Acts 20:13-21

Paul condenses the Gospel message into one simple statement: “…the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.” It really is that simple—and yet, for many, that hard.

We have been placed in time that we might find our way back to Him, and we have our lifetime—however short or long—to do so. To understand the necessity, as Paul states, of repenting of our sins, turning to God, and placing our faith in the Lord Jesus, we must first understand God's original purpose for mankind and the subsequent fall of man. We were never meant to live under this world's system but rather under the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God.

Unfortunately, through the serpent's deception, Adam and Eve chose wrongly, subjecting humanity to Satan's rule. Thankfully, God sent Jesus to undo what Satan had done, but we must personally accept His sacrifice and switch camps, so to speak. Many people do not know the history and therefore do not understand their lost condition. God has placed the knowledge of right and wrong within our conscience, but the only answer to our fallen state is Jesus.

As Peter declared in Acts 4:12 (NLT):

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

There is salvation in no one else—period.

We were each created for so much more, but that untapped potential is found only in Christ. Satan and his minions are already condemned; judgment has been passed upon them. Yet until that final day, they are determined to take as many people with them as possible by whatever means they can.

The choice of allegiance belongs to each of us. We all serve someone. As I have heard it said, "When we die, the one we belong to comes to get us." That is a sobering thought.

So let me leave you with one simple question:

Who do you want to come get you when your life on earth is over?