John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
This passage of scripture is a vivid reminder that God is one day going to judge every person who has lived on planet earth. Many people live their entire lives not considering this solemn truth, that there are books of records being written daily of all that we do, think, and say. Some think that we are accountable to no one but ourselves and that whatsoever we do is our own business. But the scriptures debunk that theory by stating clearly that Christ is the rightful Judge and that there is a day of final accounts awaiting every person. This sacred truth is embodied in several verses of the Bible, and they are written so that all intelligent minds may take heed. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
There are many untold injustices that have taken place between nations and individuals over the years that beg for resolve. There are many George Zimmermans, Casey Anthonys, and Ojay Simpsons who seem to have gotten away with murder, literally. And then there are nations that went to war with other nations for no apparent, valid reason, resulting in the slaughter of millions of innocents, and yet it seems as if they are not held accountable for their deeds. The cruelty and injustices of slavery, the millions who perish as a result of illegal drug trafficking, and the fraud and robbery that occurs in places high and low will one day be addressed by the Eternal God, so that due justice may be administered.
One of the focal points in our passage for today is that death does not bring an end to the results of a person's deeds. This fact needs to be often contemplated by saints and sinners alike, for the scriptures explicitly teach that Judgment will take place regardless of whether a person is alive or dead. Let's read:
Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
These momentous truth's should cause every person endowed with the freedom of choice to use that freedom in reference to what will inevitably occur in the context of the judgment. Our word's, our thoughts, our motives, and our actions will all have a direct bearing on whether we will be exonerated by the Lord Jesus, or whether we will be condemned by the Law of God. There are some persons who refuse to believe the testimony of the scriptures concerning these truths, but it not necessary for us to believe, for the executive judgment will take place whether we believe it or not. Let's read:
Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
The Lord therefore cautions everyone not to put off the day of salvation, nor should we as individuals treat with disdain God's gracious overtures to save us from sin. While opportunity knocks at our heart's door, while probationary time lingers but for a moment, God is tenderly pleading, encouraging, appealing and desiring to save as many as would accept His free gift of eternal life through Christ. We therefore end with a direct appeal from The Lord Jesus to every thinking man and woman, boy and girl. Let's read:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We sincerely hope and trust that these truths will be given due consideration, and that the appropriate response to God would be our experience today. God bless!