God wants no one left behind as we see God revealing Himself and His plan of salvation for humankind. However, the decision is ours to make now in our lifetime.
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
Left Behind: a book with this title became a New York bestseller. Then, movie producers made two movies with this title later in 2000 and 2014. This book and the two movies serve as reminders of what can happen in the future. Like death, though we are not sure when it will happen, we still need to be aware and be prepared.
Millions left behind
For so many years after surrendering to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1987, I prayed for the Lord to come back soon during my lifetime.
One time later, I had a dream in the night where I met the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. There He asked me, “Do you want Me to come back soon?”
Happily, I said, “Yes, Lord.”
Then He instructed me to look down below. As I did, I saw the Philippine islands and countless people there.
He then told me that those would be the people who would be left behind if He would come back soon.
Again, He asked, “Do you still want me to come back soon?”
Realizing there’d be too many people who’d be left behind, I told Him, “Not anymore, Lord, not until it is sure that NO ONE from among my people will be LEFT BEHIND.” Then, tears flowed from my eyes.
Waking up after with teary eyes led me to mixed emotions—joy and sadness. It brought me joy to have met God in the dream, but it also gave me sadness that the Lord Jesus Christ wouldn’t be coming back yet as I desired. It brought me joy that God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but it also gave me sadness about the reality that countless people may be left behind.
No one left behind: God’s reason for delay
I realized that though the Lord Jesus Christ wants to come back soon to take to heaven those who belong to Him, He is delaying because of the countless people who could be left behind, not only from the Philippines but also from all other countries.
Out of His great love for humankind, the people He made in His image, He wants to give more time for the unsaved to come to repentance and put their trust in what Christ has done for them.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
No one left behind: God’s call for believers
God knew my love for my country and that showing the reality about the Philippines would be the best springboard to make me committed to sharing the gospel—not only to the Filipinos but also to everyone needing salvation.
2. Out of His great love for humankind, He wants the saved to let the unsaved come to the knowledge of what Christ has done.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15 NIV
You are worth dying for.
“The Filipino is worth dying for” is the most famous declaration of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. before his assassination at the Manila International Airport. Yes, he died for the Filipino people.
If you’re from another nation, you might say, too, that your people are worth dying for. Well, that’s true.
Jesus Christ didn’t just die for the Israelites, the Hebrews. He died for all humankind like you and me.
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10: 12-13
Freedom to choose salvation
We are free to choose, and we are given today for our salvation.
Someone might say, “if God doesn’t want anyone to perish, then no one should go to hell because He wouldn’t allow anyone to go to hell.” No. Although He wants all to be saved, He will never force us to choose life in heaven over death in hell. Just as God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of choice, He has given us the same freedom.
I remember a time when I was with some refugees who always talked about getting freedom. I told them that freedom could be dangerous and abused depending on how people use them.
Have you been postponing surrendering your life to Christ and receiving salvation?
Use your freedom to choose well and choose now for your salvation. Tomorrow may be too late.
How to be sure of your salvation
The steps are very simple. It’s as simple as ABC.
A: Accept or admit that you are a sinner. That is the requisite to receive forgiveness. You need to humble yourself and admit the need for the Savior.
... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God .... Romans 3:23 NIV What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Romans 7:24 NIV
B: Believe that ONLY what Christ has done for you will save you.
For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. Ephesians 2: 8-9 NLV
C: Confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. Surrender yourself to him and receive the salvation He offers. Receive also the eternal life He gives.
If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin. Romans 10:9
Yes, accept Christ into your life and receive what Christ has done for you—the very reason He died—your salvation.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
If you haven’t done so, please pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You that You care for me and don’t want me to suffer in hell because of my sins. Forgive me for all my sins. I accept what You have done for me on the cross. I surrender my life to You and receive You as my Lord and Savior. Take hold and take full control of me. I receive Your gift of eternal life. Guide me that I may live according to Your will. Amen.”
Prayer source: Making Disciples, Every Nation Productions