Jesus said:
“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. – Matthew 24:37-39
“Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” – Luke 17:30
It is easy to see how the world we live in today is much like it was “in the days of Noah”. More and more we see the godless scoff at God and his Word. In this twisted and backwards world, that which has been declared evil by God is now called “good” and that which God calls good is declared to be “evil”. (Isaiah 5:20) And those of us that know God and consider his Word to be the ultimate source of authority are considered “hateful” and “intolerant” – all the while we are the very ones being hated and intolerated.
The Bible says that Noah was a “righteous man”. Clearly he was not sinless, since no man is – but his faith in God provided him with righteousness. Before Jesus came and became the sinless sacrifice for all of our sins, it was faith that God would one day provide this Savior that provided righteousness. Once Jesus’ death and resurrection was complete, God declared that our righteousness could come only through the blood of Jesus.
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:22-24
Bible prophecy is coming together before our very eyes and every day is one day closer to Christ’s victorious return. When he does return, each of us will be faced with the consequence of our response to his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Those of us that acknowledged our sin and turned to Jesus as the only way to be in eternity with God will ride off into the sunset with our Savior and King. Those that refused his free gift of salvation and went about doing things another way will be faced with eternal regret.
Just think about this. If there was another way for us to be cleansed of our guilt. If there was any other price that would have covered our sin debt. If there was a list of things we could accomplish on our own to make us righteous in God’s sight. If any of that were true, then Jesus would not have had to suffer and die.
There’s an old saying that applies here more than anywhere. “I hate to say ‘I told you so’.” Although I look forward to Christ’s return with great anticipation. Although I cannot wait for the day he spoke of when “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:9-11) I will truly be sad in that moment to look upon the droves of people that thought I was wrong to be so exclusive with salvation and think, “I hate to say ‘I told you so’.”
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:2
Today is the day of salvation! Now is the time to turn to Jesus! Acknowledge that you’re a sinner. (We all are.) Realize that there’s nothing you can ever do on your own to make up for your sinfulness before the Holy God. (No one will ever do enough good in God’s sight.) And ask Jesus to come in to your life. To be your Savior and Lord. Do not delay!
And if you are someone that once acknowledged Christ as your Savior but have somehow come to a place where the life you’re living isn’t lining up with God’s Word, repent now! You must recognize sin for what it is. You must feel sorrow over your sinful choices and turn away from them. Jesus did not die to free you from your sins only to have you choose to continue to live in them.