With what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with
the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. —Matthew 7:2
{CHAMBERS} “This
statement is not some haphazard theory, but it is an eternal law of God.
Whatever judgment you give will be the very way you are judged. […] Romans 2:1
applies it in even a more definite way by saying that the one who criticizes
another is guilty of the very same thing. God looks not only at the act itself,
but also at the possibility of committing it, which He sees by looking at our
hearts. To begin with, we do not believe the statements of the Bible. For instance,
do we really believe the statement that says we criticize in others the very
things we are guilty of ourselves? The reason we see hypocrisy, deceit, and a
lack of genuineness in others is that they are all in our own hearts. The
greatest characteristic of a saint is humility, as evidenced by being able to
say honestly and humbly, “Yes, all those, as well as other evils, would have
been exhibited in me if it were not for the grace of God. Therefore, I have no
right to judge.””
{ELGIN} Imagine, if you will, standing before Jesus. Giving an account for your life as a
Christian – and all Christians will. That
time will not be about forgiveness of sins .. Our salvation will not be at
stake. Would it make any sense to say
that your sins are forgiven but for only as long as you are living this mortal life,
but then – whoa baby (something my mom used to say) – wait until you stand
before Jesus .. He is going to bring it all up and then you are going to get
hammered for all of the sins you committed after you were born again? Think about it. That contradicts what the Bible says about
salvation, forgiveness, redemption … It’s not about me … it’s about Jesus .. it’s
about grace.
(Romans 8:1-4) “Therefore, there
is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through
Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law
of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened
by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to
be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the
righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live
according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
But, like the man who hid his
one talent … we will give an account for what we have done with what He has
given .. a glorious salvation – inhabited
by His Spirit – imbued with specific spiritual gifts for the purpose of
edifying the Body of Christ and lifting the name of Jesus up to the world. When
we stand before Jesus what will we have to offer - “silver, gold and precious stones” or “wood,
hay and stubble”? I think that at that moment – when the world is not longer
exerting its influence on us – the only thing we will want to hear is “Well
done my good and faithful servant!” But the
truth is that many will be – no less saved – but much more aware that they squandered
the opportunity and their God-given purpose.
Much of the reason why Christians are carnal is because they are ignorant
of who they are in Christ and immersed in the pursuit of the pleasures of this
world. But one day, there will be deep regret in the hearts of many saints.
Please don’t let one of them be you!
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