Salvation
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17)
God loved the man he created and did not want anything to happen that would destroy him forever. Therefore, God sent his son Jesus into the world to die and wash the man's sin with his blood; The son paid the man's penalty of death with his life. The son has completed the Father's will by sacrificing his life to save us from going to hell, which is the place where we could end up due to our sin. Everyone in the world can be covered with the umbrella of that salvation by faith. However, God does not want to save us by force against our willingness. God instead wants to save only those who truly long for and are thirsty for the salvation. What is the reason why God does not want to save man by force? It is because God wants to treat human as an adult. God wishes that man would either look up to him for salvation or discover the path of salvation by listening to those who share the good news of salvation. We can safely state as such because the scripture said, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." (Isaiah 55:1-3).
We just know that God is calling you and me to come to him. God knows that everyone is thirsty for the Spirit. The water for man's spirit is God himself. When the spirit is thirsty, one cannot be happy in life. Man tries to use money in order to buy happiness and peace of mind. But God is calling us, saying, 'You spend money for things that are not food; You spend your wealth on things that cannot satisfy your hunger.' Keep in mind though that your spirit only thirsts for God. Things of this world, no matter how much you pursue, can never quench the thirst of your spirit. It will just be like drinking salt water. It cannot be satisfied. Even if you thought you are satisfied without God in this life, your life will end with immense suffering in the lake of fire in the next life for eternity. God knows us inside and out because he is our maker after all.
People who give up on life
There are people who simply give up on life, blaming themselves for what happened to them and thinking even God would not accept them. Therefore, they are afraid to get closer to God, and also avoid having anything to do with believers. So, they just waste away their life at the center of the swirling storm of sins. There are people who know but could not resist the powerful grab of sin. If you are such a person who gives up on life, there is good news. You might have heard this a million times before but it's true that God loves you. We can say with confidence because the scripture said, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). God already knows that man is a sinner; and man cannot live without sinning. The whole bible is about man sinning and God saving him from sin. Therefore, God wants you to know that he loves you even though you are guilty of being a sinner.
Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17) Jesus compared himself to a physician. Doctors are there to treat patients. The more serious the person's wound, the more the doctor would take good care of him. In the same way, Christ was said to have come into the world to save the sinners. Most patients want to avoid a physician, and would rather rely on self-healing. Only when things get out of hand would they go to the doctor. The doctor would normally not refuse to treat if the wound is severe. Likewise, if you already know that you are a sinner, you might just want to come to Jesus. You don't have to be a good person to come to him. (because he already knew that you are not.) Come simply as you are without hesitation. Lord Jesus loves sinners like you, and want to treat you of your wound. If you are in doubt, try him. Just don't give up on life.
How would you come to Jesus? First off, Jesus is God. So, he's right beside you even though you could not see with your eyes. You can invite him into your heart by saying, "Lord Jesus, I know you came to save sinners. I am a sinner. I'm coming to you. I open the door of my heart. Please accept me and come into my life. Forgive my sins and rule over my life."
Paul has this to say, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:15-17).
People who find satisfaction in worldly wealth
Some are enjoying what the world has to offer. People who earn good money, have steady income, and able to get whatever they want are satisfied with the world. They don't see the need to think about the next life. Hence, they are not prepared for their spiritual life, which is more important because spiritual life is the forever thing. Jesus has this to say to warn those people: "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:19-26)
Because the rich man only prepared for this life, he found himself suffering intense pain in hell, which is known as the land of the dead. If a person is satisfied with just living for this life, he should think a lot harder as he could end up like the rich man who was unable to turn back the time. Therefore, while there is still time, it is necessary to receive the salvation given freely to all mankind by God. The wealth of this world cannot give the assurance of comfort for the life hereafter.
