I feel confident that we agree that the “Heaven can wait” mentality is endemic. And that even those who have a good number of ‘miles on the clock’ act as if the pearly gates are too far off to worry about.
What happened to the prophet’s cry: “Prepare to meet your God!”? (Amos 4:12). It appears to have been drowned out by the irrational assurances of deathbed repentance. Not only is this irrational, but it is also dangerous. For it is doubtful that a heart set on putting God off in this life is going to suddenly glorify Him seconds before meeting Him.
The God who has put eternity in the hearts of all (Ecclesiastes 3:11) expects all seek to its path. Jesus, having made himself the exclusive way to the Father (John 14:6), promises to return without notice (Matthew 24:44); this calls for a spirit of urgency—
“God says, “I heard you at the right time, and I gave you help on the day of salvation.” I tell you that the “right time” is now. The “day of salvation” is now” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
The apostle Paul believed his days left on this earth were few (2 Timothy 4:6-7). He was not afraid of death; in it, he was reaching his goal. He knew what was awaiting him. Having had his ambitions set on being with the Lord for all eternity, every fibre of his being longed for Jesus’ return.
However, what awaited him, he insists, was not for him alone, but for all who have set their affections on Jesus’ Second Coming. Praise the Lord!
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8).
John Staiger
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