Introduction
Beloved, the Word of God warns us: “Their foot shall slip in due time.” These words describe the condition of every sinner apart from Christ. Just as a person walking on ice may fall at any moment, so too the ungodly walk upon slippery ground, always in danger of sudden destruction.
There is nothing that keeps you out of hell at this very instant but the sheer mercy and will of Almighty God. Your health does not hold you. Your wealth cannot protect you. Your religion and your good deeds cannot secure you. You are hanging by a single thread over the flames of God’s wrath, and only His hand keeps you from falling.
The Condition of the Sinner
Consider this truth: sinners are already condemned. The Scripture says, “Whoever does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18). The sentence has been passed; the execution is merely delayed. You live under the judgment of a holy God, walking each day closer to the pit, and you do not even realize how near you are to eternal ruin.
Your foot may slip at any moment. It may slip tonight. It may slip before you draw your next breath. And when it does, there will be no second chance.
The Reality of God’s Wrath
Why should this alarm us? Because the wrath of God is real.
1. His power is unstoppable. If God decides to cast you into hell, no one can resist Him. Nations cannot stand before Him. Devils tremble before Him. How much less can you, a frail creature of dust, resist the Almighty?
2. His justice demands it. You have sinned. You have broken His law. Every lie, every lustful thought, every act of pride cries out for judgment. Justice does not sleep. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
3. His anger already burns. Do not think God is indifferent until the day of judgment. No! His wrath burns against you even now. The psalmist declares, “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11). Some of you sit calmly here today, yet God is more angry with you at this moment than He is with many already suffering in hell.
4. Satan waits to devour you. Scripture says the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He waits for the moment God withdraws His restraint, and then he will seize you forever.
5. Your sense of safety is an illusion. You may say, “I am healthy, I am young, I am secure.” But you walk across rotten boards over a pit of fire. At any moment they could break beneath your feet, and you would fall headlong into eternal destruction.
The Terrifying Picture
Picture yourself dangling over the flames of hell by a slender thread. The fire burns hotter and hotter, threatening to consume it. The bow of God’s wrath is bent. The arrow is aimed directly at your heart. Nothing holds it back but the hand of a God you have provoked by your sin.
At any moment He could release it, and you would be lost forever.
This is not imagination. This is the reality of every soul outside of Christ.
The Urgency of Repentance
Why should you not delay? Because every moment you delay, you increase your guilt. Scripture says, “Because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath” (Romans 2:5).
Every sin adds fuel to the fire of judgment. Every day without Christ heaps up more wrath to fall upon your head. You are like a person piling wood higher and higher for your own burning.
And your foot may slip at any time. Death comes suddenly. Judgment falls without warning. Do not presume upon tomorrow.
The Door of Mercy Is Still Open
But here is the good news: the door of mercy is still open. Christ Himself calls: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Others are fleeing from the wrath to come. Even now, men and women are escaping the fire and finding life in Christ. Why should you remain behind? Why should you sit still while others run into safety?
This is the appointed time. This is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). The door is open—but it will not remain open forever.
The Final Plea
Therefore I plead with you: do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15). Do not delay. Flee from the wrath to come! Run to Christ while His arms are stretched wide.
Look not behind you. Escape for your life, lest you be consumed (Genesis 19:17). Do not rest until you have found refuge in Jesus, the only Savior.
Today He offers you mercy. Tomorrow it may be gone. Before the sun sets, your foot may slip.
So I say to you with all urgency: repent, believe the gospel, and flee to Christ. For outside of Him there is only wrath, but in Him there is everlasting life.
Closing Prayer
O God, awaken the careless. Shake the unrepentant. Open blind eyes to see the danger of sin and the beauty of Christ. Grant that not one soul would leave this place hanging over the pit of hell, but that all would run to the Savior who died to rescue them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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