Written by: Erin Georgiou; JOY! Magazine editor
I have recently experienced the loss of a few friends and many acquaintances to various forms of cancer. My immediate prayer for each one is that they would be found steadfast in their faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and that they would enter into God’s eternal rest. Sadly, I am not always convinced that this is the reality. Some of their lives did not necessarily reflect this. Yes, they were all “good and decent” people, but this alone will not save anyone at the eternal judgement. Only transformed lives, flowing from having made Jesus Lord and Saviour, will avail. As Scripture reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith…” (Eph 2:8). There is no second opportunity.
Sharing Christ while there is time
Hebrews 9:27 is very clear. It states that death is an appointment we will all face, and after that there will be judgement. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom 14:12). I have always tried to share Jesus’ plan of salvation with everyone in my immediate social sphere, as well as with those I meet in casual contact, often experiencing rejection, dismissal, and sometimes even blatant disrespect. Occasionally, however, I do find an open heart and willing spirit, prepared by the Lord, and have had the joy of leading them to Him.
The certainty of eternity
I want to take this opportunity today, dear readers, to reinforce the importance of living with purpose and faith, focusing on God’s grace, the promise of resurrection, and being a willing vessel to share Christ’s love and salvation plan. You never know your appointed date or hour of death, but we do know the certainty of judgement and eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). May we live ready, walk faithfully, and lovingly point others to the hope we have in Christ.
This article is featured in the May 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 10/04/2026
Feature images sourced from original article
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