Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Hebrews 9:27–28
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Devotional
The sermon ended with a sober warning: you do not have forever. There is coming a day “when no man can work”—when your chances to repent, believe, and serve will be over. After death, you will meet Jesus either as your Judge or as your King and Savior.
If you wait until you die to decide about Christ, there is no second chance. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” On that day, your church attendance, your “good deeds,” your reputation will not be your defense. Only one thing will matter: Did you repent of your sin and trust Jesus Christ alone as your Savior and Lord?
For those who are in Christ, death is not a disaster but a gain. The pastor said: being killed in the service of Christ and ushered into His arms is not punishment—it is promotion. But that promise belongs only to those who have truly come to Him in faith. “Now is the accepted time…now is the day of salvation.”
If you are not saved, the first and greatest act of “service” is to surrender to the King. If you are saved, the urgency remains: there are others who have not yet decided, and tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Reflection
Prayer
If you are not sure you are saved, you can pray something like this (the words themselves do not save you—Christ does, as you truly repent and believe):
Lord, I know I am a sinner and that I deserve judgment. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. I turn from my sin and trust in Jesus alone to save me. I receive Him as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, make me Your child, and help me to live in Your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you are saved:
Lord, thank You that Christ bore my judgment on the cross. Thank You that I will meet Him as my Savior and King, not as my Judge. Give me a fresh sense of urgency for lost souls. Use me as Your servant to warn, to love, and to point others to Jesus while there is still time. In His name, Amen.
Action