Those who Have Fled For Refuge

The Bible describes the response of the sinner to the gospel in various ways, such as “receiving Christ”, “believing in Him,” etc.  Each description brings out a different aspect of conversion.  Hebrews 6:18 describes those who lay hold of the hope of the gospel as those “who have fled for refuge”. Fleeing implies the presence of some danger that must be  avoided.  A refuge is needed to protect us from harm.  The overall thought is that no one will respond to the gospel until they see the great danger they are in.  To see their need of the Savior, they must first see their sin and guilt before God.  Many people today contend that in evangelism, we must avoid the subject of sin, so that we don’t offend people.  We should emphasize the love of God and all the blessings that flow from the gospel.  Any mention of the justice and wrath of God will only provoke people.  Nothing could be more erroneous!  People today must be confronted with the reality and consequences of their sin, the same as in every other time.  The gospel message has never changed, and neither has our desperate need of it.