Marked For Destruction

Good News – April 2013 – Grace & Truth Magazine

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

There is a law in a certain city that all buildings on the main roads must be constructed of concrete and have at least two stories. Recently, the authorities told those whose buildings did not meet the new standards that they had to reconstruct. And they marked them with a large, red X.

Some owners started reconstruction right away while others did nothing. Some painted over the red X and planted flowers so that they looked better. They hoped that all would be well. As time passed, many thought that the destruction would never come.

But one day without notice the government sent large bulldozers to destroy all the buildings that had been marked with the red X. All those who had rebuilt were safe. But those who had only planted flowers, painted and made minor improvements were destroyed.

So it is with people. The Bible says that because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23 nkjv) they do not meet God’s holy requirements. The red X of condemnation is on everyone. Many think that they can make their lives better by doing good works, being kind, going to church and praying. They hope these things will be good enough to escape the destruction. Others just ignore it or don’t believe that it will come. After all, would God be so mean as to condemn good people?

God’s standard says He must punish sin. And since all have sinned, all must be punished. The punishment is separation from God for eternity in “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8). But God also has the remedy. Christ died on the cross and took all the punishment for our sin. If you confess your sinful condition and ask Him to be your Savior, God will forgive you. Instead of condemnation you will have eternal life! We can tell you more.

By Albert Blok

Available as a gospel tract from Grace & Truth.