Through the years I have written a considerable number of articles with the desire and intent to instruct the unsaved and point them to the Savior, and to encourage and edify souls who strive to serve the risen Lord. I would like to think that I may continue for some time yet, in my feeble way, to be what influence I can for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, if such be God’s will. But as I conclude this series of articles which have been published these last several months, it was suggested that I write with the thought in mind expressed in the above title. What if this were to be my last writing? What message would be most vital to impart? So many things flood my mind.

First and foremost, I beseech my brethren to keep the faith with unwavering dedication, and to the unsaved I beg that you believe the Word of God, consider your eternal destiny, repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins. Love the Lord who died for our sins and serve Him who alone can save our souls from hell.

I urge everyone to realize that this earth life which we now live is but for a moment as compared to an endless eternity. We are eternal bound beings. We dwell here in the flesh for a limited number of years, but beyond the death of these bodies we shall either inhabit the heavenly dwelling place of the redeemed, or the fire pits of hell with Satan. It is so vital that we establish the proper priorities of life and humbly walk with our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Study and believe the Holy Scriptures. The God given record of the past, from the creation of the world to approximately 400 years before the birth of Christ, is revealed to us in the Old Testament Scriptures. The New Testament Scriptures inform us of Christ coming to earth in human form, His ministry, His death, burial, resurrection and ascension, the establishment of the church, the things God requires for our salvation, how He commands us to live, to worship and to serve Him, the promise of heaven for the faithful and the doom of hell for those who dare to disregard His law. The Scriptures are the revealed Word of God.

It pains me deeply that so many people who seemingly are basically good, are involved with religious organizations and denominations that in name, faith and practice are not in compliance with the Word of God. May God help people to see that the Bible was written by holy men of God inspired by the Spirit of God. (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 1 Pet. 1:10-12, 2 Pet. 1:3, 21). We need no modern day revelation, no message from angels, no doctrines of men. (Gal. 1:8-9, Matt.15:9). We need to have faith in what God has said, obey His Word, and follow His instructions. I implore people to turn from denominationalism and be identified with the church begun in the days of the apostles, Christ's church. (Matt. 16:18, Acts 2, Rom. 16:16). “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John. 4:24). We must humbly and sincerely surrender and submit to Him. He is the Almighty God, and He has revealed what we must do to be saved. Do not doom your soul to eternal condemnation by deviating from His revealed will.

Your love for Christ and your devotion to Him should govern your every aspect of life (Col. 3:17). Live your life with eternity in mind. Set your affection on things above, not just on the frivolous things of this world. (Col. 3;2, 1 John. 2:15-17). Let the perfect example of Christ serve as a pattern for you to strive to emulate in your behavior. Acknowledge your blunders. Ask for forgiveness. Trust in His grace. Strive to be more holy.

Be an example of the believers. (1 Tim. 4:12). Guard your tongue. Indecent and ungodly speech is far too common in the world today. Old Testament Jews were to be put to death for blasphemous words. Today there is almost no limit to the filth that comes from the lips of men and women. Vulgarity and profanity defile a multitude of souls. (Matt. 12:36-37, 15:11). Have you noticed how common the expression “Oh, God” has become in recent years? Oh, that souls would reverence and praise His holy name, rather than using it as a casual expression. Some who may hesitate to take the name of the Lord in vain, but still want to be somewhat like the world around them, will use euphemisms or substitute words. Rather than saying “God”, they will say “gosh” or “golly”; rather than “Jesus” they say “gee”; rather than “damn” they say “darn”; rather than “hell” they say “heck”. May we, like David of old, pray that the words of our mouths be acceptable in the sight of the Lord. (Psa. 19:14).

We cannot let the world set the standards for us. (Rom. 12:2). We must accept God's standards. The immodesty and shamelessness of the world must never cease to be disgusting and offensive to Christians. God does not intend for our bodies to be displayed, but that they should be modestly clothed. (1 Tim. 2:9). It is better to be in harmony with the Word of God than in style with the world.

We must always abhor all that is evil. (Rom. 12:9). Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and every other form of immorality is sinful and wrong. We cannot lightly accept sin in any form as merely “an alternative life style.” The addictions in our modern world to nicotine, alcohol, drugs, gambling, worldly pleasures and orgies can only lead to remorse and sorrow.

God loves us and has given us the formula for a good life here, and for eternal life in heaven. I suppose if I knew that I had but one last message to leave for fellow mortals before I were to leave this world, I think it would be, “Walk with God.”