Back on September 28, 2014, Japan’s Mount Ontake volcano erupted killing at least 28 people while some 250 people were exploring shrines and resorts at the 10,062-foot-high peak. The eruption was a sudden surprise – although Japan had been monitoring the volcanic activity for quite some time. A pyroclastic flow, a mix of ash and volcanic gas, was triggered by jetting lava at nearly 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit at speeds exceeding 100 mph, billowed at hurricane speeds with fervent heat. By October 1, the death toll had risen to 47, with workers still combing through the ash and debris for others who were still reported missing. But let us be reminded that all who perished were not just some “number” to be reported. Each [individual] was a precious soul. Each individual, upon their passing immediately entered heaven or hell on that very catastrophic day – based upon their relationship with Jesus Christ. The volcanic eruption came so sudden; without warning; there was not time to consider making a decision concerning their eternal destination.
The Scriptures teach us how fragile life truly is and how quickly it can end.
James 4:14 states,
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
1 Peter 1:24 states,
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:”
Psalms 102:3 states,
“For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.”
The Scriptures also teach that God is not willing that anyone should eternally perish – that is, it is not God’s will that anyone should suffer eternal torment in hell. It is, however, God’s will that all would trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and immediately receive a home in heaven.
2 Peter 3:9 states,
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
John 3:16 states,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Sadly, many reject God’s plan of salvation – that is, trusting in Jesus Christ as the only way into heaven. Many place their faith in religion, things, other gods, and their own works; for which God’s Word resoundingly rejects. Again, note the Scriptures.
John 14:6,
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Acts 4:12,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Ephesians 2:8-9,
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Equally sad is the fact that many want to “wait” until [tomorrow] to trust in Jesus Christ. But here again the Scriptures warn against doing so.
2 Corinthians 6:2 states,
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
Proverbs 27:1 states,
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
Death can come at any time; it comes quickly and it is not a respecter of persons. Regardless of whether you are mowing your yard, riding your bike, flying in an airplane, walking your dog down a path, taking a shower, or even kite board surfing in an area where sharks have been known to attack – your life is in a constant opportunity of quickly vanishing away. The question that [you] must personally answer for yourself is, “If you were to die today, where would you spend your eternity: heaven or hell?” But you don’t need to despair, God promised that eternal salvation is secured through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. So, where will you spend your eternity? Don’t delay your decision!!
