Friend, if you're just attending church without truly knowing Christ, these words describe your end. You might regularly attend services because it's expected, but your heart isn't right with God.

Imagine continuing like this for twenty or thirty years. You're keeping up the outward appearance of faith, but your heart's not in it. Picture the deathbed of someone like that. We approach it quietly. Sweat beads on their brow, and they cry out, "God, it's hard to die.

Did you call for the minister?" "Yes, he's on his way." The minister arrives. "Sir, I think I'm dying!" "Do you have any hope?" "I can't say I do. I'm scared to stand before God. Please, pray for me." Earnest prayers are offered, and once more the way of salvation is explained. Yet, before he can grasp it, he slips away.

His eyes, now lifeless, won't see anything of this world again. But where is he really? Scripture says, "In hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment." Why wait until then to lift his eyes?

He was so used to hearing the gospel that he slept through it. If you open your eyes there, the regret will be intense. The Savior's words show the horror: "Father Abraham, send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I'm tormented in this flame." Those words carry a dreadful truth. May you never know it firsthand in the harshness of God's judgment.