On 9/11, I posted this tweet: “John MacArthur was asked why thousands died on 9/11. He answered by quoting ‘the wages of sin is death.’ We all have an appointment with death due to sin. It may be today or in many years, but we will all die. It’s part of living on this wicked planet. Believe in Jesus Christ.” This enraged many people. They accused me of being cold-hearted and not compassionate.
How did Jesus respond when people asked Him about innocent people dying from a tyrant? “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-3)
How did He respond when asked about innocent people dying from a tragic accident? “Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4,5)
Many so-called Christians would have called Jesus cold-hearted and not compassionate for responding this way to tragedies. It’s as if people don’t expect to die these days. They have forgotten that we live in a fallen, wicked world where the rain falls on the just and the unjust. That we all have an appointment with death. Jesus didn’t die to give us a long, healthy, and happy life. He died to reconcile us to God, so that we could have eternal life. It’s on the new earth where we will live for eternity with no pain, no viruses, no suffering, and no death!
Our days are numbered on this earth. We are pilgrims and strangers passing through. This is not our home. It’s sad to see so many Christians so fearful of this virus. This world is full of viruses, disease, and even death. This is part of living on a fallen planet. And remember, for all who believe in Jesus Christ, death will usher us into immediately into the presence of Jesus Christ. We have nothing to fear!
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Unless You Repent, You Too Shall Perish