THE PROBLEM WITH ... 'LATER'

Scripture tells us of a touching, 'last-minute' conversion. 

Through intense pain and halting breath, a thief being crucified next to Christ uttered his final words ... Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (Luke 23:42)

Jesus assured him ... Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Although this story demonstrates that 'deathbed' conversions can happen, the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be seen as an urgent appeal to a lost and dying world. The Bible warns us not to put off the decision to trust Him as Savior. 

• No one knows how much time he has left. Death can come unexpectedly ... Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1)  

• The brevity of life on earth is to be considered ... It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)

• We are not to put our trust in a 'someday' conversion ... Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

• Do not take the grace of God for granted ... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

• John the Baptist announced Christ's arrival two thousand years ago, and prophecy says that He could return at any moment ... Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)

Eventually, time runs out and eternity begins ... for everyone. Then it will be too late to be reconciled to God. 

Spurgeon - I pray that you may feel something pressing you, something that makes you end your long delay, something that makes you feel, “I have no more time to waste; I cannot afford to loiter; I must be saved to-night; I must hear the distinct ticking of God’s great clock, that stands in the hall of grace, and always says, ‘Now; now; now; now; now;’ and never utters any other sound.” 

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. 
Go to Jesus now ... 

Lord, forgive me. I know that I am lost in sin and that I cannot save myself. I believe that you are the only begotten Son of God, that you bore my iniquity on Calvary's cross, and that the grave could not hold you. By faith, I receive the gift of salvation and surrender my life to your Lordship.

Rest for your soul ... what a blessing.