Beyond Redemption Point

At the turn of the 20^th century, the Niagara River of New York was a point of recreation for many people who enjoyed the outdoors.  Boaters, anglers and swimmers plied the beautiful waters of this magnificent setting.  Many people enjoyed memorable times with family and friends in the safe upper reaches of the River.  They could take comfort in being far from the dangers that lay further downstream. 

However in the words of preacher George Truett in a gospel meeting in Fort Worth , Texas in June, 1917, danger was in store for those who failed to heed the warning:

“Were you ever yonder above Niagara ?  If you have been, some hundreds of yards above that roaring, plunging Niagara , you have seen a strange sign, flung out on 
either side of the river, as the river rushes to take that last awful plunge.  You recall 
it as I speak of it.  A plank with three ominous words is flung out on either side of 
the river, and you are arrested as your eyes see those words - just three:
  
“PAST REDEMPTION POINT”  

The meaning of the words is ominous and evident.  Oh boatman, plying your little boat on the surface of that river, do not get below that sign!  Oh canoeman, floating idly and leisurely on the bosom of the river, do not get below that sign!  For a little below that sign the river-bed falls, and the river rushes with the speed almost of the arrow let fly from the bow to take its fearful plunge over the awful precipice.  Do not get below that sign.  Somewhere in the journeying of a human soul there is that awful sign flung out:  “PAST REDEMPTION POINT”.  Soul, DO NOT get into the current below that sign!”  *

What about OUR souls?  Will we enjoy the safe comfort provided by our Lord and Savior in His Word?  To take haven in His arms of rest?  Or instead do we allow ourselves to be pulled towards that ominous DANGER of SIN where peril and ruin await those caught in its dreadful power?

Safety is found in Christ, believing in Him (Acts 16:31), repenting of sin (2 Cor 7:9) confessing Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).  One is kept safe by Christ by continuing to heed the “signposts”  of God’s Word (1 John 1:7).

“PAST REDEMPTION POINT.”  DON'T get below that sign!  

Through an obedient faith, find joy and safety in the River of God ’s love.

God bless you!

-- Terry Livingston / David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

*Quotation from “A Quest of Souls” by George Truett, Copyright 1917.  In memory of preacher Emory Livingston, Cloverdale , AL

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