Repent or Perish

Christians and non-Christians often ask the same question when tragedy happens. Whether it is the recent chemical attack from Syria or hurricanes that hit the east coast, humans naturally ask the same the questions. How could a loving God allow this to happen?

How should Christians respond when tragedy strikes? With the internet and smart phone aps , news spreads quickly. I think Jesus gives us an answer. I hope this strengthens your theology and enables you to minster to an unbelieving world.  

Luke 13:1-5

English Standard Version (ESV)

Repent or Perish

13 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? ³ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. ⁴ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

5 points that I gleaned from this passage:

1.   Everyone dies. Sin runs deep. We offend a Holy God. Jesus says, “you all will likewise perish.” No one born will live on this forever. Everyone dies, because we are sinful people.

2.   Because sin runs so deep, God is justified to kill you at anytime. Romans 5:12, “…Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin.” We don’t know when we will die but we will die.

3.   Life is short, very short. We are midst, we live, and we die. Four generations after we die, our families will not even know our name. What are the names of your great, great grandparents?

4.   Bad things don’t only happen to bad people. Christians and non- Christians both die and suffer.

5.   Repent. When tragedy happens, Christians tell the world, repent. The same thing is going to happen to you. You will die, you don’t know when, Repent or you likewise will perish.