Wednesday 19. November 2014
2. Last Sunday in the Church Year
Jesus said: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25,31-32)
There will be a final judgment and everyone will stand before Jesus. He will separate the wicked from the righteous. The wicked are condemned to hell with the devil and his angels. The righteous are welcomed into the presence of the Triune God.
How is one judged? The wicked are judged by their works. Even their seemingly good deeds do not benefit them. They lacked faith in Jesus, so their works were of no account. Their works, or lack thereof, are the evidence that condemns them.
The righteous have their works shown to them, too. They believe in Jesus, and that is what saves them. Their works are an extension of that faith and evidence of that faith.
The saving factor at the last judgment is Jesus. He redeemed everyone. Those who reject Him have His condemnation. Those who believe have His righteousness. Everyone receives what they wanted. Unbelievers don't want to be with Jesus, and so they will not be. Believers want to be with Jesus, and so they will be.
Prayer: O Jesus Christ, Judge and Savior, send the Holy Spirit with the gospel throughout the world so that everyone may hear and believe on You for their salvation. Amen.
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