As a continual ponderer, I find myself asking questions about so many of the things humans face on this journey we call life. I was just thinking about a conversation I had recently with a gentleman who kept saying, “I understand that, but what if…” He did that with several subjects. As I drove home later, I pondered what he kept saying and realized that people, Christians included, have many “what ifs” in their lives. And there are many they likely never consider at all.
What If Jesus Had Not Gone to the Cross?
I realize some would respond to that question by saying, “There was no way He was not going to the cross.” Really? In His humanity, He experienced the full anguish of what lay before Him. From Mark’s account of Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John in Gethsemane, we read: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:34-36 NIV).
What if the Father had said, “You are My Son. I will give You as You have requested. You will not be crucified”? Praise the Lord. Jesus was willing to do the Father’s will. Had He not, we would be condemned forever to an eternity in the Lake of Fire.
What if No One Ever Told You About Your Need for Salvation?
What if your family, friends, or pastor decided that their obedience to the Great Commission was unnecessary? What if they thought someone else could do a better job? Do you not rejoice that someone told you? Jesus cared enough to die for you, and someone cared enough to share the wonderful, life-changing good news that salvation is available to all who believe.
What If You Had Never Believed the Gospel Message?
Jesus willingly submitted to the Father’s will. Those who told you about salvation chose to obey, and you had to decide how you would respond to the gospel. If you are saved today — you made the right choice!
What If You Turned Away from Your Faith?
To be with the Lord is the believer’s ultimate hope. But while we remain here, God has given us a purpose: to share the gospel of Christ with others — family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. But what if you had turned away from your faith? You would have failed to do for others what someone did for you.
What If There Were No Tomorrow for Your Lost Friends?
That is one of the biggest “what ifs” to consider. Humans are often procrastinators by nature. We feel uneasy about speaking to someone about their need to be saved. We think we might be better equipped tomorrow. But what if they lose their lives today? What if you die without telling them about Christ? What if Jesus comes back today? “‘In the time of my favor I heard you and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
