“For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31 (NIV)
Have you ever wondered if evil, suffering, and chaos in the world will ever end? People often ask, “Where is God in all of this?” Peter reminds us that God is not slow in keeping His promises but patiently gives people time to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
Jesus compared the end of the age to a farmer who sowed good seed, but the enemy sowed weeds among them. The harvest is the end, when God will separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 13:24-30).
Two major stories in the Bible illustrate God’s final judgment. First, Noah’s ark and the flood (Genesis 6–7). Peter explained that this event was both a picture of judgment and a symbol of salvation (1 Peter 3:20-21). Second, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot’s family (Genesis 18–19). Jesus said the end times would mirror both events, showing both God’s justice and mercy (Luke 17:26-30).
So why can’t everyone just go to heaven? After all, isn’t God good? He is also just (Isaiah 30:18). A good and just judge doesn’t ignore punishment even when the culprit is sorry or pleads for mercy; judgment still will be meted. So in His mercy, God, who is just, sent Jesus to die for our sins and make a way of escape from the judgment to come (John 3:16). Salvation is on God’s terms. He has appointed Jesus as both Saviour and Judge (Acts 10:42).
Now, we have the responsibility to share this truth to the world (Colossians 1:28). Like Noah, we are called to be messengers of righteousness—pointing people to the way out that Jesus has provided (2 Peter 2:5). We don’t earn salvation; we receive it by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Jesus did the work of Salvation for us, and He has given you the ministry of reconciliation. Just as Jesus assumed responsibility and took our place in death, we ought to get committed to helping others receive the life of Christ.
Picture someone joyfully dancing with headphones on close to a rail track, completely unaware of an approaching speeding train rushing toward them. You wave, shout, and try everything to warn them, but they would not hear you. If, despite your initial efforts, they still do not respond, you wouldn’t just stand by—you’d do everything in your power to pull them off the tracks and save their life. That’s what evangelism looks like—pointing people away from danger and toward the only One who saves.
It is God’s desire for all men to go to heaven; Jesus has opened the door. Now tell everyone about it.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 19-21; Mark 10.26 45