I have come to love the game of pickleball, as have millions of people around the world.

It’s the fastest-growing sport in America. For many, it’s become a bit of an addiction—meeting new people, enjoying friendly competition, and getting exercise (even for those who don’t usually like it). It’s simple and inexpensive to start, but strategic and competitive as you improve.

I’ve had plenty of humbling moments on the court, like being pickled (not scoring any points), but none worse than the infamous “golden pickle.” That’s when the first server wins all 11 points in a row and no one else even gets to serve. It’s rare, but it happens. Desperation sets in. You try different strategies, different grips, different positions, but point after point is lost. Thankfully, life goes on. You get to play again. The golden pickle is soon forgotten.

But not every defeat in life is so easily forgotten.

In sports, we get second chances. But in life, there are no do-overs. A time is coming for each of us when life ends and we stand before our Maker.

The Bible says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). We all have the same problem: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We try to justify ourselves by saying “nobody’s perfect,” or “it’s only human to sin.” But those excuses only confirm what the Bible already says.

The payment for sin is death, judgment, and separation from God and from all that is good. No skill, no effort, and no excuse will be enough. We will all face the God of the universe. And the only answer that will be accepted is this: your sins must be paid for.

God loved us and sent His Son.

Jesus is God the son, come in the flesh. He was born of the virgin Mary. Jesus was fully man, but unlike us, He was without sin. He lived a perfect life, taught the reality of eternity, and healed many. Yet wicked men, jealous of Him, put Him to death on a cross.

Many were crucified in Roman times, but only one was sinless. After three days, Jesus rose from the dead. It may sound unbelievable, but the resurrection of Jesus is a miracle confirmed by hundreds of eyewitnesses. Even His disciples didn’t believe at first, until they saw Him, touched Him, and ate with Him. They were so convinced that all but one of them died for proclaiming it.

Jesus paid for the sin we’ve committed against the God who made us. But He didn’t just take our guilt—He also gives His perfect righteousness to all who trust in Him, making them right before God.

No ritual, no process, and no good deeds can do this. Only repentance and faith, turning from your sin and depending entirely on Christ, can save you from the judgment that your sin deserves.

In pickleball, there are moments of humiliation with the ultimate being the golden pickle. But in life, there are eternal consequences. A game might offer a second chance, death does not. Judgment is not a game. Hell Is Real and forever.

My plea to you is simple: turn from your sin and receive the free gift God offers—full forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ in Heaven with joy, peace, and love forever.