Afraid of the last court?

When we understand that we live, move, and are in Christ (Apg 17,28)In the One who created all things and redeemed all things, and who loves us unconditionally, we can lay aside all fear and worry about where we stand with God, and begin to truly rest in the assurance of His love and guiding power in our lives.

The Gospel is good news. It is indeed good news not just for a select few, but for all people: "He (Jesus) himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1. Joh 2,2).

It is sad, but true, many believing Christians are afraid of the final judgment. Maybe you too. After all, when we are honest with each other, we all know that in many ways we do not satisfy God's perfect righteousness. But the most important thing we can remember about the court is the judge's identity. The presiding judge at the final court is none other than Jesus Christ, our Savior and Savior!

As you know, the book of Revelation has a lot to say about the Last Judgment. Some of it may sound daunting when we think about our sins. But Revelation has a lot to say about the Judge. "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth! To him who loves us and has redeemed us from our sins by his blood." (Offb 1,5)Jesus is a judge who loves the sinners he judges so much that he died for them, interceding for them in their place! Even more than that, he rose from the dead for them and brought them into the life and presence of the Father, who loves them just as much as Jesus does. This fills us with relief and joy. Since Jesus himself is the judge, there is no reason for us to fear judgment.

God loves sinners, including you, so much that the Father sent the Son to intercede for humanity and draw all people, including you, to Himself by transforming our minds and hearts through the Holy Spirit. "I (Jesus), when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (Joh 12,32)God is not trying to find fault with you to keep you from His kingdom. No, He sincerely wants you in His kingdom, and He will never stop drawing you in that direction.

Note how Jesus defines eternal life in this passage in the Gospel of John: “Now this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Joh 17,3).

It is not difficult or complicated to know Jesus. There is no secret hand gesture to decipher or riddles to solve. Jesus simply said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11,28).

It's simply a matter of turning to Him. He has done everything necessary to make you worthy. He has already forgiven you all your sins. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Röm 5,8)God doesn't wait until we are good enough before he forgives us and makes us his own children – he has already done it.

When we turn to God and put our trust in Jesus Christ, we enter a new life. The Holy Ghost dwells in us and begins to scrape off the thick layer of our sinfulness - sinful habits, attitudes, and mindsets - he turns us inside out into the image of Christ.

This can sometimes be painful, but it is also liberating and refreshing. Through this we grow in faith and learn to know and love our Redeemer more and more. And the more we know about our Savior, who is also our judge, the less we fear the judgment.

When we know Jesus, we trust Jesus and can rest in full confidence of our salvation. It's not about how good we are; that was never the point. It was always about how good he is. That's good news - the best news anyone can hear!

by Joseph Tkach