The Diagnosis

A dear friend once told me the scariest words she ever heard were, “You have advanced cancer.” Jesus warned the most frightening words anyone will ever hear is, “Depart from Me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). Far worse than a physical diagnosis, this is an eternally fatal diagnosis of the soul. There is nothing that can save a person after those words are spoken.

As we look around at the desperate state of our world, I pray these days would cause us to pray for our lost friends and family members. True love doesn’t just love them as they are, but true love tells them their soul is in need of salvation, while there is still time.

Dear friends, we need to love enough to speak truth. I don’t want a Dr. that tells me with a smile that all is well, if my condition is terminal, and he knows it. True love speaks truth. Time is running out, and the destiny of eternal souls must be addressed.

There’s a brand-new diagnosis given to those who put their trust in Christ, who receive His work on the cross as the penalty for their sins. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hears My Word and believes in Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Jesus offers eternal safety!

Our bodies may get sick and die, but our souls are forever safe in the hands of the only One Who has the power to save and keep. May we boldly encourage our friends and loved ones to receive Him while they can.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)