Early one morning fire broke out in a house on a dark street. A policeman on duty sounded the alarm. Before the fire engines could get to the scene, however, flames were leaping high into the air. Suddenly a young man appeared at an upper window in his pajamas. Firemen quickly placed a ladder against the burning building. But to the consternation of all, the man refused to come down, shouting back that he had to get dressed first. The firemen pleaded, “Come as you are!” But to no avail. From below they tried to ascend the stairs, but were turned back as the wind fanned the flames into fury. When a rescuer tried to enter through a window, the heat and smoke forced him away. Suddenly the stairs gave way and the roof fell in. The man had waited too long and was buried beneath the ruins. *
How much GREATER tragedy awaits ALL who refuse to “flee from the wrath to come.” Our sins have placed US in a far more perilous situation – with JESUS as our ONLY ” fire escape.”
But many reject God’s provision of salvation and safety in Christ because they want to get “dressed up” in the clothes of self-righteousness or religion (Matthew 7:21). Others procrastinate thinking, “I have plenty of time to decide” (Acts 24:25). Some delay their response because of concern about what others might think (cp. John 12:42). Many simply do not understand the reality and danger of their predicament (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Others reject rescue attempts because they are clinging to material things which will soon be consumed (Matthew 6:19-21). Still others refuse to listen and trust the very ones who are warning them of DANGER (Matthew 23:37). Their delay could cost them their SOULS!
God will not allow the world to continue along on its present course indefinitely! “He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. And He has given assurance of this to ALL by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).
The alarm has sounded: “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).
But, Christ has come to the rescue! Delaying your response could have tragic consequences! Don’t delay! Come as you are! Come as you are, placing your trust in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of your sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38), AND committing the rest of your life to following Him (Colossians 2:6).
Please, just come as you are!
God bless you!
David A. Sargent creekwood@comcast.net