1319) We are living in times when nothing is really “too late.” It is common practice to extend deadlines, grant extensions and offer second chances. Because of this, many have redefined the phrase, “too late.” But, too late, really meaning it, gives direction and accountability. If you mean it when you say it, people adjust. In 2 Timothy 4:1, Paul issues a too late.

God, through Paul, tells us here there will come a time when Jesus himself will judge the living and the dead. This word, judge, means separate. What are the categories that Jesus will separate individuals? Revelation 20:11-15 tells us the categories are those whose names are found in the Book of Life and those whose names are not. The individuals whose names are not there will be judged by what they have done. Have they always kept God’s commands and have they always been blameless? Since their answer will always be “no” then they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire–in the absence of God, forever.

Does this seem harsh? Perhaps. If you’re only looking at these facts, everyone is hopeless. After all, who has been blameless, without sin? The good news is, God sent Jesus, who is blameless, to die for us, so we do not need to pay eternally. The catch is, a gift is not yours until you reach and accept it.

There will be a “too late” with God. Now is the time to accept God’s gift.