Judgment Day

Each day seems to feel more and more like normal life. I can still get fatigued and need a nap to recover but I am walking more around the house with the walker and feel like doing a little more. Perhaps that is because some of my normal duties from the last few months have subsided in recent weeks.

I did get down for a quick swim workout in our neighborhood pool. I am pleased to have this option available to get some exercise and an enjoyable summer activity. As I was swimming, I found myself reflecting on a time when I wasn’t sure if I would be able to hold my breath along enough to swim or move my legs and arms even in the water. I at least give the lifeguards someone to pay attention to.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I saw the dead, both important and unimportant people, standing in front of the throne. Books were opened, including the Book of Life. The dead were judged on the basis of what they had done, as recorded in the books….Those whose names were not found in the Book of Life were thrown into the fiery lake.”  Revelation 20:12,15

We have all heard and probably told a joke about someone “going to heaven and standing in front of St. Peter.” I’m not sure where that imagery got started, but it has been the source of some funny outcomes and also creates a great deal of confusion about what heaven it really about and how to be sure you will be there.

Through the years I have also had more people than I can count say in words or attitude, “I’m a good person and that should be good enough for God to let me into heaven.” Really?!

Revelation chapter 20 talks about a day when all people who reject Christ will be judged. They will be judged on the basis of God’s standard by their criteria (works). Were you perfect in life? How much “good” does it take to erase a “bad” deed?

From this one verse we read some pertinent truths.

1 – All those who reject Christ will stand one day before God Himself (not St. Peter)

2 – The same will apply to all people; unimportant, important, rich, poor, etc

3 – There is a divine record of life’s deeds and there will be no bluffing or nothing hidden.

4 – There are no “do overs” or “second chances”

Revelation 20:12 and 15 makes reference to names being “written in the Book of Life.” This is in reference to those who have responded to God’s free gift of forgiveness through His love and grace. The reality is you can’t be good enough and you can’t do enough to overcome your sin by doing “good” to merit heaven. You need a substitute who will take the punishment that will one day come to you. That substitute has already been provided in the person of Jesus Christ.

The decision you make in this life will impact where you stand and before who you will stand one day in eternity. And that’s no joke.