In a court of law, a jury must determine someone’s innocence or guilt beyond a reasonable doubt before they can be sentenced.
One day we will stand before the throne of the Almighty God, and with all of creation watching, he will judge the lives we have lived on this earth.
How can we know which way the heavenly gavel will fall? Is it possible to be certain that we will be redeemed? Or will we only learn our fate when lightning flashes from God’s eyes, and his mighty voice thunders our verdict over the expanse of heaven?
The Scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 that we can know our standing in the Book of Life before we reach God’s Judgment Seat. It also gives us the steps we need to go through to avoid the sentencing we so richly deserve.
The offenses that Paul tells us can prevent us from entering the kingdom of God include greed, immorality, foul language, and drunkenness.
Those who have come to Christ and allow these offenses to remain in their lives risk being turned away from the pearly gates.
However, there are three steps Paul gives us to avoid God’s pending punishment:
#1: We must be washed by the blood of Christ, coming to him with repentance and a desire to emulate Jesus.
#2: We must be sanctified by his grace, keeping ourselves set apart, a people without spot or wrinkle.
#3: We must be justified in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, not by good works, but by having faith that the Father will complete all he has promised.
God desires that none should perish, but that all should have everlasting life. He provides a plan for us to come to him. If we follow his plan of salvation and walk the path of righteousness, we can know that our redemption is real.
Jesus is the Truth, the Light, and the Way. When we come to the Father through him, we can trust his redeeming grace to justify us as we stand before his throne.
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