The cure for the virus

Dear editor:

The illustration on Page 7A of The Sentinel-Record, Feb. 25, depicting 1,370 headstones as representing the 500,000 who have died due to the virus, was as disturbing to me as the day I stood among the crosses in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Most of these military personnel died defending our freedoms, but what did the virus victims die for?

Our country has suffered other pandemics in the past such as smallpox (estimated to have begun in 10,000 BC and eradicated in 1979), polio (1916-1955), influenza (1918-1920), etc. Untold trillions have died and we wonder why. Many believe viruses are the work of “Mother Nature” (whoever she is) culling mankind; others that they are part of life, and very few claim that God is trying to get our attention that a larger worldwide pandemic is coming.

Whatever may happen today, tomorrow or in the near future, every one of us has a day and time when we will die physically (Heb. 9:27). The Apostle Paul said some will not die but their bodies will be instantly changed “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:51-52). Our soul will not be destroyed with our body, but exist forever.

Many of us should be thinking about where we will spend eternity instead of worrying about the pandemic, wars, or the earthshaking events of nature. A right relationship with God should be our focus while there is still time. He is our Maker (Isa. 40:28), Sustainer (Zech. 9:15a), loving Father (Mal. 2:10a; John 3:16a), and Judge (Ps. 9:78). Jesus Christ spoke about two directions in life and the one we will choose to follow: the straight and narrow “gate” that leads to eternal life in heaven, or the wide one that leads to eternal death (separation from God) (Mt. 7:13).

One of the greatest pandemics mankind has been battling since the world began is the Sin Virus. It causes us to reject God’s promises and His Son, Jesus, whom He allowed to die for our sickness because we have all transgressed and have not measured up to His standards (Rom.

3:23). The payment for our sins is death (Rom.

6:23). The cure for this Virus is our inoculation of Jesus. Ask God to forgive you of your sins, believe that Jesus died for you and was raised up from the grave. Receive Him as your Savior and the Sin Virus will be gone. Have you been healed from the virus of sin?

Donald Cunningham Hot Springs