Dear editor:
When God created the universe and mankind, He instituted certain laws to govern how everything was to work together. God also imposed some laws on Himself. There are over 50 biblical references that prove this to be true, some of which are as follows:
1. God cannot ignore His creation. In 1 John 4:16 it tells us that "God is love." God is saturated with love and He cannot ignore His first love -- you and me. He loves even the vilest, filthiest and most degrading persons on earth, but He hates the sins they commit.
2. God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:17-19; Titus 1:2). If we believe the Bible is God's infallible Word, then we believe it is impossible for God to lie. Jesus told those who followed Him that He would always be with them (Matthew 28:20). But He will find it impossible to keep company with those who choose to reject Him.
3. God cannot allow sin to reign. Anyone who practices sin is a lawbreaker (1 John 3:4). The reward for sin is eternal damnation (Romans 6:23), and the only way you can escape the horrible destiny of hell is to make Jesus Christ central in your life (Acts 2:21).
4. God cannot provide any other way for sinners to be saved from going to hell. Jesus said He is the only way anyone can avoid going there (John 14:6). In His infinite mercy, God forgives us our sins through His Son's sacrifice on the cross. Those who refuse this offer are condemned already (John 3:36).
5. God cannot allow anyone into His kingdom because they perform some religious tasks. We are saved not by works, but through faith in Christ (Galatians 2:16). Only those who unselfishly and unashamedly do God's will can be regarded worthy. On the day of judgment, many will try to manipulate God by boasting on their works, but God will see through their false Christianity (Matthew 7:21-23).
6. God cannot force anyone to accept His salvation plan. Revelation 3:20 pictures Jesus standing and knocking at the door of your heart. The door latch is inside your heart and only you can open it to invite Him in. Jesus will continue to wait for the sinner to admit his/her sins, ask God to forgive and receive Jesus as Savior. However, there is a warning for those who are undecided --
7. God cannot hold His invitation open indefinitely! Hebrews 9:27 says everyone will die someday and there is nothing we can do about it. You may not have much time to live. Every minute you refuse God's invitation, you face eternity. Our soul does not die when our body dies, but will continue to exist either in heaven or hell.
Don't listen to that voice that tells you there is plenty of time to make your peace with God. That's the devil talking and he is the father of liars (John 8:33). God said that now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Where will you spend eternity?
Donald Cunningham
Hot Springs
Editorial on 08/19/2018