What we hear often influences what we believe. Many times we hear something about a neighbor or a friend and without investigating to find the truth, we just accept what we hear as the gospel truth. Then when we hear a conflicting story, we sometimes dismiss it because we already think we know the truth.

Consider this:

A boy is driving home from a friend’s house. On the way, a man driving another car looses control of his vehicle. It comes across the median and crashes into the car the boy is driving and instantly kills the young boy.

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

When we hear this story, your first thought might be: “What a tragedy. This poor innocent boy did not deserve this.” When Adam transgressed the law of God he brought sin into the world and death by sin. That means 10 out of 10 people die. There is no escape. The reason is because we have all sinned (Rom 3:23) and the punishment for sin is death.

During my studies of the scriptures, I have found that death is a separation from the living. It is not the end like many people think, only a separation. When someone naturally dies, they are separated from the natural living. They are unable to communicate or fellowship with others who are still naturally alive.

God told Adam; “For in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). He didn’t die (Naturally) that day, but a spiritual death took place. He was naked, ashamed and removed from the garden, out of reach from the tree of life. He was given another punishment also. God told Adam: “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Gen 3:19).

The Bible teaches that Jesus is Life. There are spiritually dead people walking, talking and breathing upon the earth. They have not yet faced their punishment for their sins of a natural death. They are naturally alive and able to communicate and fellowship with their family and friends, they are spiritually dead. They are cut off from the living (In Christ) and unable to experience the joy God freely gives to those that believe on His Son.

Now, lets look at another view of this tragic story.

The boy that was tragically killed in this auto accident was driving on a suspended license. The accident occurred at 3:00am as the boy was coming home from a party at his friend’s house. He was speeding and under the influence of alcohol. His parents had told him he wasn’t allowed to go to the party, so he waited until his parents were asleep and he stole his dad’s car and went anyway.

When hearing the first part of this fictional story, many people may have thought different things. Some may have thought “That poor innocent boy”, some may have wanted to “Throw the book at the other driver”. Opinions may vary, but the truth is, this accident could have been avoided. The boy played a role in this accident. This does not change the fact that this was a tragedy. Pending on what you hear and what you choose to believe, will determine how you view this tragedy. Some will hear both sides and for one reason or another, will disregard other important facts. They do this because this is what they choose to see.

The truth is, we are all on that road and we all are that boy. Sooner or later we are all going to be in a wreck that claims our life. This is something we cannot avoid. It is going to happen. While on this road, we may choose to not think about the consequences or we may even believe that this is something that happens to others and not us. We may accept the fact that it may happen one day, but that day is far off. It certainly wouldn’t happen today.

Because of the sin of Adam, we are born with a sin nature and are going to die. No matter what you choose to believe, it doesn’t change the truth. What Adam did affected you. The good news is, regardless if you believe it or not, what Christ did on the cross affects you also. He brought light into darkness, He brought life into a world that knew only death and He made a way where there was no way. He bridged the gap between us and God.

Mat 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We must understand and accept the whole gospel. Picking the parts we like and discarding what we don’t like, doesn’t change the truth. The absolute truth is, we are all sinners and by our own rites, deserve death, which is an eternal separation from the love of God. We were all speeding down that road that leads to destruction and the Bible teaches that many still are. We are responsible for own actions, what we choose to believe and who we place our faith in. We can point fingers and blame others for what we are or what we have done, but it doesn’t change the truth. Christ called us all to repentance and showed us the way to salvation. Judgment has already been rendered and we are all guilty. We all deserve to spend eternity in the lake of fire, separated from the love and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sentencing for our sins is vastly approaching, only those that have been justified by the blood of Christ will escape that death sentence. Christ paid the full price for sin so you can have life. Don’t give me what I deserve… Give me Jesus!!!