Salvation Is A Choice

     We live in a culture of “perceived victimization.”  When something negative occurs in one’s life, the common reaction these days is to claim to be a victim.  “Look at what somebody did to me!”  “This all happened due to circumstances beyond my control.”  “It’s not my fault, life made me this way.”

     A denial of personal responsibility goes along naturally with this perception of always being a victim.  Even when somebody exhibits heinous behavior, we try to excuse his responsibility by pointing to some mitigating circumstance that ultimately drove him to it.  If it’s not his fault, then he’s not really responsible for his actions.  If he’s not responsible, then he must be excused for having done whatever he did, for being the way that he is.  Without realizing it, we end up sanctioning his continued heinous behavior.
     Our society desperately needs to reclaim its moral compass and require its citizens to take responsibility for their actions.  As long as people are allowed to believe that their bad choices will hold no consequences for themselves, they will continue to make bad choices.  A society that does not hold its people responsible for their actions will eventually self-destruct.
     We all make up their own minds every day as to whether we will spend eternity enjoying the blessings of Heaven, or experiencing the condemnation of Hell.  God is a righteous judge.  He only holds us accountable for what we do, or don’t do, personally in life (2 Cor. 5:10).  He does not show partiality (Rom. 2:11).  He does not hold us responsible for other people’s sins (Ezk. 18:20).  His love for us, and His desire for our salvation, are vividly seen in sending His Son to die on the cross to pay the price for the guilt of our sins (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8).  He exhibits patience, giving us ample opportunity to choose to repent of our sins and turn to Him for salvation (Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9).
     If we choose salvation, God will reward us therewith.  If we choose to continue in sin, He will hold us responsible for that choice (2 Pet. 3:10).  But the choice is our own.  If we face the final judgment unprepared, there will be no claiming that we were victimized.  We won’t be able to cry that it was not our fault.
   The gospel message is given to all (Rom. 1:16).  Each of us chooses, by the way we live our lives each day, as to how we will respond to the gospel call.  Make no mistake, salvation is a choice!  Your ultimate salvation, or condemnation, will be your choice!  What choice are you making?…