Although many people don't want to talk or think about it, it is a fact that "we shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God" (Rm 14:10). After dying (Heb 9:27) and at the end of the world (Mt 25:31), each person will be "judged according to his conduct" (Rv 20:13). The Lord "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts" (1 Cor 4:5). Those who have lost their lives (Lk 9:24) by totally giving them to Jesus will be saved. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and God will be saved (Acts 16:30-31). Those baptized and living their Baptisms in love (Mk 16:16) will be saved, enter into eternal life, and see Jesus face to face (1 Jn 3:2).
Those who have turned away from God by serious mortal sin will be judged worthy of eternal punishment (see Mt 25:46). They will be judged as having decided to be "apart from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might" (2 Thes 1:9). They will be thrown out into the night to wail and grind their teeth (Mt 22:13). "Their lot is the fiery pool of burning sulphur, the second death!" (Rv 21:8)
Do not be so foolish as to forget about Judgment Day. But do not worry about it. Now give your life totally to Jesus, the Judge (Jn 5:22), Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16).
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for telling me the truth in love (see Eph 4:15). |
| PROMISE: | "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" —Is 7:9 |
| PRAISE: | Jane spends her Sunday afternoons taking Holy Communion to the homebound. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College