Salvation...

Salvation...12-6-25

Our neighbor passed away this past Wednesday. We have been neighbors for over 37 years. This same week, a young man, who I knew when he was just a boy, passed away a couple of days before. The young man was saved and baptized. We had sat In Sunday School in the past with his parents. Their love for God was evident, and their faith deep.

I attended the young man's service this morning. As I listened to those who loved and knew him speak, I was comforted by the knowledge that he knew his Savior and was now rejoicing in Heaven.

All week, I have also thought of the other man. I had asked a couple of people about his salvation. This was a good man and a good neighbor. However, he was very private. We never had those conversations that would lend itself to sharing the Gospel. I am ashamed to say that for over 37 years, I didn't know if he was saved. The knowledge of this brought me to a realization that I had failed in this commandment. I haven't shared with him the Savior that I love and know. I could use the excuse that he was a private man, a gentleman, and probably would have been highly uncomfortable had I rolled up and said, "Let me tell you about my Jesus!". But that isn't the point. The point is, I didn't try. Over this week, it hit me that he could be in hell and I hadn't tried to share salvation while he was alive.

After the young man's service, I met my husband, and we headed to the second service. The young man's homegoing was sad, but a rejoicing of his home in Heaven. The second service was different. The first was for a life that had just begun and the second for a life long lived.

When we got to the Chapel, I asked my brother-in-law if the neighbor was saved. He said that he had shared Jesus with him, but didn't know if he had every accepted Him as Lord and Savior. He reminded me that we don't always know someone's heart and their relationship with God.

As the service began, I contemplated what was said. Then my brother, who was doing the service shared a story. It was the story of my neighbor's salvation. My heart rejoiced, I wanted to shout, and I wept quietly. He is in Heaven.

You see, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life". John 3:16. Today that salvation came for one young man early in life, and another late in life, but neither man will perish. Both of these individuals have salvation and are in Heaven. Thank you, God, for sending your Son to die so that they may live forever. That I have the promise of life everlasting.