WHAT ACCOUNT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE?

WHAT ACCOUNT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE?

2Corin. 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”.

                                                                                                                    

Everything that has a beginning has an end. Eccl. 3 says that there is time for everything; to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven (a time to be born and a time to die, etc.). As human beings, we are not just born, to just die. God created us special in His own image for a purpose among all His creations (Gen. 1:26-27). Therefore no one is useless until he/she makes him/herself useless. We are so important to God that even when we were sinners, He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. However, Jesus Christ, during His work on earth reminded us that this world will come to an end. That, He is going to prepare a place for us in Heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). That He will come again- not to do more miracles; not to die for our sins again but to judge us before taking us to heaven (Rev. 20:11-15).

How ready are you for this judgment? What account are you going to give? Brethren, the judgment day is not a day to joke about. Even look at our human courts- when you have stated your case and the judge fixes a day for his judgment- it is frightening and a torture on you. That is better because you will go to prison and might come back but this judgment of Christ will be final; wherever you are sent is forever and there are only two places to go- heaven (better) or Hell (suffering).

Today, some believers are living anyhow as if there is no judgment; as if there is no heaven but only earth; Churches are acquiring wealth all over at the expense of souls (like Laodicean church- Rev. 3:14-17). My brother, my sister-What account are you going to give?

Signs of the end

·     In Matt. 24: Jesus mentioned some of the signs that will characterize His coming- wars, nations rising against nation, famine, earthquake, pestilence, false Christ/prophets/teachers, false doctrines, persecution of true believers, worldwide evangelism. Are they happening?

·     2Tim. 3:1-5: Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Are these happening?

·     1Tim. 4:1-4: some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.

·     2 Pet 3:3-12: scoffers shall come and scoff about the delay in the coming of Christ.

·     There will be Tribulations and trials than never before. (Book of Revelation- from chapt. 6)

But one thing Jesus made clear about His return is that, no man knows the day or the hour. He will come like the thief and that is what makes it dangerous when you are not ready. We need to live every single day ready, as if Jesus is coming today.

The Judgment decision

There will be only two decisions on the day of judgment- either you are condemned to hell or elevated to heaven. There is no suspended sentencing; there is no bail; there is no bribing of the judge because His judgment is just (Ps. 96:13). The decision on your life is forever. Can you imagine burning in fire forever? That is what makes the day terrible.

· Those to be condemned to Hell? Rev. 20:15; Gal. 5:19-21, 2Thess. 2:12; 2Jn 1:9; Jude 1:5; I Corin.6:9-12. Those to be qualified to Heaven? 1Jn 2:15-17; James 1:12; 2Tim.4:6-8.

Preparing for judgment

How do we prepare for the judgment? Brethren, you could have died last year or even yesterday. That accident could have been the vehicle you sat in, but God decided to keep you alive for another chance. What account will you give should Jesus Christ appear here now?

To meet the Lord in joy at judgment:

1.   Flee idolatry- e.g. idols, images, television, fame, religion, sports, politics, etc. (Ex. 20:1-3; Leviticus 26:1-2; Eze.14:3). Anything replacing/ more important than God is idol.

2.   Be obedient to the word of God - read it, obey it and not to correct or pick and choose which to obey. Make a study plan.

3.   Commit yourself to God’s work (1corin. 15:58)

4.   Forgiveness (Mk. 11:25-26; Matt. 5:44-45)

5.   Show Love (1corin. 13:1-13; 1Jn 3:11,4:7)

6.   Holiness – separate from the world like Noah and Lot

7.   Faith in God – evidential faith like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (Dan.3). Live faith with works (action) (James 2)

Know this

1.   Paul thought he was carrying out God’s work but rather obeying tradition until grace found him on his way to Damascus (Acts 8:3; Acts 9) and the anointing taught him to win souls rather (Gal. 1:11-18). Maybe you are depending on your education, family name or parents’ wealth- none can save you on the judgment day.

2.   You remember the robber on the cross? You might not have that chance.

3.   Don’t wait and regret like the rich man in Lazarus story (Luke 16)

4.   But like the prodigal son, you can start all over again.

Conclusion

Whether we like it or not, Jesus will return to earth to judge us. When He appears, what will be your chances- hell or heaven? This is the question you should be asking yourself every day you sleep and wake up. When you die before He comes, you will be resurrected to face the judgment so there is no escape for anybody (Heb.9:27-28: appointed unto man once to die…). Wherever you want to be depends on you. Repent and live right! What account will you give on the judgment day?

May the grace of God that surpasses all understanding, be with us all. Amen!