[07/06/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 06/02/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]
The pressure is on. It’s our only chance! It is a “Limited Time Offer!” It is presented as a “once in a lifetime” deal. We are caused to view the offer as “now or never”! Can we possibly pass it up? Is it too good to pass up? We can’t really afford it right now, but can we afford to pass up the offer? This may be our only chance! Should we go for it?
I don’t like that kind of sale pressure. When facing it, there have been many times I have walked away because I began to think there might be a reason the one presenting the deal didn’t really want me to give it further consideration; they wanted me to bite now! I don’t want to be left with buyer’s remorse.
Though we should not presume upon the patience of God (note Romans 2:4), the hope and salvation He offers is not made in all the terms above. However, there is an association with time.
The offer of cleansing from sin is based on a one-time event as noted by the writer of Hebrews where we read. . .
“(11) And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. (12) But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, (13) waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. (14) For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:11-14 ESV)
This offer is based on a continuing blessing.
“(11) But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) (12) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (13) For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, (14) how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:11-14 ESV)
Though Jesus was crucified about 2000 years ago, His blood still has power to continue cleansing and to adequately deal with our sins even today. Still, there is a sense in which the offer is for a limited time only. As the writer of Hebrews also stated. . .
“(27) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (28) so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV)
We do need to respond to the offer in this life. We have the opportunity today. We might have the opportunity tomorrow. We also might have the opportunity next month, next year, next decade, etc. However, we must remember we do not know what tomorrow might bring or even if there will be a tomorrow. (i.e. James 4:14) The acceptance of what God has offered to provide does need to be made now!
Have a great day EAGERLY ACCEPTING WHAT GOD OFFERS NOW!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
