The world is changing and crisis grips the nations: hunger, homelessness, political uprisings, economic uncertainty, wars... and the ever present threat of terrorism. Where can we find hope in these uncertain times? Daily news reports focus our attention on global events which indicate a world in turmoil. But as distressing as all these events are, there is a crisis that is even more urgent: the fact that death awaits us all. When we die and leave the earth, we must all stand before God.
“It is appointed for men to die once and then the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Why judgment? God is holy and just, but man is sinful and morally bankrupt. Our sin makes us guilty before God. Have you disregarded God and worshiped other things such as people, things, and pleasure? Have you lied, dishonored parents, hated others (murder in your heart), lusted or practiced immoral sex (which is adultery)? How about envy, greed, selfishness, unthankfulness, self righteousness, or pride? This willful sin is the breaking of God's Law. It will hopelessly condemn men on Judgment Day. Where will your hope be then?
But in His kindness, God Himself provides the true hope for us through the death and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike ordinary men, Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. His death on the cross was the judgment and wrath of the Father that we deserve. He paid our debt in His blood, and justice for sin has been satisfied through Him. Then he rose from the dead, defeating death! The whole world stands hopeless and condemned in sin, but Jesus said, “He who hears my word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and does not come into judgment but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24) The Bible commands us to Repent and put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Cry out to God, confessing and forsaking your sins. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He is our hope.
