6/30/2018
We can imagine that on "the judgment of the great
day" (Jude 6), there will be
many excuses.
"But, Lord, what about all of the good that I have done?"
This sounds like Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not done many wonderful works?"
But what will Jesus say?
Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:23).
What was their shortcoming? They failed to do the Father's will (Matthew 7:21). The Lord wants us to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14), but all the good works in the world cannot cover sin.
"But, Lord, I was just doing what other folks were doing."
Christ taught that this course of action leads to destruction: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. (Matthew 7:13).
Remember, something is not right in God's sight just because a lot of people are doing it.
"But, Lord, I was always so busy with work and everything that I didn't have time for church."
A more truthful statement is that one does not make time. Jesus warned: "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word" (Mark 4:19)
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
Our life on earth is a one-shot deal: It teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Titus 2:12)
Let us all be certain that we are prepared for that day, so
we won't need any excuses.
Roger Campbell
Cleveland, Tennessee
Church of Christ