Probation (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Every new hire at my company begins a three month probation period. During this period, while I and the rest of the employees in my company are observing the new employee, it also allows the employee to understand our culture and expected workload and decide whether this is a company that they would be willing to make a long-term commitment.

It is expected that during the probation period, an employee would endeavor to be on their best behavior. While this has overwhelmingly been the case, there have been a few incidents when the employee violated company policies, leading to their dismissal. On one occasion, the employee was quite surprised and upset that he was being terminated, assuming the probation was a formality, not understanding that the interval was a test, an indeterminate stage between unemployment and job security.

Some religions teach there is an indeterminate stage between this life and the afterlife. After dying, depending upon how one lived their life, they will remain in a spiritual limbo while their god or some other divine being is determining whether they will ultimately go to heaven or hell. As compelling as this may seem, this is not what the Bible teaches. Salvation is not an indeterminate state.

…In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV) 

Salvation is immediate, eternal, and completely dependent upon the decision we make when we are alive on this earth. It can only happen if we confess and repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Once we die, it is too late. If you have still not decided to follow Jesus Christ, make the decision to do so now. There is no indeterminate state, no probation.

Today is the day of salvation.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.