Judgment and Motivation
One
of the most comforting truths revealed in God’s Word is the truth
of judgment when it applies to true believers in the Lord Jesus
Christ. The fact is that for believers, sinners saved by the grace of
God in Christ, the Judgment Day is not future – IT IS PAST.
Indeed,
when Jesus Christ died on the cross, He was judged and punished by
Almighty God for ALL OF OUR SINS and for all of our transgressions –
sins past, sins present, sins future. Because Jesus Christ bore the
judgment of God in our room and stead, we who trust in Him for all
salvation will not face God’s wrath on the final day.
Therefore,
when we appear before God’s throne on the day of judgment, we will
not hear words of condemnation. Rather, because of Christ’s
saving work on our behalf, because of His redeeming blood and His
righteousness imputed to us, we will hear words of blessing:
“Well
done, good and faithful servant. Enter into that kingdom which has
been prepared for you from before the creation of the world.”
-Matthew 25:21 [KJV]
Many
object to this as they believe it will lead to a life of sin. They
believe the threat of judgment must be held over people in order to
motivate them in obedience. This is not the case with God’s people
in Christ. For God’s people, the grace of God that reveals
salvation freely given to us in Christ also powerfully motivates in
the obedience of faith in following Christ. Confidence in Christ at
the judgment and assurance of salvation through His blood and
righteousness alone is a great inspiration for obedience to the true
children of God.
-Gospel
report by preacher Bill Parker
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