God Is Giving You A Second Chance
Many people in the denominational world embrace doctrines which offer a second
chance to everyone. Many realize that they will fail God, and the thought that
they might get a second chance intrigues them. For some, this is all the crutch
they need to just continue in their sins, for after all: they will get a second
chance to get it right. Some just resolve to live this life to the fullest and
consider they will get right with God during that second chance.
This is one reason the premillennial doctrines are so popular. The people are
taught that there will be a second chance to turn to God, and thus they see
no need to serve God this time around. The doctrine of "once saved, always
saved" is also predominant because the doctrine teaches one can live their
life any way they want and not fear losing their soul; but that is only possible
if one invites the Savior into their heart by saying the "sinners prayer".
Such doctrine is not found in the Bible and as such will not save anyone.
2 Peter 3:15 reads in part: "and regard the patience of our Lord to be
salvation;". We must realize that our second chance is always in our presence.
If you woke up this morning, God has given you a second chance. If you sinned,
and had those sins washed away by baptism, God has given you a second chance.
If you sinned and repented and confessed your sin that God said would be forgiven;
God has given you a second chance. If you are reading this article, you have
the opportunity for God to give you a second chance. That second chance will
be available up until the time when you breathe your last breath, or you lose
your mind (whichever comes first).What a wonderful blessing to be given another
chance.
We must be careful to not abuse the privilege God has offered to us. We know
that God will forgive as many times as we ask forgiveness, but there is also
the warning that if we continue in sin, there will no longer remain the sacrifice
for such sins (paraphrased from Hebrews 10:26). Too often the once saved always
saved crowd tells people that it does not matter how you live. Then why all
the instructions in the Bible? Do they not read it? Well, the answer is obvious.
If they do not teach what the Bible teaches, they must not be reading it (at
least with the right attitude).
The truth is that you have until the end of your life to make things right with
God. Once you die, all chances are over, and you will face God in judgment (Hebrews
9:27). This will be the same for everyone. Once you have been handed your fate,
there will be no crossing over to the other side. There will be no lottery system
where the prize will be escape from hell. Once you are in hell, you will stay
there for all eternity.
The only chance you have to escape the torment of hell is to take the opportunity
of the second (or first, for some) chance that God has offered you.
Get right with God by obeying His commandments, and serve Him the rest of your
life. Serving God is not easy, and you can be sure that Satan will do everything
in his power to get you to turn away from God. Please do not allow him to do
that.
By Carey Scott
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