Eternity – What is Your Plan?
– Andrew Robertson, 1923-2009

In this world it seems there are plans for almost every kind of contingency in the circumstances of individuals and nations although it is very doubtful how many of these would actually succeed in the event they were ever needed and tried.

The reason for such doubt is that these plans (even with the best of intentions) all depend on human beings and their abilities and powers which, even at their greatest, are limited and, as we all know from history and experience, subject to failure.

The solemn and unavoidable fact is that the plans of individuals and nations fail because they depend on fallen creatures.

Now, dear reader, the situation is most serious since,

• if humanity cannot provide reliable plans for its own safety, protection and well-being here on earth during life's relatively short span,

• it becomes a much more vital question and consideration as to what it could do regarding the certainties which every human being must face in eternity.

Despite all that may be said to the contrary, it is God "with whom we have to do", Hebrews 4: 13.

We do well then to attend to what He says in the Holy Bible ignoring the vain mouthings of persons who in their sin and folly make bold

• either to deny the very existence of God (Psalm 14: 1)

• or arrogantly state that they will decide how He is to be approached.

The solemn truth is that individuals as such can do nothing but face the reality that,

• as the Bible says "It is the portion of men once to die, and after this judgment", Hebrews 9: 27.

• The Lord Jesus also said clearly that "No one comes to the Father unless by Me", John 14: 6.

There is, however, Good News over against all that has been truly and accurately stated before and that is that

• the Blessed God, recognising the fallen and lost condition of His creature, has moved from His own side to provide a wonderful Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,

• who came into a unique condition of perfect, holy humanity and moved in grace and tender compassion in the midst of those who were estranged from God by their sins and sinful nature.

Yet even such grace and compassion, as faithfully recorded in the four gospels in the Bible, were not enough in themselves to establish and secure the unchallengeable basis in righteousness upon which God could forgive and bless, now and eternally, all who in repentance would come to Him through Christ –

• that basis clearly required the shedding of the precious blood of Jesus at the cross of Calvary;

• as the Bible says "and without blood-shedding there is no remission" [ forgiveness of sins ], Hebrews 9: 22.

• The Blessed God "has not spared His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" – "even unto death, and that the death of the cross", Romans 8: 32; Philippians 2: 8.

It will, therefore, be readily understandable that He is by no means going to accept any unholy approach by His fallen creatures in their sins, ignorance and wilfulness; by persons ignoring the Saviour of God's providing, the efficacy of His precious blood and His availability to "save completely those who approach by Him to God", Hebrews 7: 25.

Truly, the plans of individuals and nations fail because they depend on themselves fallen men and women but God's plans succeed because they depend on "the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all", 1 Timothy 2: 6.

This is the Good News, this is the Gospel.

The work of redemption and salvation has been fully accomplished by Christ so that God is now free to make known through the gospel His purposes, thoughts and desires for your blessing both now and eternally.

You may, perhaps, think that you are different,

• but the Bible says "there is no difference; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God", Romans 3: 22,23.

• It also says "For this cause, even as by one man sin entered into the world, and by sin death; and thus death passed upon all men", Romans 5: 12.

You do well then to face the reality of the facts as God sees and states them and not according to what you might wish to believe as misled by the devil, Satan, of whose devices or thoughts we should not be ignorant.

You may ask, as did the jailor in Philippi, "What must I do that I may be saved?" and the same simple, yet true, answer remains

• "Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house", Acts 16: 30,31.

• The apostle Paul wrote that he was "not ashamed of the glad tidings; for it is God's power to salvation, to every one that believes", Romans 1: 16.

• The Lord Jesus Himself said "Repent and believe in the glad tidings", Mark 1:15.

Why would you not recognise your urgent need of a personal Saviour in the clear light of the truth and of the facts and turn to Him in simple faith and repentance?

God's present disposition is one of grace and readiness to forgive all who come to Him through Christ.

How wonderful amid the confusion, grave uncertainties and ominous clouds of this world to have your faith established in the One who has never failed the Lord Jesus Christ and into whose hand the Father "has given all things", John 3: 35.

You will discern, I am sure, that God's glorious plan of salvation is not only for the future eternity but also for the present time as the apostle Paul wrote:

• "our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, so that He should deliver us out of the present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father", Galatians 1: 3,4.

Do not look elsewhere, do not look for any other saviour because, as the Bible says,

• "And salvation is in none other", Acts 4: 12.

The Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven at the right hand of God (Acts 2: 33) awaiting the soon-coming moment when

• He shall descend to raise those who have died in Christ (believers)

• and take up together with them His saints (believers) who are alive on earth at that moment (1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18).

Meanwhile God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit "to those that obey Him" (Acts 5: 32) so that they may be empowered to walk here pleasing to Him and to the Lord Jesus, apart from the world system which "lies in the wicked one", 1 John 5: 19.

May what has been written affect your conscience and touch your heart,

• not only to read further in the Bible about God's wonderful thoughts in purpose even before the world was founded (Ephesians 1: 4)

• and the greatness and glory of the One who has brought all to pass, the Lord Jesus Christ,

• but that you yourself recognising your need for the forgiveness of sins may turn now in faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ to find in Him your own personal Saviour and Lord.

Do not put it off to some vague future day that may never come:

• "Behold, now is the well-accepted time; behold, now the day of salvation", 2 Corinthians 6: 2.

Andrew Robertson, U.S.A.