It’s alarming how few believers give any reasonable consideration to the future judgment that is to come. Unfortunately, Christianity is treated like an insurance package both directly and indirectly. I have talked with confessing Christians who unashamedly admit to “following” Christ simply on the basis of risk analysis—it can’t hurt their chances of escaping hell so they might as well say a prayer and live a relatively moral life. I have also interacted with people who live the “carefree” Christian life, promoting this idea that hell and judgment are reserved for unbelievers, therefore, “I can live how I want under the blood of Jesus.” Lest we fall prey to this faithless man-centered theology, Scripture must be the foundation of our faith and practice. To ignore a future judgment is to ignore some significant NT texts. According to Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, we all will stand before the judgment seat of God. Revelation 20 provides a glimpse of what this looks like. John reports that “the dead, great and small” will be judged according to the “books” that are opened before the throne of God (20:12-14). This future judgment includes all people, believers and unbelievers alike. But what we learn is that this judgment only pertains to our deeds on earth. Those whose names have been written in the Book of Life will not receive a verdict of condemnation, because that sentence has already been passed—Christ satisfied the divine requirement at the cross. Salvation is secured for the elect (Rev 1:5, 5:9). So why does the future judgment matter? The books that are opened will provide evidence and confirmation for the names that are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Our deeds do not save us but they will confirm our trust in Christ and union with Him. It’s why Jesus said in Matthew 7, “You will know them by their fruit.” Our lifestyle ought to match our confession of faith. Genuine believers will evidence the grace of God in their lives and the sanctifying transformation He brings to pass. May we live for that day and the glory Christ will receive when the books are opened and God’s completed work is on display for all eternity. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Can We Live Without Christ?–Colossians 1:16-17
10AM: Pastor Rory–Battle & Fire–Revelation 20:7-15 (sermon notes)
11:45AM: Potluck
12:30PM: Church Family Meeting
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