Why Do So Many Loving Elderly People Die Without Accepting Jesus Christ?

[Stevangelist]

It bothers me that so many elderly people with so much love for family, friends, and strangers die without accepting Jesus Christ into their life. Many of these people so much fulfill the lives Jesus Christ expects all of us to lead but yet are so far from accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts. Why is this? Do you believe these people receive salvation? And do or did you know anyone like this?

HOLY BIBLE Matthew 7
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

[Bondservant]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stevangelist
[B]Do you believe these people receive salvation? "

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

No one receives salvation who does not ask for it. And if a person could live a good enough life to "earn" heaven, then Christ died for nothing.

[prairiewoman]

My elderly parents were saved almost two years ago - Dad is now 89 and Mom is 87. PRAISE GOD!

I think many elderly people, like my parents, have been brought up that "religion" is a very "private" thing. Thus, they feel uncomfortable talking about it.

PLEASE - if ANY of you know elderly people - make sure you can speak with them alone, privately, one-on-one. DON'T pressure them!

If the elderly person is a family member, make some time to talk with them. Don't go jumping in right away about Jesus. Let them talk about things, everyday things. Show them that you CARE about THEM, not just about the 'act' of witnessing. Then look for an opportunity to "insert" Jesus into the conversation. :D:

If the elderly person is a neighbor, begin to talk more to that neighbor. Again, look for opportunities to talk about Jesus.

It is most helpful if you can share with them how much you know that Jesus loves you, and loves them too. Love. Caring. That's really what every person on this earth is starving for. And Jesus IS Love, He IS our Friend, our Savior, our Shepherd. So SHOW them love, SHOW them caring.

Then PRAY for God to send them additional servants and witnesses!

Believe me, elderly people probably think of their mortality on a DAILY basis. They are probably the EASIEST people to reach with the love and hope and eternal life of Jesus!

[Doobie56]

Most of my clients are elderly. In my job, I do have the opportunity to present them with their possible eternity. When the Lord leads me that is.

But one thing I have had to learn is this: "We really know nothing of their many years of life. Who knows for sure if they knew about Jesus or not? Who knows if they have ever accepted Christ for sure."

Like PW said, I believe it is a personal and private thing for their generation. They just didn't always speak of it. They didn't always even act like "we" think maybe they should. But you would or could see a Bible or two laying around without dust on it. :):

[LisaAnn]

My husbands grandmother just passed away a few months ago. She was the kindest most loving woman. Went to church her whole life. However, when I tried to speak to her about Jesus she would pretend to not hear me or would change the subject. Two days before she passed away she was semi-consicious and just kept singing 'Jesus Loves Me', other than this I have nothing to go on. I really dont know for sure one way or the other if she was truely saved. :confused

[cameron222]

Sadly, some people equate "being good" with going to heaven.
I see a lot of this "many paths to heaven" today as well and it is one of satan's most clever tricks.

Many non christians are more benevolent than christians and give millions to foundations and good causes. Many non christians are meek and mild and loving of others.

I believe our "worldly" society also plays a part, especially in America where prosperity abounds. Some people are so caught up with acquiring and maintaining their goods that they have little time for anything else.

Yes, it is sad to see a sweet, loving, kind older person deny Jesus. It is heartbreaking.

[KrispyKritter]

Mother Teresa did a lot of good in the world... but if she was relying on the sacraments, rites, The "Church" or her works for her salvation went to hell.

I personally hope she had a saving knowledge of Christ. I have no way of knowing, and therefore do not judge her one way or the other... but my point is: what a waste it would be if she did all she did, but rejected the true gospel of salvation in Christ thru faith alone ... and died in her sins trusting the Church of Rome for salvation.

None of us are good enough to make it on our own. Those who believe otherwise need to wipe the dust of their Bible and actually read it. Start in Romans.

[bopeep1909]

Hardened hearts to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.<><

[prairiedog]

A couple who live on my street are in their 80s & are pagans.

Although they are very eccentric, they are excellent neighbors. Never have to worry about our home when we are away, as they keep an eye on any unusual activity in the neighborhood.

