When I was younger I got into trouble with the cops a few times. When I was up to no good, and I saw those lights flashing, it was a terrible sight. Most of us can identify with that feeling when we are violating traffic laws and all of the sudden we see a patrol car. When you are breaking the law and justice is coming to get you, it’s not a good feeling at all.
On the other hand, there have been times when seeing those red and blue lights was a sign of great relief. There was a time when I called the police to catch a thief, and I was certainly glad to see them. When my wife and children were in a roll-over 7 years ago, the arrival of the police was like a God-send.
The same guys who were abhorrent to me when I deserved justice became like a savior to me when I needed rescue.
People view the person of Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel in the same way. To some, it is abhorrent, while to others, it is life itself.
2 Corinthians 2:15,16 says it like this: “15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.”
The reason non-Christians don’t want to go to church is the same reason a criminal doesn’t want to hang out at the police station. It’s not a good feeling when you are guilty. It’s because we all instinctively know that we are accountable to God. He will administer justice when He comes in judgement.
Check this out: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 “when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power”
Does that sound like a pleasant experience if you don’t know The Lord? Wow, scary stuff if you are living in disobedience.
On the other hand, God is absolutely merciful, kind, and loving to a degree that is unfathomable. The same Lord who will be our judge is also our great and mighty Savior. To those who have fled to the blood of Jesus Christ for refuge, there is no longer and fear of death or judgement. We know we have forgiveness and life through his amazing sacrifice.
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God is no longer our enemy, but our friend and Father.
The gospel can be repulsive to someone today, because they love their sin and dont want anything to do with repentance. For those who are enjoying the pleasures of sin, the word holiness has about as much appeal as the word ‘bath’ has to a four year old boy. But one day they will hunger and thirst for righteousness, and then the gospel will be their lifeline.
Be faithful to continue to share the truth with your lost loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, etc. You never know when they will be ready to receive the truth.