WHAT SHALL ONE DO TO BE LOST?
by Gary Colley
This is not the general question of lost mankind. It seems most in the world know many ways by which a man can be lost. Salvation of lost men and women, young or old, is the thrust of declaration concerning God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19-20). It is the propulsion of Christians because of the mission of our perfect example Jesus Christ (Luke 19:10; 24:46-48).
Though most think the Bible only tells men how to be saved, we hasten to show that it also tells men how to be lost! Identifying sin is necessary for those who would not be discerning with the principles of Truth only. Salvation and damnation are conditional.
Paul states:
"Know ye know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with man kind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
Jesus also writes through John,
"But the fearful (to speak for His cause G.C.) and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8).
One can also be lost by omission. The Lord Jesus will come a second time to render "vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel" (2 Thess. 1:7-8). "Therefore", says James (4:17), "to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
The Lord is not "willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9), but perish we will if we continue in sinful practice and receive not the love of the Truth in obedient faith! (2 Thess. 2:10, Rom. 1:17).