I'll Take My Chance for Eternity

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
"Come along, Uncle George, and hear the gospel tonight. There's a soldier who went through the South African war to speak, and you'll hear something to do you good for time and eternity." The speaker was a fine, stalwart young fisherman, who had just been converted to God, and, like all the royal family of heaven, he wanted to see his friends and kindred saved and happy too. But "Uncle George" had no desire to hear of things eternal. Long continuance in sin, and several narrow escapes from a watery grave, had hardened the aged fisherman against God and His gospel.
Looking up to his nephew, who stood awaiting his answer, the old man said in a determined tone.
"I'll go to no such place, Johnnie, my boy, and, I'll take my chance for eternity."
Further remonstrance and invitation drew forth a torrent of angry words; so the young fisherman had to go, heart-sore at his uncle's indifference to the things of God.
Three nights after that the aged fisherman dropped down dead in the saloon, and was ushered suddenly and without God into that eternity he had spoken of so lightly.
Reader, do not trifle with God or mock His word. There is no "chance" at the close of a Christless life. So surely as God has said "The wicked shall be turned into hell" (Psa. 4:17), He will do it.
Equally sure is the salvation of the sinner who comes to God, reposing in the merits of the atoning death of Jesus Christ as his only plea for salvation. As the damnation of the unpardoned, unbelieving sinner is sure (John 3:1818He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)), so is the present salvation and the eternal glory of the sinner who believes in Christ (John 3:16, 3616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)). On which side do you stand? Are you a Christ-acceptor or a Christ-rejector? There is no middle class, nothing between heaven and hell.
The world is full of people today, those who, if asked the question "Are you saved?" will immediately give the answer "I hope so." If you ask them if they are going to heaven, you have the same words, "I hope so."
But if examined as to their hope, it is not a hope of any value, being founded entirely on their own feelings, their own ideas, leaving the work of Christ for them on Calvary out of their calculations.
And many persons who are really desirous of knowing Jesus as their own personal Savior, consider it really presumption to say "I am a sinner saved by grace," forgetting the Bible teaching, which declares,
Reader, do not shelter yourself any longer under the words, "I hope so," but ask the Lord Jesus Himself to give you the assurance of His pardoning love in your own heart and conscience.
He is waiting to do this for everyone who, believing they are sinners in God's sight, come unto Him for salvation and for peace.
God says, Come! Take! Without money—without price.