Judged By Our Works

I only have time for a short post today, and first of all I would like to quote something very serious and sobering that Jesus said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mat. 7:21-13). Make no mistake friend, these people will be telling the truth about the operation of spiritual gifts and miraculous experiences that they had done through faith in Jesus. And Jesus will be telling the truth when he responds to them. If you don’t find that a very fear worthy thing, then you are on the wrong track. The apostle Paul plainly stated that a child of God could have spiritual gifts operating, and miraculous things taking place, and still not be filled with and motivated by the love of God (I Cor. 13:1-3). He also made it clear in the same passage that if we do not stay fully in tune with God’s love toward him and others, we will NOT be saved, regardless of what else we may have going on spiritually. But what I would like to get to here is what Jesus will NOT be saying on the day of judgment. To everyone who has “followed peace with all men, and holiness,” he will NOT be saying, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” And to those who have “purified [themselves] even as he is pure,” he will NOT be saying, “I never knew you.” And for those who have truly loved others as themselves, Jesus will make no mention of their departure from his presence. John put it down just like it goes: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (I Jn. 3:7). And I assure you that the righteousness that the beloved apostle is talking about is the righteousness of Christ by means of his Spirit indwelling us and working through us in godly love and sincerity (Rom. 14:17; Gal. 2:20).

The fact of the matter is that we are not going to be judged by spiritual gifts that we have operated in, or miracles experienced; or even by how many prayers we had answered. But the Bible is plain throughout that every man will be judged according to the manner in which he lived his life, and how he dealt with God and others (Eccl. 8:14; Rom. 14:10-12; II Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-13). It is not about “trying to do the commandments,” but rather by staying renewed in the inner man by the holy Ghost, and just working off of the power and love of God’s Spirit. Therein is the truth and reality of this passage of scripture from the beloved John: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (I Jn. 5:3). Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. God gives some kind of spiritual gift to everyone who receives his Spirit, and these things SHOULD be exercised for the edifying of the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:7-11; Eph. 4:16). And miracles WILL be experienced by all who are faithful, the new birth itself being the greatest of miracles. But when it’s all said and done we will have to maintain top priority on “perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” and keeping “perfect love” dwelling in our hearts if we expect to be found worthy on the great day of judgment (II Cor. 7:1; I Jn. 4:16-21). Though Jesus spoke the following in regard to our being provided for with food and raiment, it applies as much or more to the arena of miracles and spiritual gifts in our lives: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33). And the reason I have written these things is because I have seen for thirty two years an over prioritizing of spiritual gifts by God’s people, and a drastic under-prioritizing of following diligently after true holiness and divine love. The fact of the matter is, that mindset will not make the grade with God, as we have seen set forth from the Bible. Amen.