Whose deadline are you on?
Scripture Passage: Proverbs 29:1
In front of every unsaved person, there is a deadline. If we cross God’s deadline, it is too late. Proverbs 29:1 reveals: “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
There are three thoughts to draw from this passage, so that we may never know the pain of crossing God’s deadline.
God deals with sinners over and over again, convicting us in loving patience. He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and through situations we face. God also speaks through His believers and through Scripture.
But sometimes, when God convicts, we still rebel; Proverbs explains that a stiffened neck represents the refusal of God’s conviction.
Sometimes people harden their necks to the Gospel by procrastination.
Postponing salvation is detrimental for three reasons: If you wait until tomorrow, you’ll lose tonight; something worse may come tomorrow, or tomorrow may not come.
Another way people harden their necks is by pride.
Many are afraid of what other people will think if they confess their sins.
Adrian Rogers says, “When God judges your sin, He does not judge primarily by the outward sin committed, but by the inward light rejected.”
People also harden their necks because of worldly pleasures.
They are afraid to give their hearts to Jesus because they are afraid of what they will have to give up. They forget that the only things God asks us to give up are things that hurt us.
Adrian Rogers says, “If it’ll make you healthy, happy, holy and wholesome, God says, ‘Help yourself.’”
When man rebels against God’s convictions and reaches that deadline, he will face sudden destruction. His mind will be destroyed through strong delusion; because he has refused the truth, he will believe lies. His spirit will be destroyed through spiritual desertion; the Holy Spirit will withdraw Himself from a rebellious man. His body will be destroyed through sudden death; the remedy will no longer be available.
Then he will face a settled destiny. Once he has crossed God’s deadline, judgment begins; there is no turning back. Once he is in Hell, he is broken beyond repair. What a powerful reminder to come to Jesus while we can.
Apply it to your life
This is the day to be saved. It is the day to listen to God’s conviction, give up your stubborn rebellion and change your settled destiny before it’s too late.
