And this is the message I proclaim—that the
day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret
life. You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God's law, and you boast
about your special relationship with Him. You know what He wants; you know what
is right because you have been taught His law. You are convinced that you are a
guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think
you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are
certain that God's law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if
you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal,
but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit
adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. Romans
2:16-23
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| Has the time come to repent? |
Paul was talking to the church at Rome…specifically
in these verses to the Jews. Is this applicable to Christians today? Verse 16
does say everyone. Below are a couple
of other examples of Jesus being declared as “judge”.
Peter spoke to a Roman centurion and his
family and friends at Caesarea.
And He (God) ordered us (Peter and the other disciples) to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by
God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42.
Paul spoke to people at the Areopagus in
Athens, telling them about an Unknown God.
God overlooked people's ignorance about
these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to
repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a day for judging the
world with justice by the man (Jesus)
He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the
dead. Acts 17:30-31.
Paul, writing to Timothy, encouraged him to
be a good Christian—a soldier of Christ.
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God
and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when He
appears to set up His Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the
time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people
with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to
sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look
for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2
Timothy 4:1-3.
In each of these passages, Jesus is
declared to be the ultimate “judge” of people and their actions. All people. I
hang onto the promise that Jesus is my advocate before the Father. My sins were
forgiven, when Jesus shed His blood on the cross. No worries here. Jesus washed
me along with my sins…my garments…white as snow. Jesus is pure and blameless—so
that is how He also presents me before our Father.
My dear children, I am writing this to you
so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who
pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly
righteous. - 1 John 2:1.
Can the Jews say that they are forgiven—that
Jesus’ blood was shed for their sins? No. Not unless they have accepted Jesus
as their Messiah. There is no partiality with God. Jews and Gentiles alike will
be judged…unless their sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. Where
will you stand before Jesus’ judgment throne? Forgiven or wearing filthy
garments of sin?
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins—for dying on the cross for me…as
well as forgiving the sins of my family, friends, neighbors and actually for
everyone around the world. May they feel Your love and grace in their lives…and
live each day in anticipation of Your return. I look forward to standing before
Your throne one day…and declared FORGIVEN. I praise You, for You are holy and blessed.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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