Harsh, it seems. However, the warning is an act of enormous mercy during this time of grace. It is what we are called to do, both for believers and unbelievers alike. If we do not, the soul will not survive. The unrepentant will be given over to oblivion.
Given over to eternal separation and lasting suffering. So there is an urgency to this demand from Jesus because our time is short. By the certain and clear words of Jesus, those who do not repent will perish in God’s judgment.
So today, I spent time in Luke 16. This is where we are reminded of the rich man’s situation—having been in abundance and no felt need upon God. He neglected his standing before the Lord and those among him.
“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.
The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you, a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 16:19–31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
The evidence of repentance in a person’s life is what by the Spirit is doing within. If there is authentic repentance, that person is bearing fruit. It is the fruit of the Spirit that confirms a person’s standing. Through the word, ask for the faith that produces repentance for your enduring sanctification. Repent and put your faith in Christ so that you shall be saved.
