Salvation by Text
May 24, 2013
Scott Bitcon
Got a text from a terminally ill woman who found me on the web. The text conversation is below.
Scott Pastor indulge me for contacting you this way, but I can no longer speak nor hear as a result of my prolonged illness. I have terminal cancer, so I just wait to die here in the EMMC. The doctors have confirmed that I have less than two weeks, pastor I am really scared. I don’t wanna perish in hell, not like this. You are my hope to gain salvation, please help me. Debby
Hi Debby, Your text seems to say you have doubt in your salvation, am I reading it properly? Thanks Pastor Scott
Thank you Pastor for getting back to me, I lost my faith as a youth and I abandoned God for so long. So yes, I wonder if He will really listen to me now that I have been condemned to die. I feel so guilty and doubtful. The last ministration I had was 26 years ago, and I don’t know how to really commune with God. I don’t make any progress with the hospital chaplain, he just comes, prays and leaves, while I suffer. This is the closest I ever came to having a conversation since 9 months.
Debbie, Do you understand the simplicity of salvation and what Gods Word says about it?
What do you mean when you say simplicity of salvation?
Read Romans 10:9. This is it in a nutshell. “Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, trust in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you shall be saved.” Mean it with all your heart, and that’s all there is to it. It’s a free gift from God, but you must accept the gift.
Just like that Pastor? But what about the things I have done?
We have all sinned. I’ve broken every one of Gods 10 Commandments. Pray Romans 10:9 with all your heart, and he will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life. Jesus paid the price for our sins.
I need to ask, about the things I did. Must I confess everything I’ve ever done? Is that mandatory?
Debby, God already knows you’re a sinner. Just tell Him you accept what his Son did for you and trust that He’s been raised from the dead. Then it’s all up to God. At that point you’ve done everything that He asked. He cannot lie, He will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life.
Gimme some important places to read, that would really help me. Romans 10:9-10. Do exactly what God says, Then place your salvation in God’s hands. He will not fail you.
I downloaded the Bible but I have difficulty reading through it. Can you guide me. . .please.
Pray, Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner, I’ve broken your laws and I want to be forgiven. I understand that your son Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and that you raised Him from the dead. I make Jesus my Lord and I’m trusting that You raised Him from the dead, just as your word tells me to do. Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Amen. Debby, Pray what I showed you, and let me know when you’ve done it. Jesus said, “If you confess me before men, I will confess you before the Father.”
I have said the prayers in my heart.
Amen Debby, God will now welcome you with open arms. You are now a child of God, and He says no one can take you from His hand. He’ll never leave you or forsake you.
Pastor. I must tell you, I feel a lot better and also more hopeful to God than ever before. God bless your soul. I have come to accept my life and death fate as it is.
Pastor, I have been thinking, the doctors said I have less than two weeks to die, if I die what happens to me? Will I be judged immediately, or when the Lord returns?
Debby, there is no judgment when you are in Christ. All your sins are forgiven and forgotten. When we die we are instantly in His presence.
Why is it then called the judgement day? I read it somewhere in the bible.
Because it’s Judgment Day for all those who have not received God’s free gift of salvation. He loves it when you praise Him, and thank Him for what he’s done for you.
Yeah, I am praising Him in my heart for giving me this opportunity. Some have died without this same golden opportunity I am enjoying. Many have died in sin and evil deeds.
Debbie, I’m looking forward to meeting you in heaven.
