## If This Were My Last Day to Live

## Hebrews 9:27-28

Much has been on the news lately concerning the remembering of the tragic circumstances surrounding the space shuttle Challenger. It has been ten years since America watched as the shuttle launch turned into a blazing fireball in the sky. All seven people on board were killed instantly. I doubt if any of them thought that they would die that day. But then look at any morning paper and read the obituary column. How many of those folks knew that their lives would end when they did? Sometimes due to an illness or disease a person may understand the time of their death may come sooner than they had hoped, but no one knows which day will be their last. In our text this morning, the writer of Hebrews shows Christ as our High Priest and Sacrifice who gave Himself once to satisfy God’s justice. He did this freely for men because, ‘...it is appointed unto men once to die, and after death the judgment.’ The hour death will come is unknown; many times it comes suddenly, often without warning. I do not want to be morbid this morning, but consider what if this were your last day to live.

I. If this were my last day to live I would want to make sure I am saved.

A. Because the Bible declares a hell for Christ rejecters.

1. Note: Mark 9:42-44

2. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psa 9:17)

3. Consider the rich man in Luke 16:19- 23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (v23)

4. You may say, “I just don’t believe that old-fashioned notion of a literal hell!”

5. Don’t think for a moment that your unbelief will make it any less of a torment!

B. Because there is no opportunity to be saved after death.

1. “...the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezek 18:4b)

2. As death finds us so does the judgment!

3. “...if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Eccl 11:3)

4. “The wages of sin is death...” cf Ro. 6:23a

C. Because many are deceived.

1. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov 14:12)

2. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Prov 12:15)

3. ‘”Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

II. If This Were My Last Day to Live I Would want to Unite with a N.T. Baptist church.

A. Because it gives evidence of salvation; the philosophies of men say:

1. Baptism saves (The Word does not teach that doctrine!).

2. Good works saves. (but Titus 3:5 rejects that theory!).

3. Note the clear teaching of the Word of God.

a. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:20)

b. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3:5)

c. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)

B. Because it identifies us with God’s people.

1. That is the beginning of obedience after salvation.

2. Bear the colors of our Lord proudly and with dignity.

3. We are quick to identify with the things of this world...as believers we ought to desire to identify with Christ and His people!

C. Because it is the Lord’s will for your life.

Note: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mat 6:33)

III. If this were my last day to live, I would want to tell people, “I love you.”

A. I would want to tell my wife, I love you.

1. I would like to show my love, words Alone would be inadequate.

2. Of course; no one should wait until the last to express their love!

B. I would want my children to know my great love for them.

1. I would thank them for their love and devotion.

2. I would admonish them to love, serve, and obey God and to teach their children in the love and nurture of the Lord.

C. I would like a word of farewell to my saved friends.

1. This may sound like a farewell party for one who is about to embark on a long trip.

2. Well, it would be much the same because:

a. Death is but a passing over to heaven for all the saved.

b. Death is laying aside sickness, sorrow, and trials.

c. Death for the saved is just parting for a while, knowing there will be a great reunion in eternity.

The point is this. This may very well be my last day to live on this earth. You see there are no guarantees. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Prov 27:1) This may be your last day on earth as well. Are you prepared for eternity?

Are you born again? Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that if this were your last day that you would spend eternity with Christ? If not, won’t you come this morning and let us take the Word of God and show you how you can know that you are saved?

Are you an active member of this local N.T. Baptist church? If not, why not? God designed the local church as a place of service, not just a place to visit now and again. Why not come today and follow the Lord in obedience?

What about your family? Someone made a fortune with the phrase “Have you hugged your kids today?” But let me ask this, Have you hugged your parents? Have you told each other how much you love them? Husbands, wives, children, parents, is your relationship right with those special ones in your life?

Whatever the need...will you come this morning and make things right with God and others?