Sep5 Written by:Nathan Williams
Friday, September 05, 2008
Dear Friends,
I have an urgent message from the Apostle Paul:
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10)
Okay - so what does this mean to me?
1. I'm going to be judged for the deeds I do. I need to strive in all things to be pleasing to God (v. 9). But if I mess up, won't He hold it against me? He won't if I'm abiding in His love and walking in the light - the blood of Christ cleanses me from all sin in that case (1 John 1:7). But I need to understand my deeds prove my faith. Abraham was counted faithful only when he had ACTED on his faith. I must be acting on my faith. I cannot hope for God's grace to cover me if I never move towards Him.
2. The people around me will be judged for the deeds they do. Paul immediately follows with verse 11: "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men..." The people all around me are just as responsible before God as I am! In judgment, EVERYONE will bow the knee before Christ, not just those who obeyed His gospel. This ought to be a mighty motivation to get God's word out to this lost and dying generation. I can't do everything. But I can do something.
God bless you as you deal with your worldly friends today,
Nathan
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