Heaven’s gates swing on the hinges of grace.
Every generation has its list of dead villains sent to hell. Irredeemable souls are so bad that even loved ones would think twice before muttering, “Rest in peace,” out loud. There are others, equally as bad, but still drawing breath, who are instead staunchly defended as being “misunderstood.” Despite the mass graves and the social carnage, their supporters insist that they were God’s messengers of freedom; heroes destined to walk the “streets paved with gold.”
Therein, of course, lies the problem. It appears that it is only the very bad who get the condemnation treatment. Everybody else can rest assured that they have never caused God enough grief to lose any sleepover. Apparently, murder is the only sin likely to put a man in the queue to eternal hellfire, and violation of the rest of the commandments can be wiped clean during a quick deathbed confession.
The honest Christian seeks God’s outlook on the state of the soul. As hard as it is for us to accept that loved ones will perish, it must be faced.
Having to admit that you care more about an unbeliever’s soul than he himself does, is never easy. Yes, God is the ultimate Judge, but God has given us clear instructions as to how to please Him.
Note the straight talk of the Hebrew writer:
“And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb.11:6).
Love starts by accepting the truth. Acting as if a man is saved when he is not, is helping no one.
Love does all it can to snatch sinners out of the fire. What greater gift can a compassionate heart give than directions to the Saviour?
John Staiger
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