Father Marcel Balootje Urges Community to Prepare Spiritually
Father Marcel Balootje has issued a heartfelt call to the people of Aruba, urging them to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ Jesus. In a public message shared through local media, the priest emphasized that his intention is not to frighten anyone but to raise awareness and encourage reflection.
A Message of Personal Salvation
Father Balootje stressed that salvation is a personal matter, not tied to religion, geography, or social status. He referenced several biblical passages, including John 3:16-19 and Romans 10:9-11, underscoring that faith in Christ is the central tenet of salvation. “Salvation is not found in any country, but solely in Christ Jesus,” he stated, citing Acts 4:10-12.
The priest reminded the community that living in holiness is a calling for everyone, not just a select few. He warned that those who reject Christ or persist in sinful living will not be able to stand before the Lord.
Warning Against False Predictions and Deception
Father Balootje cautioned against those who claim to know the date or timing of Christ’s return. He specifically urged people to stop believing predictions tied to specific years such as 2030 or 2050, or attributing end-times authority to geopolitical powers like Israel, the United States, China, Russia, or Iran. “The day and the hour no one knows,” he said, referencing biblical scripture.
He also warned against false teachers who use emotional appeals to draw attention to themselves rather than pointing people toward the truth found in God’s Word. “There are many lies going around,” Father Balootje said, encouraging people to rely solely on what is written in the Bible.
A Call to Vigilance and Holiness
The priest cited Hebrews 12:14, reminding believers that without peace and holiness, no one will see the Lord. He encouraged the community to remain watchful and to draw closer to God, referencing the signs described in Matthew 24 and 25 as evidence that biblical prophecies are converging in the present day.
Father Balootje concluded his message by urging everyone — rich or poor, regardless of religious background or place of residence — to take salvation seriously and to prepare for the return of Christ. He referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:7-14 as key passages for reflection and spiritual readiness.
