The Unwilling Become Unable

Matthew 7:13-14: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12: And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

There is a time in the life of every individual who ends up in the Lake of Fire when he or she has finally and completely rejected Jesus Christ and eternal life. We mortal men do not know if or when others have crossed that line and frittered away their opportunity to obtain eternal life. God knows.

There is great joy for those who share the gospel with others when an individual responds to it, trusts Christ and demonstrates a changed life. But there is great sorrow when they share the gospel with those who reject it. We often wonder if that Christ rejecter has passed the point of no return. In all honesty, there are more of them who reject Christ than those who receive Him. Occasions when I have two or more opportunities to encourage someone to receive Christ are rare. And it is even more unusual when someone receives Christ at their second or third opportunity. It does happen but it is rare.

Romans 1:24a: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness . . .

Romans 1:26a: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: . . .

Romans 1:28a: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Whatever sin keeps individuals from Christ, the unforgiveable sin is rejecting Him, rejecting forgiveness and rejecting the life-changing gift of salvation. God does not give men over to their sin until they have finally and completely rejected His Son, the Lord Jesus. Only God knows when that rejection is complete and final.

Sadly, I have encountered many in my nursing home ministry who are near death, know they are near death and still refuse to receive Christ. I pray that they will have another opportunity, that they have not crossed that line of rejection for the last time. Some share with me that ministers and loved ones have shared the gospel with them in the past. I wonder how many times they have heard the gospel and rejected it. I wonder if God has given them up. Whenever you sense that Jesus wants to enter your heart and life, I encourage you to say yes to Him immediately.

Psalms 95:6-8: O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Hebrews 3:7, 15, 4:7: Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

If you have received Jesus but often refuse to serve Him you need to make serving Him a habit lest you refuse to serve Him once too often and never have another opportunity to do it, lest your life comes to an end after numerous missed opportunities. If you refuse to serve Him, why should He let you live any longer? Should He keep you alive to let you keep on sinning?

Care to discuss Unwilling Become Unable, The with Ron?

He'd also like to hear your prayer requests