“An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates. Within the pages of the Scriptures we are reminded to “Examine [ourselves] as to whether [we] are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). It’s very possible that many people, who attend church each week, may have a “faulty faith.” They are those who “believe in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2). They are like the folks who were doing religious works to whom the Lord said, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). The Apostle Peter wrote, “…be even more diligent to make your call and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Are you absolutely sure you will go to heaven the moment you die? You can be (1 John 5:13).
The Lord’s Supper. Before participating in the Lord’s supper, the Apostle Paul told the believers, “But let a man examine himself…” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Why? If we participate in this supper in an unworthy manner, we will bring judgment on ourselves and could suffer physically, mentally, emotionally, or even die prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30). Yes, Christians can and do commit the “sin unto death” (James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16, 17).
Our Years. There are “potential years” and “actual years.” Will you die prematurely because you commit this sin? Don’t treat sin (lawlessness) lightly. God doesn’t. Confess it and forsake it (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13).
The “Bema” Seat Judgment. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For we [Christians] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ [at the time of the Rapture], that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment will not be to determine our entrance into heaven or not. It will be to evaluate the quality of our works done in this life. Some will be burned up and others will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). “So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
The Great White Throne Judgment. This will take place at the end of time and will be for unbelievers. It will be to determine their degree of suffering in hell based on the works they did in this life (Revelation 20:11-15). Yes, some will suffer forever in hell more than others (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). You may deny that heaven and hell exist. If you do, you have to call Jesus a liar. He is the truth (John 14:6) as well as the righteous Judge who knows everything about you and me (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Christian Responsibilities. While all of the Bible is “for” the benefit of us Christians, not all of it is addressed “to” us (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9). The Jews in the Old Testament were governed by the “Mosaic Law.” Christians today have different rules (“Grace”) designed to regulate their lives. They are called “the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). These rules can be found generally between John 13 where Christ gave His disciples a New Commandment (John 13:34, 35) all the way through Revelation chapter 3. In Revelation chapter 4 you find the church in heaven before the seven years of tribulation begin on this earth. (Get our FREE Bible Study Book Marker.)
God’s Grace. Did you know that God the Father accepts all true Christians in the beloved and treats them the same way He treats the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God the Son (Ephesians 1:6)? God the Holy Spirit graciously teaches us (1 John 2:20, 27), empowers us (Philippians 2:13; 4:13), guides us (John 14:26), and enables us to grow spiritually (Ephesians 3:18). Sadly, many Christians refuse to be filled continuously with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and walk (order their life) by means of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16). They don’t carry out the responsibilities that God has given to us Christians.
Insubordinate Christians. They will be severely chastened by the Lord in this life only so they won’t be condemned with the world later (1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:5, 6). God will not allow His defiant children to go undisciplined. “It is a fearful thing [for Christians] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).
Grace. In spite of this, Jesus graciously will take all true Christians to that wonderful place referred to as the “New Jerusalem” in heaven (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9-27). All this will take place before the seven years of tribulation that are coming to this earth (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18; 5:9). Will you be left behind when He comes for His true church?
Free. Salvation is offered freely to all men everywhere (John 3:16). This deliverance from hell to heaven will be granted to all who place their faith exclusively in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). We aren’t saved by our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Earned. The believer’s rewards, the five crowns, and praise from God must all be earned. Don’t lose out on the things that God has for you (Revelation 3:11).
Help? We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to study, and grow in grace (2Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).If you need additional help or have questions. contact us here or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com.
Gospel Presentations: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/
Which Jesus Saves? – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/which-jesus-saves/
What’s Free, What’s Earned? – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/whats-free-whats-earned/
FREE Bible Study Book Marker – https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
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