We’ve all heard the phrase “The haves and have nots”. It is generally used in reference to those who have money or material things and those who don’t. But it can be used in a much more serous manner. The Bible divides all of humanity into two classes–those who have eternal life and those who don’t. There is no middle ground. It is life or death, heaven or hell. Now notice three things about these folks.
THE DIFFERENT CLASSES– “He that believeth… he that believeth not..”
Some have everlasting life. This speaks of spiritual life not physical life. None of us live forever physically. Christians die just the same as unbelievers. The difference is with the spirit, not the body. The natural man’s spirit is dead, separated from God. However, when a person receives Christ the Spirit of God comes to dwell in them. Their spirit is then quickened, made alive. He now has everlasting life because the eternal Spirit of God resides within.
Some shall not see life. And this is where the majority of people are. Although they might be religious, they are not redeemed. Instead of having life they are lost. They might not be bad people according to human standards, but we aren’t measured by man’s standards. It’s what we are in God’s sight that matters, and the Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;“(Rom. 3:23). You can live without a lot of things, but you cannot go to heaven without being saved.
THE DETERMINING CONDITION— “..believeth on the Son..”
The determining factor is not health, wealth, religion, works, or sincerity. It is belief. That means more than simply acknowledging. You can acknowledge the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross and rose from the grave and still go to hell. The word “believeth” means to place confidence in, to trust, to rely upon. It is to accept what the Bible says about Christ and to trust Him to do what He promised. And true saving faith will manifest itself in a number of ways—such as obedience to God, good works, and love for others.
THE DREADFUL CALAMITY— “..the wrath of God abideth on him”.
Wrath is a trait that many never associate with God, but it is as much a fact as His love is. John the Baptist said, “flee from the wrath to come“(Matt. 3:7). The very worst thing that could happen to you is to die without having Christ as your Savior. You will suffer for all eternity as a result of it. Every rejection of Christ only aggravates the matter ( Rom. 2:5-6). Delay makes matters worse (Matt. 11:20-24). So, are you a have or a have not?Trust Christ right now and have life forever! –HDS
