RSVP

 

Have you ever received an invitation to a function, let’s say to a wedding or a party? I am sure the invitation came with an RSVP. To RSVP means please respond (literally, répondez s'il vous plaît in French). RSVP requests usually accompany invitations so the host or hostess is able to adequately prepare to avoid a shortage of food or supplies. Guests planning to attend an event are usually asked to make their intentions known by calling a given phone number or returning a slip or postcard provided for that purpose to a provided address.

Everybody, you included, has been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (see Revelation 19:9). This event, like all well-planned social events, has to be responded to. The invitation to this wedding supper reads: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

There are three possible responses to this invitation and each response has eternal implications.

·       You could respond, “Not interested. Don’t believe it. I am just fine.”  Based on the wording of the invitation, you have elected to perish.

·       You could respond, “Yes, I will go. I will respond after taking care of X, Y, and Z.” If procrastination goes on long enough, the opportunity to respond will be lost, putting you in the “not interested” category.

·       Or you could respond, “Yes, I want to attend the supper; I am responding right now because today is the day of salvation!” You might pray, “Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for my sins. I now accept Him as my Lord and Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you respond, ‘Yes,’ your RSVP will be immediately received in heaven, and your name maintained in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Also, in heaven, on the day of the wedding supper, you will be escorted into the banquet hall to enjoy fine dining and fellowship with the Lamb (groom) and the bride (the Church, of which you are a part).

Note that no one can show up with an excuse of, “I meant to RSVP, but forgot or I was too busy to respond.” The groom’s response to people with excuses will be, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you” (Matthew 25:12). I hope that won't be your experience.

It is also important to note that each individual has to RSVP for themselves. Although this is an invitation to all, only individual responses are acceptable. In other words, group responses are not acceptable; each individual has to respond on their own behalf. The invitation clearly says, “Whosoever will may come.”

So dear reader, how are you going to respond to this invitation? I hope you will say “Yes,” and please say it now before it is too late. God loves you, but He will not force you to accept this very important invitation. Anyone you know (parent, sibling, friend, or spouse) who accepts this invitation cannot include you on their RSVP. Speak for yourself today! Time is running out!