Judgment Day |
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The two scariest things I can imagine about Judgment Day: 1. Judgment will cover EVERYthing. Every secret action –
Every idle word –
Every idle thought –
2. Judgment begins at the house of God. (As in the days of Peter,) The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:17-18) It's no benefit to be closer to God than the people around you. We have to be ONE with God, who is pure and holy, and we have fallen short. (Romans 3:23)
The two most comforting things I can imagine about Judgment Day: 1. Jesus offers glory to those who follow Him. Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. ... Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:13-16, 19) Even the terrifying passage about “flaming fire” and “taking vengeance on those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel” and “punishment with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” speaks of believers being “glorified” in Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:10-12)
2. Jesus' blood can wash away EVERY sin. (I.e., His sacrifice can cover EVERYthing.)
Two “burning” questions: When we speak of the blood of Christ washing away sins, we mean that His death can pay the penalty for our sins (because He had none of His own). This is a most gracious and merciful offer by God, but does not happen automatically. God offers to extend us His grace if we meet His terms. Without going into great detail here, let's assume that it's common Bible knowledge that people must believe in Jesus and confess their faith, then turn from their sins. Is that sufficient for the blood of Jesus to be applied to our souls? There are two important passages that tie together the concept of Jesus' blood and our forgiveness, and both have to do with another requirement for us in order to accept God's grace on His terms. Here are the two passages, offered as an answer to two burning questions: 1. We know the blood of Jesus “cleanses the conscience.” (Hebrews 9:14) What ELSE is said to cleanse the conscience?
2. We know the blood of Jesus was “shed… for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28) What ELSE is “for the forgiveness of sins”?
Are you eager for His return? If you can answer ‘yes' to all these, you can have comfort, and no fear, in the Judgment Day. |
Written by Ink Man
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Quotes are from the New King James Version of the Bible.