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.
This passage of scripture tells us plainly, that with all of the human pride that currently vaunts itself against a knowledge of The Most High, a day of reckoning is coming where we must all give an account to God for the choices, decisions, and consequent actions taken by each of us. Most current Christian denominations and theological institutions do not teach that there is a judgment, because this is historically one of the more unpalatable truths we prefer not to hear. Instead we love to hear of blessings and prosperity, love and charity, but when it comes to the sacred truth of the judgment, many choose to turn a deaf ear.
Now it is true that we should dwell on those attributes of God's character which speak of forgiveness, mercy, and forbearance, for these are necessary for a healthy relationship with Him. However, in order to cultivate a balanced view of His character, it is essential that we also study those sacred truths which pertain to the day of judgment, so as not to fall into the snare of an unbalanced understanding of God. The Bible teaches us that we are held accountable for our freedom to choose, and the way in which we use that freedom must then be examined by God to determine if any damage to Christ, ourselves, or to others has been done, and what the liabilities or recompenses for our deeds will be. This sacred truth should be firmly reconciled in the minds of all sincere Christians. Let's read:
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. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
The reason why a day of reckoning must come, is because we are God's both by creation and redemption, in addition to which every action of ours has a ripple effect on the lives of others, for no man lives unto himself, and no man is an island. For instance there are people who chain smoke all day long, whether it be in public or in private places, and this second-hand smoke is known to cause birth defects in unborn babies, and also kills many people every year. In fact it has recently been revealed that over one hundred and forty thousand adults and infants combined die each year in the United States alone, and most of these have never bought or smoked a cigarette, yet their untimely demise hardly causes a stir, whilst the real culprits are left to run free.
Situations like these call for the interposition of a Just and Holy God, who will deal to every man according as his choices and actions are, and it is for this and other similar reasons that the doctrine of a pending judgment should be taken into account, not only by Christians, but also by unbelievers, for it makes no difference whatsoever whether we believe or not. The truth pertaining to our accountability, when given the due consideration it deserves, will serve the purpose of informing our choices and decision-making processes, and we will thus understand that our sowing period will be followed by a corresponding harvest, and therefore the decisions and actions taken in life will be approached from a more responsible and sobering perspective.
In our day there is a tendency to remove far from our consciences the sacred truth of an impending judgment, for we are constantly being bombarded with apparent and subliminal messages that tout our so-called independence. And songs like "It's my life" confirm the error even more in the minds of millions. But just like it was in the days of Noah, and in the days of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, a day of reckoning will certainly come, and thus the scriptures caution us to choose wisely and to act soberly. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this important truth, and it is the will of God that from here on out, we will choose life, by availing ourselves of the abundant salvation provided in Jesus Christ. 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. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!