I have witnessed to them, as have my Christian neighbors. We've decided to shake the dust off our sandals because the lady comes back at us about how Chrsitians "stole" the pagan holidays & the man mocks God with sarcastic remarks.

One evening, we invited all neighbors over for a cookout. When he saw the family Bible displayed prominently, he sarcastically said, "ohhhhhhh a Biiiiiiiiible...are you a 'churchgoer'?" I firmly replied to him that I don't attend as often as I should, but I try to live according to God's Will. And I let him know in a firm but polite way that I will not tolerate mocking God in my home.

[bopeep1909]

I don't mind being called a "Jesus freak" or a " Bible thumper" by nonchristians. It is an honor to be those things. The Bible tells us there will be great rewards in heaven for being ridiculed in his name.

[RobinB]

After watching my uncle turn off my family by being loud and preachy, I try sharing in more subtle ways. I gave them copies of Left Behind videos, and a copy of "Are we living in the end times?" and even got mom and grandmom to talk about it!!

I also gave my mother a copy of Max Lucado's "When Christ Comes," which has a really interesting opening. It starts off having the reader imagine he's driving home from work and hears this unbelievable trumpet, all traffic stops. brand new colors appear, etc. as Christ appears.

The only other thing I can do is try to show them how I've changed by example. When they come for Christmas dinner now, everyone has an upside down candy cane (the J shape) on their plate for "Jesus."

We can tell them and show them but we can't beat them over the head.

:rolleyes

[prairiedog]

Well said, Robin.

My late mother always said our lives are sermons. It's the example we set that draws people to the Gospel, not the browbeatings.

About the pagan neighbors...I meant to say that we gave up on them because they refuse to listen. My earlier comments are referring to how they respond to our witnessing.

And I agree about the name-calling, etc. & how Christ promises a greater reward because of it.

What I will not tolerate from a guest in my home is mocking God. It is our responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen on our turf. Now that I politely/firmly warned my neighbor, if he tries it again in the future he will no longer be welcome in my home. This isn't about me, it's about taking a stand for the Lord by making sure His Name is not mocked while I am able to control the situation.

[goodboy]

How do we know who is not saved?

We don’t! We are however, instructed not to judge. Though I may be able to say with some certainty that someone is saved, I cannot say who is not saved. Only God knows who is not, or will not be saved. While knowing who is saved can be very useful, knowing who is not saved is not necessary, or any of our business.
What about sharing the Gospel? Don’t we need to know who is not saved so we can share with them? No, just share with anyone who you are not sure is saved. Even if they are already saved, if it’s not apparent, maybe you can motivate them.
My point here is, that I know of people who are saved but for different reasons keep that fact to themselves. I'm sure there are others who are not saved, but do accept Christ sometime before they die, though we may not be aware of it.
Lastly let me just say, I think we will be surprised and happy to see a lot a people in Heaven who we thought were not saved, but had accepted Christ without our knowledge.

[RobinB]

That would be great, goodboy!!

[Lorrie Ann]

After watching my uncle turn off my family by being loud and preachy, I try sharing in more subtle ways.

Hey Robin B, we must have the same uncle. My uncle was loud and preachy for many years (he is now deceased). My parents could hardly stand him and made fun of him behind his back.

Unfortunately, they will not listen to me either. I have tried subtle ways, sending clippings and cards in the mail, etc.

I tried to talk to them about the Passion movie but they said it is gruesome and refused to even listen.

I guess I will keep trying but when do you realize you have to let it go?

[RobinB]

Lorrie Ann-- you have to let it go when you've given them the message, I guess, and they don't want to keep hearing it. <sigh>

Of course, you can sneak little things in later on. I contributed to a book of devotionals last year --there is one for each calendar day of the year-- and so I ordered a case and gave a copy of the book to all my relatives for Christmas. On the surface, I gave them out because I wrote something in them, but I'm hoping they actually read some of the wonderful devotions other people have written. . . and pray they understand someday.

By the way, my uncle has toned it down in his old (er) age--


:D: