Your two closest neighbors are Ernestine Quibbles and George Smiley. Ernestine has a sharp tongue and is quick to inform you when your kids’ soccer ball goes into her yard. George, the nicest man you’ve ever met, is always friendly. He loves to play ball with your boys. He gives you vegetables from his garden, and he helps you whenever you need it.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Mrs. Quibbles would become a believer in Christ? If God were to work in her life, she might become as nice as Mr. Smiley. It’s obvious that she needs the Lord, so you pray for her. It never occurs to you to pray for Mr. Smiley, too.
But could it be that we’re missing something here? Jesus did not die on the cross merely to make difficult people nice. Every person, difficult or nice, needs salvation. He came to pay the penalty for our sins by His sacrificial death (ROMANS 5:6-8). He offers forgiveness to all who place their trust in Him (3:28). Once people are born again, they should become nicer people – but that is not the Lord’s primary purpose for saving them.
Mrs. Quibbles and Mr. Smiley both need the Lord. Without Him, they are lost and need His salvation (just as you and I do). That’s why Jesus came – to offer us new life from above. – David C. Egner
The goal was reached, the price was paid
To ransom all of Adam’s race;
Our guilt and sin on Christ were laid,
And now He saves us by His grace. – Anon.
READ: ROMANS 3:21-28
We all need salvation, whether we’re nice or not.