Turn with me to John chapter 5, where we’ll read verses 28 and 29. Jesus is speaking here:
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Throughout the Bible, we’re taught that some will be lost. The path to salvation is narrow, and few find it. And as I look out this afternoon, I see people who are clearly interested in being saved. So, I want to ask you one simple question: Do you want to be lost?
The Day of Judgment is coming. Christ will appear. There will be a loud trumpet, the Lord will descend, the graves will open, and those who are ready will meet Him in the air. Every one of us will give an account of how we lived our lives. And Jesus will judge us based on our deeds.
Sadly, some will be lost. And if you’re among them, you can only blame yourself. You can’t blame your parents, your preacher, your church, your circumstances, or even God. You have free will. God gave each of us the ability to think and reason. We make our own choices—and we will live or die by them.
Some say, “If I go to hell, I’ll blame God.” But John 3:16 makes it clear: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God did not send His Son to condemn the world but to save it. And Romans 5:8 tells us: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
He died for everyone—not just for one group or another. In 1 Timothy 2:3–4, Paul reminds us that: “God our Savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
So, God has done His part. Jesus, His Son, has done His part. And the Holy Spirit has done His part too. In John 14:16–17, Jesus promised: “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper… the Spirit of truth.”
The Spirit guided the apostles into all truth, and today, He continues to dwell in us when we are baptized into Christ and added to His church. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of Scripture and revealed the full mystery of God’s will. Miracles confirmed that the Word they preached was true.
Today, the Spirit still leads us—but through the Word. The miraculous gifts have ceased, but the truth has been fully revealed. So yes, God the Father has done His part, Jesus has done His part, and the Holy Spirit has done His part. If you end up lost, you have no one to blame but yourself.
What Causes People to Be Lost?
Let’s look at some of the reasons Scripture gives:
- Not Obeying the Gospel
In 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9, Paul writes: “…When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven… in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel…”
To obey the gospel, you must hear it, believe it, confess Christ as the Son of God, be baptized for the remission of your sins, and then live faithfully until death (Revelation 2:10). Sadly, many refuse even to hear the gospel.
- Putting Off Obedience
Some hear the truth but delay responding. James 4:14 warns us: “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
You’re not guaranteed tomorrow. In Acts 24:25, when Paul spoke to Felix, he responded: “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” We don’t know if Felix ever obeyed the gospel. He had the chance—and he put it off. Don’t make that mistake.
- Being Led into Error
In 1 Timothy 4:1–3, Paul says some will: “depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…” There are many false teachings today. Churches that twist Scripture, ignore God’s pattern, or follow man-made doctrine. But Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21–23 that many will say “Lord, Lord,” and still be lost—because they didn’t do the will of the Father.
God gave us a clear pattern for worship, organization, and Christian living. Just being religious isn’t enough. John 4:24 says: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- Not Working for the Lord
In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul encourages: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” What is that work? It’s not just sitting in a pew. It’s teaching the lost, helping the needy, practicing hospitality, and living as a faithful witness. Many Christians lose their zeal shortly after baptism. But Jesus said in Matthew 7:24–27 that only those who hear and do His Word are building on a firm foundation.
- Pretending to Follow Jesus
Matthew 15:7–9 says: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” It’s easy to look religious on the outside but be far from God on the inside. Hypocrisy is dangerous—and Jesus calls it out clearly.
- Returning to the World
Many fall back into sin. Revelation 2:10 urges us to: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The devil is like a roaring lion seeking to devour us. Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:13 that God has: “delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
We were pulled out of the darkness. So, we must keep walking in the light. As 1 John 1:6–7 says: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” It’s very easy to be lost. Too many will be shocked on Judgment Day. But you don’t have to be one of them.
God has done His part. Jesus has done His part. The Holy Spirit has done His part. Now, it’s your turn. Will you obey the gospel? Will you remain faithful? Or will you choose to walk away?
The choice is yours.
