John 14:1-4 “… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Look at our key verse. You can read the whole passage in context by clicking on the link.
Pay attention to the very last sentence. “…you know the way to where I am going.”
We don’t have to stare wistfully into the sky looking for Jesus.
Did you know that there are two judgment days? One is at the judgment seat of Christ (Bema) and the other is The Great White Throne. You definitely want to miss the second one. The difference is defined in scripture in Romans 14 (linked below) and in Revelation 20:11-15.
Did you know that no other prophecies need to be fulfilled before believers are raptured? When the rapture occurs, in one breathless moment, we will be in heaven! So, what’s next? We will stand before the judgement seat of Christ. This is only for those who are already born-again.
Romans 14:10-12 So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.
We won’t be standing before God waiting to know for sure that we have been saved. You won’t be standing there if you are lost. This is not about sin. This is the day that God will give rewards for those who have lived in close relationship with Him to serve Him and to reach lost people. Once there, we will give an account for every choice we have made since we have been redeemed. All worthless things will be burned up by the holiness of God’s Spirit. Again, this has nothing to do with salvation. This is the righteousness of God that reveals the way believers have chosen to live their lives. Here is a great passage to help us understand.
Isaiah 56:1 Yahweh says, “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
While there may be momentary sorrow and remorse for having failed to live our very best lives in service to God, I believe that sorrow will be short-lived. I believe that because Jesus has covered us with His precious blood. God has cast our sin as far as the east is from the west. He has kept every promise. Psalm 103: 11-14
Only good works will be rewarded at this judgment. So, every word, thought, deed or motive will be weighed and measured. Luke 16:10
What have you been doing with your life since you chose to follow Jesus? Have you shared the Gospel? Have you freely forgiven others? Have you been faithful to the body of Christ? Have you been stuck in habitual sin? Do you judge other believers or lost people? The Bible says that we either offer Jesus “wood, hay and stubble or gold, silver or precious stones.”
To live knowing that our name is written in the Book of Life, but to be disobedient is an abuse of God’s grace. That lifestyle grieves the Holy Spirit. And it is disdainful to Jesus, who paid such a high cost for you and me to be redeemed.
1 John 2:28 Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
After the (Bema), we will attend The Wedding Supper of the Lamb. According to the angel who spoke in The Book of Revelation, here is the promise confirmed by Jesus on that beautiful day. Revelation 19:7-10.
Jesus’ death at Calvary secured our redemption when He graciously took our sin on Himself. The guilty, you and I, were declared righteous by the act of Jesus. We did nothing to merit that. It was a free gift. That is, if we have accepted it.
Finally, we get to celebrate. Our life of sin and sorrow is over. We will rejoice with our Savior. Mostly, though, we will rejoice because of our Savior. We will praise God for all that was done for us.
Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!“
What will we do in heaven? Well, that is something we will have to just happily anticipate until we get there. However, God’s Word gives us some idea. Heaven will never be boring.
Grab your Bible. I have purposely not linked these passages. This will give you an opportunity to leave your cell behind, get to a private spot and read these passages out loud to God. Let these inspire you to look forward with joy to the wonderful day promised to every believer. Revelation 22:3 Revelation 5:11-12. We will be with God forever!
Now we are at the end of our study. For the most part this has been an uplifting time of anticipation. But I would be remiss if I did not remind you that there are more people who don’t know Jesus than those who walk with Jesus. Are you obedient to the Great Commission in your world? There are hurting people everywhere, even in church. These people, who Jesus loves, will face the second judgment unless they are saved. This thought should grieve you.
Maybe you are on the outside looking in. You may even believe that you are redeemed. But are you certain? I believe each person should ask the critical question. Am I a really a believer? Have I given my heart to Christ, or do I just believe He exists? The answer is critical.
What is your rationale for waiting to have assurance? Maybe you believe that your ethics and morality make you saved. Some people believe that He is the Savior, but they just haven’t committed their life to Christ. Some people believe that they can follow Jesus and other philosophies, too. There are so many reasons why people die every day without Christ. But the bottom line is, they just never made the decision to follow Jesus. Look at Jesus’ words.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
Why not be certain of your faith in God and in His Son, Jesus? Here’s how.
Romans 10:8-11 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;”Deuteronomy 30:14 that is, the word of faith which we preach: 9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed. Isaiah 28:16
Tell God that you agree, you are a sinner.
Be willing to repent of your sin. (turn from your old way of life).
Turn toward Jesus. Tell Him that you want Him to come into your life.
When you do this, the Holy Spirit will come into your heart.
It will help to find a church, the local body of believers who can encourage you in your walk of faith. Read the Bible and talk to God like He is right with you, because He is! Refer to the resources at the bottom for more spiritual help.
2 Corinthians 5:14-17 Verse 17 assures you that “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Soli Deo Gloria!
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 