My brother, my sister, this is what the Bible says in today’s passage: “…and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books… each person was judged according to what they had done… Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Some believers are sure to be already saved. Great deception, especially when this self-assurance also gives them the zeal to judge others… My friend, the day of Judgment will come, let’s not hurry to judge anyone because it also pushes us to disobey God as we are taking His place in doing so. You see, certainly, Judas was also sure to be saved, just because he was walking with Jesus, until his weakness for money led him to sell the Lord. Yet on Judgment Day, the books will be opened. These books contain the recorded deeds of everyone, good or evil. Yes, everyone’s life will be reviewed and evaluated. True, no one is saved by deeds, but deeds are considered a clear evidence of a person’s actual relationship with God. There is a Francophone whose ‘ministry’ is to ‘denounce’ false prophets… His videos are spread all over the Internet where he ‘preaches’ only about false prophets. The fact is, many people used to follow him but they became tired this man seems to know more about demons and false prophets than he knows about the Lord. In fact, he was a tool the devil used to distract believers from the Word: the Bible must be a mirror for us individually, not a tool to accuse the brethren (that’s Satan’s part – Revelation 12:10). Moreover, God is powerful and He does not need man to take His place. He gave man the freedom to choose between good and evil … and the Bible invites all believers to believe in God and in Jesus Christ (John 14: 1), not to focus in what Satan does or does not do. My friend, know that our actions show where our eyes are focused. On earthly things where Satan rules or on the things of the Kingdom when Christ reigns. So, let’s pay attention to our own works, as they are recorded and we will have to answer one day!
Jesus knew who Judas was, but He showed love and compassion for Judas up to the cross, asking God to forgive Judas because Judas did not know what he was doing. God did not make us “gods” to take his place and judge others: “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law… There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbour?” (James 4:11-12). That’s why Jesus will look at how we handled the gifts, the opportunities and the responsibilities we were given. The fact is, when God decided to give you a talent, a gift, an opportunity or responsibilities, He did not ask anyone’s opinion… so, you alone are responsible for what you do with what God has called you to do or for what He has entrusted you with. And whatever you do is recorded in the books!
My friend, God’s gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience and service. Each of us must serve Christ in the best way we know and live each day knowing the books will one day be opened. That is why being a Christian is not only about confessing it with our mouths: it’s about identifying ourselves with Christ as we confess Him as our Lord and saviour. May God truly have mercy on us! Is your life or the things you do showing you have identified yourself with Christ? Whatever you do, good or bad, is recorded in the books in your name alone! Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.