“Dragontown” is Cooper’s 22nd studio album – released in 2001. The album is a continuation of the themes found on the previous album, Brutal Planet. The nature of this world is really no different than it’s ever been in the past, but this album deals with the current events and state of affairs that have led us to an over-hyped hate and disdain for each other. Tracks like “Dragontown”, “Sex, Death, and Money”, “Sister Sara”, and “I Just Wanna Be God” lay the groundwork for where such lifestyles and behaviors can lead us.

“It’s Much Too Late” is a track that I think speaks volumes to our society – both Christian and non-Christian. It’s about a pious man that lives a life ‘littered’ with good intentions. While abstaining from the evils and vile of this world, he still misses the boat. He still never seeks out the love and relationship of His Creator. Instead of working so hard at being good, he should have laid his life in the hands of God asking for His guidance and accepting the call to Salvation. Instead, he chose a life of self-righteousness lived through deeds and works. Ultimately (and most likely accidentally), eternally offending the Almighty – condemned to Hell.

Hell. This is a topic that makes most Christians (including myself) uncomfortable. I don’t like the thought of anyone suffering here on earth or especially on an eternal level. Honestly, I don’t even like the thought of some terrorist or ruthless dictator going there. Sure, there’s times when we all might think, “Just wait – they’re gonna get theirs one day’. But the truth is, the Holy Spirit dwelling within every believer wants nothing more than to know each and every individual intimately on this earth – from the Billy Graham’s of this world to the Osama Bin Laden’s. We, as Christians, (should) want nothing more than to see every person on this globe in relationship with their Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The song makes three key points that should be addressed individually. This post will focus on good intentions, offending God, and no second chances.

Good Intentions. Ephesians 2:8-9 sums up exactly what this song is stating. There’s no amount or measure of good works possible to save us from an eternal demise. Only through the salvation and grace found through Christ given to us through faith and belief in Him can one be received – it is a gift from God not some sort of penance or pension plan for a life lived abstaining from some special list of vices. Think about what it’s like to receive a gift from someone. Do you make plans to repay them for that gift or do you willingly accept it with gratitude, praise, and/or joy? God’s gift to humanity is salvation through His Son and no amount of performance, activity or special ability can repay Him for that. His Grace does not have to be earned, only accepted.

Offending God. In Romans 8, the Word clearly states and discusses the offensive nature of sin. However, when studying and reading those scriptures fully – knowing them on a deeper level. We find that what is truly offensive to God is not knowing, seeking, or accepting Him. When we accept Christ (God’s gift), we don’t just become sinless beings – it’s through the acceptance, repentance, and walk with Him that our sin is taken from us. Washed away. Cleansed from the inside out. What offends God is not receiving His gift – not agreeing with Him that we need it. There’s this notion that He is some sort of cruel father or ruler that wants to control and manipulate us. Ready, willing, wanting to punish us all. It’s a lie. A myth. A deception. Being prideful – unwilling to believe the truth – but instead choosing the lie is what offends Him. We can’t walk this life alone, we need Him.

No Second Chances. This is the tough, dirty part of it all. There are no do-overs after this life. We get one shot at this. Romans 3:10 clearly states that, “we are NOT righteous, not a single one of us.” It is only our Savior’s righteousness that makes us suffice before the Almighty. He covers us. He stands before us at the throne, exclaiming we are with Him. The ones that choose Him are represented by Him. The Bible is clear about eternity and death. In Hebrews 9:27, it lays out the facts – we die once, and after that face judgement. Therefore, it’s crucial we stand and know that He is a God of now, not tomorrow, but today! 2 Corinthians 6:2 is clear about that. “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Concluding this post, where do you stand? Have you come to grips with the fact that you will never be righteous? You will never be able to work your way into Heaven. Seems grim and dreadful, doesn’t it? It’s not! Your Father loves you! He loves you so much that He sent His ONE and ONLY son to earth. Fully God and fully man. Submitting to His will. In turn, covering us. Our sin. Our shame. Making us whole. Giving us righteousness through Him before the Father. His gift is ours to claim. Receive. Accept. The time is now. The time is today! Choose to walk with Him and know Him – before ‘it’s much too late.’