My paternal grandfather was an Anzac who fought in World War One. He often recited this ditty: “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; hold the horse till I get on.” It’s how I got to know the names and order of the Four Gospels long before becoming a Christian. That’s all I remember about an old soldier that my father softly spoke of as “A kind man”.
My grandfather surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus while on his deathbed — but not without a final struggle. “How can I give my life to God”, he questioned, “after rejecting him for so many years?”
It was only when my father assured him that salvation is possible to all only because Jesus died in our place and for our sins. At Death’s Door he accepted God’s forgiveness and then passed away from this life into God’s presence. Nothing he had done in life mattered. His confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus were what mattered.
“While there’s life there’s hope.” But why risk dying suddenly and unexpectedly in an accident or through an illness without having accepted God and so without hope of eternal life? Why face God without excuse, with no defense, and with no possibility of appeal?
As the words of the old hymn put it: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and Righteousness.” Later it says: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” Yes, even what seems like solid ground becomes ‘sinking sand’ in the last moment of life. In that Moment of Truth when no one or no thing thing in which you trusted can be of any help to you.
My grandfather actually died but my father prayed and for a short time he came back. Long enough to say the most important words that one can say in life. “God, please forgive my sins. I accept the Lord Jesus as my Saviour.” Then he was gone.
Will you now decide to surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ? Or will Death’s Door close on what might be your last opportunity?