A free solo rock climber is climbing a challenging rock face… he slips and falls… Fortunately he lands precariously on a treacherous narrow ledge… The climber cannot go up, and to try to go down means certain death. His only hope is rescue! Those who have observed his climb urgently summon help and a helicopter arrives! What can they do to rescue him? What must the climber do for his life to be saved?
The instructions are given from high up in the helicopter … if the climber follows them explicitly he is saved! …No argument, no debate, no bargaining – simple, direct, explicit obedience is required!!!
Salvation from sin and its deadly eternal consequences works much the same way! This morning I read a passage that precisely makes that point…
“Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me! Preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. Your compassion, Lord, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.” (Psalm 119:153–156 NIV)
The consequences of sin are painful, deadly, and eternal! People are trapped and bound! They cannot save themselves! The only hope is Divine rescue – God’s provision and rescue through Christ! God sent His only Son to rescue them through what He accomplished on their behalf through the cross. The provision is there – the rescue is available! But it requires faith and obedience – confession [acknowledgement] of sin, repentance [turning from the sin to Christ} and explicit, complete trust in Christ to save! No argument, no debate, no bargaining! (Romans 10:9-11; 1 John 1:9)
Coffee With The Lord 