Educate Them Before It’s Too Late
Our time on earth is extremely important. Occasionally, folks focus on their education as if it is the most important thing in this life. Much preparation is made to obtain a certain type of training in whatever field a person chooses as their vocation. Additional schooling and instruction is sought as they continue to climb the “ladder of success”. Time away from family is often required to receive this “education” for advancement. Many sacrifices are made to procure chances to learn before “time runs out” and the career becomes no more than a dull job which you must endure until the end of it.
Sadly, far too few apply the same diligence when it comes to learning what God wants them to do for the good of their eternal soul. a) Has not God given all we need? b) Has He not told us how we can benefit if we “learn and apply” what His Word provides? c) Do we not have a “time-frame” in which to do it? d) Then why do some not seem to care? Let’s allow God’s own Word answer these questions. a) 2Pet 1:3 assures us “. . . his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” b) Then, we are told in vs 4 that Christians are given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”. c) Our time-frame is this life, and it is limited as Jas 4:14 informs - 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. Question d) is the one of these questions above for which God’s Word does not provide answer.
This is where the faithful Christian comes in. It is part of the Christian’s life to reach and educate as many folks as possible while they live on earth so they can make an informed decision as to the destination of their eternal soul. How else are those who haven’t heard to know what to do to be saved? How are they going to hear the blessed Word of God if we don’t take it to them?
Rom 10:13 tells us that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This phrase “call upon the Lord” means to be obedient to the Command of the Lord as Acts 22:16 clearly shows. Ananias had delivered the instruction of the Lord to Saul to “educate” him and provide Saul opportunity to be obedient. As the Lord directed, Ananias asked: “And now why tarriest thou?, (and then Commanded) arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Then, in Rom 10:14-15, we read some inspired questions and a proclamation that provides timely instruction for the saving of souls. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
This is also the idea behind 2Pet 3:15, written to the scattered Christians in the early years of the church. They were told: “But sanctify (set apart) the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always (get prepared and stay prepared) to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”. This applies to all Christians of all times. Wherein lies our hope? Is it in “what we feel”? Is it in what some well-meaning, but misguided friend believes and imparts to you? Who is the authority in all ‘spiritual’ matters? Did not God, through the Holy Spirit, as He had Paul write in Rom 15:4, provide the inspired answer? Of course He did. He had the apostle pen: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Scripture is God’s Authoritative Word, sent to humanity to educate him in spiritual matters and how to live in harmony in this realm also.
Jesus Christ Himself, as recorded in Matt 28:18, following His resurrection from the dead to die no more said: “All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This is affirmed in Eph 1:122-23, where we see that God ‘elevated’ Christ and gave Him this authority over the church, His body. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. This authority was in effect when in Matt 28:19-20, Christ Commanded His apostles thusly - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
A simple reading of the above Commandment should show the perpetual nature of it. The apostles taught, baptized, and taught. Each who has been properly instructed in the Word is to take that same soul-saving gospel to others while they live on this earth. This is important because when one dies, there is nothing else they can do. Eccl 9:10b proves this. “ . . . for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Educate your friends, family, loved ones, and yes, even your enemies now before it is too late. It will truly be timely instruction. Remember the Words from 2Cor 6:2b – “ . . . behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
