Among the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more brilliancy than justice. —Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Bible passages like 2 Corinthians 5 are packed. They overflow with meaning. Nearly every word can have a deep impact on how we anticipate something like the judgment of Christ.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. —2 Corinthians 5:10
For example, consider that the passage says, “each of us.” But notice what it doesn’t say:
- You will not be asked to give an account for your spouse.
- You will not be asked to give an account for your neighbor.
- You will not be asked to give an account for your friends.
- You’ll not be asked to give an account for your pastor.
- And no, you won’t have a lawyer with you.
At the judgment seat of Christ, it’s just going to be you and Jesus. This will be “the big moment.” It might lead you to believe that you will be on trial for your sins, but that’s not the case. Hundreds of passages of Scripture teach the very simple truth that if you are in Christ, your sins are covered, dealt with, done with, and will not be brought up by Him again. Hundreds of passages of Scripture, such as Romans 8:1-2:
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.
No, if you are in Christ, you will not experience His wrath. If you are in Christ, this moment will have nothing to do with your sin. It’s just about you and Him… you and Him, alone together.
Lord Jesus, I believe that You are with me now. I believe that Your Spirit is within me. And yet, my life is so cluttered by others. I look forward to that day, to that honest moment when no one else will be around and when pure honesty will be shared. Give me a taste today of what the feast will be like. Amen.