Those who rely on their wealth—in their possessions—and boast about their riches, when they can do nothing for their brothers and sisters, nor bargain with God for the redemption of their souls, despair when they realize that the redemption of a soul is very expensive. Even if they gave all their resources, it would not be enough, because it is redeemed by blood (Ephesians 1:7). Understand: there is no righteous person capable of giving his life to save people; only Jesus did that!

         The presumptuous will come to the conclusion that he cannot save himself, so he thinks he is the most unhappy of all. He discovers how short life is, because even if he takes care of himself with the best treatments, he sees the corruption of his body. Many think they do not need to repent to enjoy divine grace. They want, without any effort, to be sure that God will be on the other side to receive them and lead them to eternal happiness. But the Lord is faithful and righteous!

         Although he had much knowledge, Solomon, the wisest man in the world, was unable to prolong his days on Earth. So, the question remains: is it worth rejecting the Word that created everything and will judge everything? There is nothing better than walking in fellowship with the Lord, living to enjoy the life brought by Jesus and His power. Those who think otherwise need to realize that they are acting foolishly.

         Why accumulate possessions and think you are better than others, if there is no difference between the poor and the rich in the spiritual realm? It is incomprehensible why people strive to accumulate wealth in order to leave it to their heirs. In fact, in a short time, moths and rust will consume them (Matthew 6:19). The diplomas they display on the wall will not help them either. Christians have the support of Heaven!

         Those who have not yet received Jesus as their only Savior and Lord remain lost. If they die in this state, they will remain forever in the lake of fire and brimstone. Christians who continue to act as they did in their time of ignorance will also go to eternal damnation. Those who resisted the Most High's invitation to be redeemed from sin will mourn continually. Surrender to Christ now!

          We are born spiritually dead, separated from God. Accepting Jesus means saying yes to the plan of salvation, which foresaw that He would die to save us. In fact, Christ shed His blood to redeem us from the hands of the devil, paying a very high price without deserving it (Ephesians 2:1-10). For this reason, He became our perfect Savior. When we receive Him as our Substitute, we are rescued from eternal death and any punishment, receiving life in abundance (John 5:24; John 10:10). Glory to God! The saved will rise with Jesus!

         When they die, those who did not take a stand with Jesus will never enter the group of the saved and, therefore, will never see the Kingdom of God (John 3:36). That is why we preach day and night, without ceasing, so that many will abandon sin and become part of God's family. Christ has already paid the price of redemption for all. Those who surrender to Him will be redeemed from all iniquity!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares