Throwing in the Towel

Introduction

There are times when we believe in something because it’s been instilled in us since we are children. For example, we are told about the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and The Tooth Fairy. We believe in them because our parents tell us it’s fine. And although it’s adorable when we are kids, as we get older, it changes us.

Sometimes kids are too smart and eventually figure it out, other times when they are finally told it could devastate them. Some children can’t handle the truth and want to reject it, or blame their parents for years of lying.

However, when it comes to spiritual matters, when the truth is shown them, they’d rather believe what they were taught then to change. And that lack of change might cost them their soul.

Guess I’m going to Hell

We talked last week about my discussion on social media in regards to musical instruments being using in the assembly. I only hope the people involved took the time to read both articles. One of the first comments made in regards to this subject; knowing that they are a part of a congregation who uses instruments was, “Looks like I’m going to Hell then.”

It’s sad to think that an individual believes that once the truth is shown to them that they have to throw in the towel and just accept the fate that is presented to them. No one has to go to Hell! If you realize you are in error, according to the scriptures, then you need to change the way you view things and the way you worship God.

Repentance is the Word

When we are children and we do something wrong, we apologize for it and then not do it again. Whether it’s playing in the middle of the street, lying to your parents, or doing something the wrong way. When you are shown the correct way, we apologize and do it the right way. That’s the basis of repentance. Children aren’t going to accept the fate that since they did something wrong, they will continue to do it wrong always. When they are taught differently, they will change and adapt to the right way.

If only it were that simple when it comes to matters of religion. Oh wait, it is that simple! The problem I see is that so many are caught up in the long-standing traditions of the family and the denomination that they are associated with that when the truth is shown to them, they conclude that it’s merely a suggestion and not the rule.

The Jews Changed

On the day of Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2, Peter laid out the groundwork for the establishment of repentance and salvation from sins. This, of course, was given to them by Jesus before he ascended back into heaven. If you read his sermon starting in verse 22, Peter explains to the crowd: who Jesus was, the fact that they’ve seen the miracles performed, some prophecies were fulfilled, and that God raised him from the dead and brought him back to Heaven. Verse 36 brings the matter to a conclusion, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” In verse 37 the Jews replied to Peter, “I guess we’re all going to Hell then.” No, that’s not what they said. Let’s look at verse 37 and 38 together, Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

As you can see in verse 37, when they realized they were in error, they wanted to change their ways, but didn’t know how to do it. Instead of waiting for a sign of what to do, they asked what they must do. Peter told them and 3000 people were baptized that day (vs. 41).

Judas threw in the Towel

The perfect example of someone throwing in the towel was Judas Iscariot. Yes, he betrayed our Lord and Savior; handed him over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, but his life didn’t have to end the way it did. In Matthew 27:3-5 it reads, Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. Did he have to die that way? Absolutely not! He could have repented of his sin and be forgiven.

Peter, in similar fashion betrayed Christ, by denying his knowledge of him. Three times he denied him; even cursed and swore like a Gentile to prove he wasn’t one of his disciples (Mt. 26:69-75). In the end, though: he repented of his sin, was forgiven by Jesus, and went on to lead the apostles into the establishment of the church.

Conclusion

No one has to accept the fate of going to Hell. If you know you are in error, you need to change. Stop doing the wrong things, stop believing the wrong things, and stop attending the wrong church. Have somebody help you see the error and help you make the proper changes in your life.

Live your life for Christ; according to His word and His will. You don’t have to stay with the congregation just because it’s the one your parents attended, you soul is your own and you need to do what’s right in order to save it.

If there’s anything I can help you with in regards to spiritual matters, please comment in the section below. Don’t put it off today; for you may not get a tomorrow.