As you know, the Rev. Jerry Falwell died yesterday morning. Today's New York Times carries as long, generally sympathetic biography of the man many consider a crucial catalyst in the formation of the "religious right."

Rev. Falwell's story is a fascinating commentary on spirituality in America. His grandfather was a crusader for atheism. His father built dance halls, was a heavy drinker, and died of liver disease at an early hour. But his mother was a devout Christian. Rev. Falwell always gave credit for his conversion to her influence. On January 20, 1952, "God came quietly into Mom's kitchen" and answered his prayers, he later testified.

After graduating from a Bible college, he returned to his native Lynchburg, Virginia to found the Thomas Road Baptist Church. He visited 100 homes a day to invite people to his church. And he became an early proponent of radio and television evangelism. 864 attended worship within a year; the congregation now numbers more than 22,000 and will be led by Rev. Falwell's son, Jonathan.

Rev. Falwell disavowed political activity for preachers until Roe v. Wade changed his mind. In 1979 he founded the Moral Majority, and continued to speak out on political issues to the end of his life. He was found unconscious in his office yesterday morning, and died in the hospital at the age of 73.

The homegoing of Jerry Falwell reminds us that humans are mortal. Whatever our social significance or spiritual convictions, we will all die unless Jesus returns first. When we do, our work on earth will lead to reward or loss of reward in heaven: "No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

We're exploring the promise that God forgives all that we confess to him and wondering why we cannot therefore simply sin and confess, then sin and confess. Here we find a second reason: our Father rewards eternally our obedience on earth. If I spend an hour in sin, I can later confess that sin and be forgiven, but I cannot have that hour back. I forfeit forever the reward my disobedience has cost me. Let's discuss that fact tomorrow.

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