I know I’m going to hell and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. And don’t ever bring up the subject again.” That was my dad’s response when I tried to tell him how Jesus had changed my life. Eventually all my siblings would come to Christ and we committed to pray for him.
One morning 29 years later my dad called with severe chest pains. After examining him, our family doctor said, “It’s a tumor in his right lung and I’m almost certain it’s inoperable, but we won’t tell him until the results come back.”
The biopsy confirmed his diagnosis and I stayed with him the night we told him, hoping to talk to him about Jesus. He tossed and turned. Early the next morning he said, “I don’t think I’m gonna make it this time.”
With unusual grace I said, “Poppa, you’ve always known you were gonna die someday — and when you die you’re gonna stand before God.” He said, “I know it, son.” Then he spoke the words I had waited 29 years to hear, “And I’m ready to do something about it.”
From the Bible beside his bed I read Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” I said, “Dad do you understand you’re a sinner?” “Oh yes,” he replied.
Then Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I followed up with John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God.” And with Revelation 3:20: “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him.”
I said, “Dad, God has a free gift for you — eternal life — and it’s in Jesus. You have to receive Jesus in order to have the gift. Right now He’s standing at the door knocking, waiting for you to open it. Are you ready?”
He said yes and I led him in a simple prayer of repentance and faith. Thirteen months later he discovered the reality of that day.
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