An Open Letter to a Friend

Dear Friend,

I am very concerned about you because the almighty God who made you and all things, will soon judge this world! Jesus Christ’s return in judgment could come at any time, and the hour of our death and the final judgment are never far from any of us (cf. John 5:22,28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). The Bible teaches that, on that Day, all people will either be condemned to eternal suffering and torment in hell, or be received into the everlasting joys of heaven (cf. Matthew 25:31-46). Are you prepared for death and the final judgment? Are you ready for Christ to judge you? Where will you spend eternity? Do you know?

Many people hope to spend eternity in heaven because they have tried to live a good life and do what is right. But Jesus said, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). He also says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Which one of us has lived a perfect and sinless life? Has your life been perfect? The Bible also says, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). Have you broken any part of God’s law--even a little point--then you are guilty of all! It is no wonder that the Bible also states, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). God demands perfect and holy lives, but we have sinned and come far short of what He requires! On the Last Day, we deserve to hear Jesus’ words: "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).

There is only one way to be saved from the eternal punishment in hell we so deserve, and God Himself provided that way when He sent His only begotten Son into the world to redeem us! Jesus Christ, God’s Son, took on human flesh and became true man that He might live a sinless and holy life for us under the law of God and that He might suffer and die upon the cross to pay the just penalty for all our sins (cf. Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 2:14-17). Jesus Christ "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15); and, "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God...." (1 Peter 3:18; cf. 2:21-24). "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...He was buried...He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Jesus has fulfilled all the righteous demands of God’s law for you, and Jesus took your punishment when He suffered and died upon the cross for your sins. For Jesus’ sake, God is gracious toward you and offers you a full pardon for all your sins and a place with Him in heaven!

Please don’t reject God’s gracious pardon and gift of life. The Bible says: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31)!

It is my sincere prayer that you believe the testimony of God’s Word and trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation. In Christ, you can know for sure that your sins are paid for in full and forgiven; and, in Christ, you can be sure of a place with God in heaven!

I would like to tell you more about Jesus Christ and what He has done for you. Please contact me at:

The Still Small Voice