrow of hell. But how different if you turn to Jesus now, and accept the great salvation which has been purchased at the cost of His own blood. Then there will be no end to your bliss, no termination to the songs of heaven, for “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psa. 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)).
E. S. B.