This morning, I want to talk to you about a topic that some may overlook: if I’m lost, who do I blame? In Scripture, it’s clear that some will face eternal punishment at the second coming of Jesus Christ. People often try to shift the blame, but let’s explore this through biblical examples.
Take Adam and Eve. After disobeying God, they hid, and when confronted, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Similarly, in Job’s story, when Job faced immense suffering, his friends suggested he must have sinned against God. Yet, Job never blamed God.
Let’s focus on God’s love. John 3:16-17 tells us, “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.” This demonstrates that God isn’t to blame for our lost state; He desires our salvation.
Consider what Paul wrote in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Peter echoes this in 2 Peter 3:9, emphasizing God’s patience and His desire for all to come to repentance.
So, who’s to blame if we’re lost? Not God. Not Jesus, who died for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus invites all to follow Him, saying in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
We can also not blame the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in John 16:13 that the Spirit would guide us into all truth. The Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provide everything we need to know for salvation.
Ultimately, if we are lost, we must look at ourselves. In Philippians 2:12, Paul urges us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” In Ecclesiastes 12:13, Solomon sums it up: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”
To be saved, we must hear the gospel, believe in God, repent of our sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of sins. This process is essential for salvation. As Solomon advised his son, remember God in your youth before life’s difficulties come.
Today, if you are lost, blame yourself. You’ve heard the gospel, so believe it. Repent, change your life, confess Jesus openly, and be baptized. If you’ve already done this but have strayed, remember that Jesus’ blood still washes away sin when we ask for forgiveness. Don’t be like King Agrippa, who was almost persuaded. Make your life right with God now.
Take this moment to make your life right with God.
