Pastor's Corner: Three eternal mistakes

Many people reject the thought of a soul spending eternity in hell. Many churches consider the thought old-fashioned and too offensive. Many say God is too loving to banish people to such an awful place for eternity. God's love does not negate His justice, His righteousness or His holiness.

God's love has provided a way of escape. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life." To reject or to try and revise the biblical doctrine of hell carries eternal consequences.

Felix made an eternal mistake. In Acts 24:24-25 Felix procrastinated. He heard Paul preach about Jesus Christ and righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. Felix trembled and said, "At a more convenient time I will listen to you."

Agrippa made an eternal mistake. In Acts 26:28 he almost was persuaded to become a Christian. Agrippa was saying, "I'm not quite ready."

Festus made an eternal mistake. In Acts 26:24 Festus yelled at Paul and called him a mad man. Festus was calling Paul angry and out of control.

Those men that I mentioned (Felix, Agrippa, Festus) made three eternal mistakes. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says, "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." The Bible says, "Today if you hear his voice, harden not your heart." God gives the sinner many opportunities to come to Christ. Do not linger and do not procrastinate. Come to Christ while the door of mercy is still open.

Mankind will spend eternity in heaven or in hell. The choice is ours. Man's denial and rejection of eternal punishment does not change or alter the biblical view of hell one iota.

The love and mercy of God can save the fallen. Many have come to Christ with their crushed lives and he has saved and given them eternal life. No more procrastinating, give your life to God.