One morning while in an elevator of a business building, I met an acquaintance. Having been concerned about the salvation of his soul for some time, I seized the opportunity and handed him a gospel tract. It set forth man's lost condition and God's remedy.
My friend looked it over carefully, and then handed it back to me saying: "You can have all the heaven you want! Just give me earth.”
The remark so amazed and stunned me that I could not find words to answer him.
About the same time that this incident took place, another was being enacted many miles away. A preacher was telling his audience that this journey of life must end some day. Then he set forth the beauty and joy of heaven.
During the course of his sermon he asked his listeners how many of them wanted to go to heaven. Many indicated by raising hands or nodding assent.
There was, however, one elderly man who made no move or sign of any kind. After the service a kindly Christian went over to him. Mentioning that he had noticed he had made no sign when asked if he wished to go to heaven, he wondered if he had no such desire. To the astonishment of the questioner the reply quickly came: "Oh, Iowa is good enough for me!”
These two men, though separated by many miles and by occupation, had a common thought. One was a successful business man in a big city; and the other was a prosperous farmer in a rural community of the state of Iowa. Both became so well satisfied with the comforts of this life and their achievements that they were content for life to continue as it was. They enjoyed the things of earth. Neither wished to think about having to leave this world.
Both men, however, have now ended their earthly course. Shortly after the business man had refused to consider his destiny in the eternal future, he was taken ill very suddenly. On Wednesday he had apparently been in his usual health. He left his office at the regular time and went home. That evening after dinner, he and his wife went out. On returning home about 2 A.M., he complained of being ill. A doctor was called who pronounced his trouble "influenza." The following day he became unconscious and remained so most of the time until 2 A.M. on Sunday. Then without any apparent change spiritually—indeed, with no opportunity to reconsider his decision—he passed forever from this world which he had loved so dearly. Poor man! He died as he had lived—without God and without Christ.
The farmer likewise died shortly after he had said: "Iowa is good enough for me." We have no word nor indication that he first turned to God and found a Savior.
These two men are not alone in having such thoughts. Millions of people feel the same way, although all do not express their thoughts in these words. Many, like these men, would not be guilty of making foolish business deals, but display the greatest folly in connection with their souls and eternity. They know they MUST leave the world; and yet they make no preparation for this greatest of all journeys. They secure their property by every means; but they give not one thought to their never-dying souls.
Even if one acquired the wealth and pleasure of the whole world, yet dies unsaved, what a tremendous loser he is!
The answer is plain—he would lose ALL. He would leave everything he had gained on earth, and he would spend eternity in that awful outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Dear friend, when your time comes to leave this world, will you do so with joy, peace, and perfect assurance that you are going to heaven? Not by some complicated procedure is this satisfaction obtained. Simply come to God as a poor, hell-deserving sinner. Believe that His beloved Son died on the cross for your sins, that the Lord Jesus, the holy, sinless One, died and bore God's just wrath against sin in order that you might be saved. God, in His great love, gave Jesus; and Jesus, in His tender love, died that sinners who believe in Him should be saved.
Dear unsaved one, salvation and peace are yours if you will ONLY BELIEVE. Will you not "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved" today? Tomorrow may be too late for you!