The Urgency

Many people today, young and old alike, are perishing because they do not know Christ. They have never made a personal commitment of their life to Christ or even felt the need to do so. It is sad to think of the number of lost people going into eternity everyday. People separated forever from the love and forgiveness available in Christ who will one day learn too late what surrounded them on a daily basis.

In spite of these truths, some Christians might ask, why is there such an urgency to win the lost? A few may even deny their responsibility to win the lost. After all, God will get His Chosen. But that makes as much sense as standing by watching people on a sinking ship drown without trying to help them. On the other hand, the unsaved may think there is time to come to Christ later in life after doing their thing or building their future. But the Bible shows a real danger and deception in such thinking.

There is an urgency to win the world to Christ because THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD ARE IN THE SAME BOAT. Romans 3:10 says, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The inclusion clause here is critical for man to understand. Satan has, does and will make every effort to deceive man, be he lost or saved, with the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. Satan does not mind if you are religious; many in his camp are religious. But he is deeply concerned even fearful if you to have a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He will wage battle against you at all costs. Satan wants all to perish. He hates everything bearing the image of God. The only difference is that the Christian should be knowledgeable of his tactics while the lost person is blinded and deceived by them.

Second, there is urgency because THE BOAT IN WHICH THE WORLD FINDS ITSELF IS SINKING. Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The boat has been riddled with the bullet holes of sin. To remain in the boat means to perish. Man is drowning in his trespasses and sins. Jesus says in John 8:24: I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins. Trusting in religion, good works, philosophy or living a moral life to get you to heaven is only bailing water out of a boat destined to sink. Do you imagine the people who perished on the Titanic were bailing water out of the boat in an attempt to save it? It never crossed their mind. They needed a deliverer!

Third, there is urgency because ONLY ONE WAY EXISTS OUT OF THE BOAT. The Apostle Peter said: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The Apostle Paul said, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ said, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. This way is the narrow way and not the broad way, which leads many to eternal destruction. Therefore, there is urgency to lead others to the Life Boat of safety found in Christ while there is still time.

Finally, there is urgency because THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THE BOAT WILL BE AFLOAT TOMORROW. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Do not take chances with eternity! A sinking boat is going to sink. It is just a matter of time. It is appointed unto to man once to die and then the judgment. The Apostle Paul says in Second Corinthians 6:2: For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation. Paul is saying today is the day of salvation. Today is the best day for the lost to get out of the boat! Step out on the waters of faith and become the life preserver others need. Spend today leading others to safety in Jesus.