Felix was afraid after he heard Paul speaking about righteousness, self-control, and judgement. Felix understood the message but rejected it. Hence, he was afraid. Felix did not outrightly reject the Lord but expressed his rejection by postponing his decision to a convenient time later. (Acts 24: 24-25) Sadly, the opportune time did not materialise for him.
Zacchaeus was a tax-collector who was hated by Jews for his profession. He had a desire to see Lord Jesus, and climbed up a sycamore tree. Lord Jesus stopped and asked him to come down and take Him home as his guest. That brought repentance that he promised to pay all he had collected in excess and give half of his wealth to the poor. Like Felix, he did not postpone his decision for an opportune time. “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9)
The thief who was crucified along with Lord Jesus to His right hand, repented and pleaded. He requested the Lord to remember him in His Kingdom. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) There was no option to postpone his decision like Felix.
The Bible warns: “Today, if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts.” (Psalms 95:7-8) Paul writes that Today or Now is the time of salvation. (II Corinthians 6:2) Felix postponement was not right as he understood the message. He did not give serious consideration for his spiritual life.
There are others who have confidence about their future on this earth. The rich man, harvesting bumper crops, wanted to expand his warehouse and store for many years. ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ (Luke 12:20)
There are others who think God is so loving to punish anyone. If God is Holy, He will punish and judge sinners. How could holy God compromise with sin, by not punishing sinners?
Today do I have assurance of salvation?