Run to Christ!

The World in Crisis: Why We Need Christ Now!

In a world riddled with uncertainty, chaos, and tribulation, the clarion call to "Run to Christ" has never been more relevant or urgent. As darkness seems to envelope our societies and moral decay become increasingly prevalent, where do we turn? What hope remains when systems fail, leaders disappoint, and the foundations we once trusted crumble beneath our feet?

The answer remains unchanged through the centuries: Run to Christ, for there is no other hope in this world by which you can be saved from that which is to come!

The Call to Flee from Wrath

Scripture paints a vivid picture of mankind's condition without Christ - one of impending judgment and wrath. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans:

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18 KJV).

Just as the angels urged Lot to flee from Sodom before judgment fell, we too are urged to flee from the wrath to come. But where do we flee? To whom do we run?

John the Baptist's ministry began with this urgent message: "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2 KJV). This call to repentance was a call to turn and run—away from sin and toward the Saviour.

Christ: Our City of Refuge

In the Old Testament, God established cities of refuge where those who had accidentally caused another's death could flee for protection from avengers. These cities beautifully foreshadow Christ, our ultimate refuge.

"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18 KJV).

Just as these cities provided safety for the pursued, Christ offers safety for our souls. The Psalmist understood this when he wrote: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10 KJV).

The Exclusivity of Christ's Salvation

Why must we run specifically to Christ? Because salvation is found in Him alone. This exclusivity may seem narrow-minded to our pluralistic society, yet Scripture is uncompromising:

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 KJV).

Jesus Himself declared: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6 KJV).

This is not spiritual arrogance but divine revelation. In a world offering countless paths to enlightenment, self-improvement, and spiritual fulfilment, the Bible boldly proclaims that all roads do not lead to God. There is but one road, and it is narrow:

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV).

The Urgency of Now

Why run? Why not walk leisurely toward Christ? Because time is of the essence. Scripture repeatedly emphasises the urgency of salvation:

"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV).

We are not guaranteed tomorrow. The writer of Hebrews warns: "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15 KJV).

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13 KJV) dramatically illustrates this urgency. Five were prepared when the bridegroom arrived; five were not. When the unprepared returned from buying oil, the door was shut. Their cry of "Lord, Lord, open to us" was met with the devastating reply: "I know you not."

What Are We Running From?

We run from the penalty and power of sin. Sin is not merely bad behaviour; it is rebellion against our Heavenly Father that brings death: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 KJV).

We run from the dominion of darkness: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:13 KJV).

We run from eternal separation from God: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:46 KJV).

What Are We Running To?

We run to forgiveness: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14 KJV).

We run to peace with God: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1 KJV).

We run to eternal life: "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John 5:11-12 KJV).

We run to a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1 KJV).

How Do We Run to Christ?

Running to Christ begins with recognition—acknowledging our sin and need for salvation: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23 KJV).

It continues with repentance—turning from sin toward God: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19 KJV).

It culminates in receiving Christ by faith: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12 KJV).

The Joy of Those Who Run

Those who run to Christ discover that He is not merely a refuge from wrath but the source of incomparable joy and peace: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11 KJV).

The Christian life is not one of drudgery but of delight: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30 KJV).

Run Now!

The call rings out across the centuries: Run to Christ! Do not delay, do not hesitate, do not look back. Like Lot fleeing Sodom, like the manslayer racing toward the city of refuge, fix your eyes on Jesus and run with all your might.

For some reading these words, this may be your final invitation. Tomorrow is promised to no one. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6 KJV).

Run to Christ! For there is no other hope in this world by which you can be saved from that which is to come!

Key Takeaways:

• The urgency of salvation: We must run to Christ now, as tomorrow is not guaranteed.
• Christ as our only refuge: Scripture clearly teaches that salvation is found in Christ alone.
• What we flee from: The penalty of sin, the dominion of darkness, and eternal separation from God.
• What we run towards: Forgiveness, peace with God, eternal life, and relationship with our Heavenly Father.
• The pathway to Christ: Recognition of sin, repentance, and receiving Christ by faith.
• The narrow way: While the world offers many spiritual paths, Jesus is the only way to the Father.
• Christ as more than refuge: Those who run to Him discover not just safety but fullness of joy.