“You need to have heart surgery.” The doctor looked the patient right in the eyes. I can just imagine how my dad felt when he heard these words. He looked into the kind but serious face of the heart specialist.
Likely a dozen thoughts ran through his mind in a moment or two: “Maybe it’s a mistake. Check the results again. Maybe there’s another way. I’ll lose some weight. I’ll take more vitamins. I’ll do something different. There’s got to be another way.”
The doctor’s voice was firm. “You need surgery; there’s no other way. Otherwise, you’ll die.”
This reminds me of the words of the Lord Jesus to the religious man in the third chapter of John in the Bible: You “must be born again.”
Over the years people have responded in different ways: “I’m different. I’ll just try to do a little better from now on.” Sorry. You “must be born again.”
Imagine the foolishness of my father if he had said, “I’ll just get a haircut. I’ll dress up a bit more. That’ll be enough. I think that’s all I need.” Imagine the frustration of the doctor at hearing such nonsense!
But in spiritual ways we can also be just as foolish. Here’s a common thought: “But maybe I could just help a few people, you know, love my neighbor just a little more. Maybe cut the grass for him, if it’s not too hot.” Sorry, you “must be born again.”
No, there’s no other way. It’s not a mistake; Jesus really did say that. He does know best. You “must be born again.”
Someone else may say, “I’ll go to church more often. I’ll be baptized again. I’ll be more sincere.” Sorry. Jesus said, You “must be born again.”
I would suggest to you that this business is worth looking into. My opinion and your opinion are not worth anything if they contradict what Jesus has said. We ought to pay attention to Him. He is like the specialist doctor; He knows what you need. He is the Savior.
What will you do about it? Make excuses? Face the facts?
My Dad had the heart surgery, and the surgeon saved his life. But you need a Savior who can save you from your sin and eternal judgment. Don’t wait! This is urgent business.