God's Deadline

GOD’S DEADLINE I do not understand how God can draw a line And say once one has crossed it, there is no other time To come to Him for mercy and know that sins are gone, And yet I know that somewhere, somehow that line is drawn. We’re taught that His great mercy forever will endure, But though He has this mercy, His wrath is just as sure. And should a man reject Him as his last breath is drawn, There cannot be forgiveness for his chances are all gone. If man could be forgiven beyond the cold, dark grave, Then hell would be fast empty, for all would then be saved. Just being there a moment will seem eternity, And you will cry in torment and for mercy you will plea. Like that rich man who went there, you’d see the ones in bliss And realize the chances you had this place to miss. Like him you’ll cry for mercy or water for your tongue, Or for a faithful witness so loved ones would not come. But all of man’s fair chances come on this side of death; There is no purgatory once man breathes His last breath. And when he’s passed from this life to doom in the beyond, His pleas will go unanswered for his chances are all gone. And for the sinning Christian rebelling God’s desire There is a day of judgment and God’s consuming fire. There is that day of shame when he stands there face to face And sees his loving Saviour, the one he brought disgrace. God has for him a deadline as sure as for the lost And what he sowed he reaps then; yes, he will pay the cost. Lord, I don’t want to trifle with Your grace so Divine, So help me to stay faithful and not to cross that line. Help me to carry onward and leave behind the past And never to go back there, knowing I’ll be free at last. I know I can do nothing about what I used to be, But I know from now on I can try to live for Thee. I know, God, You’ve forgotten those days I spent in sin And gave me a clean record when I let You come in. And I know You can help me in Your own special way And make and mold and use me as Your vessel, Lord, of clay. I humbly now acknowledge that I depend on You; Let me not cross Your deadline; let me stay strong and true.