“Come With Me if You Want to Live”

“Come with me if you want to live” is a famous line from the sci-fi movie The Terminator and its sequels, repeated by various characters. It has become a catchphrase and trope in stories about trust and rescue from danger or death.

While not everyone is a fan of sci-fi movies, the phrase or its general meaning has been used in many other stories and movies where a hero rescues someone from peril to save their life. Often the rescuer is unknown to the one being rescued, who must decide whether to trust their unlooked-for “savior.”

A biblical example of a “rescue story” is Abraham’s nephew Lot, who lived in the city of Sodom. God intended to destroy Sodom for its depravity, and He sent two angels to tell Lot to flee the city before it was consumed. Lot’s sons-in-law wouldn’t listen to him. The angels said, “Escape for your life! … Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” In the end, only Lot and his two daughters were saved (Genesis 19).

The biblical accounts of God’s deliverance are numerous, but a few are very well-known. One is regarding the experiences of the prophet Daniel (Belteshazzar was his Babylonian name) when he was cast into a den of lions. God preserved his life. Another account about Daniel’s three friends, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Mesach), Azariah (Abed-Nego) relates how they were thrown alive into a fiery furnace and miraculously rescued by God. Then there is the account of Queen Esther, who risked her life to save her Jewish people—God working the miracles behind the scenes. And there are many other examples in the Bible of those whom God rescued as summarized in Hebrews 11. They trusted in God to rescue them. Yes, there are some who God allowed to be martyred of whom it says, “the world was not worthy” (vv. 35–38). But overwhelmingly, God saves His people from danger.

Rescue stories have various structures and themes, as do these “Bible stories.” Common to most stories are a setup, an escalating conflict or crisis, and then a climax and resolution. Those saved are at risk and vulnerable, they overcome their fear, trust in their rescuer, and are then delivered.

In the account of Israel being delivered from Egypt in the Exodus, Moses told Israel, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). This same phrase was repeated when king Jehoshaphat battled against a great multitude from Moab and Ammon (2 Chronicles 20). Jehoshaphat was afraid but sought the Lord through fasting. A Levite named Jahaziel told them they would not need to fight, it was God’s battle, and to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (vv. 14–17).

Before Israel was to enter the Promised Land, Moses told them to “listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live.” The word “live” is from the Hebrew khaw-yaw'—meaning “live, preserve alive, save alive,” or in essence, “observe what I’m telling you if you want to live.”

The major prophet Isaiah urged Judah and Israel to come to God, hear and obey Him to live (Isaiah 55:3). The prophet Amos similarly said, “Seek Me (God) and live” (Amos 5:4, 6). The prophet Ezekiel urged the wicked to turn from his evil ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11).

One may see signs posted on poles and billboards saying, “Jesus saves.” While a true statement, as Jesus the Christ did come to save mankind (Matthew 1:21; Luke 9:56), note what Jesus said: “[B]ut if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17).

In all of these examples, whether from movies or the Bible, the rescuer gives a condition or requirement: “(Do this) if you want to live.” We all need to be rescued to have life—so what will you do if the offer is made?

To further your understanding what it truly means to be saved, you may be interested in reading the Tomorrow’s World magazine article “You Need Salvation!” Also be sure to order your very own free copy of John 3:16: Hidden Truths of the Golden Verse or read it right here at TomorrowsWorld.org.