“A Final Decision"
John 19:1-16
“Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” [John 19:16]
There is a final decision that every person makes about Jesus. “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” [Matt 12:30] These are the very words of Jesus. You are either for Him or against Him; there is no middle ground. Many say, “I’m undecided.” But a no-decision is a decision; it is a decision not to decide, which ultimately is a denial. You cannot stand along the fence as Peter did outside the Praetorium [ref. John 18:18].
The question then becomes, when does a final denial occur? It is when a person breathes his last in this life. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” [Hebrews 9:28]. The Bible clearly teaches that faith in Jesus as Lord in this life is the requirement for eternal life in heaven. There are many that receive Jesus as Lord just before they breathe their last. And Jesus is faithful to receive them at that moment. We should be thankful for those that minister in hospitals and hospices.
Sometimes, however, a person passes the point of no return in this life. They have denied Christ so many times that it becomes impossible for them to receive, even on their death bed. Their hearts have become insensate to the things of God by continual denial. They have passed the point of no return.
There are examples of this in scripture. Pharaoh hardened his heart toward God eight times after seeing God’s miracles; and then God began to harden Pharaoh’s heart to expedite the exodus. The time had come for Israel to leave. If Pharaoh would not release them, God would hardened Pharaoh’s heart and force the matter.
We see a similar example with Pilate in our passage this morning. Pilate knew there was something different about Jesus [ref. John 19:7-11]. “From then on Pilate sought to release Him.” [John 19:12] However, he acquiesced to the crowd.
He did not have the courage to take a stand for Jesus. Therefore, “he delivered Him to them to be crucified.” [John 19:16]
When it comes to Jesus, a no-decision is a decision against. Pilate thought he was neutral but in reality he was against and therefore eternally condemned. This, too, is a mistake that many make today.
Separate from the crowd. Decide to follow Jesus during this time of mercy. Today is the day of salvation. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” A final decision on Jesus must be made in this life to receive eternal
