God's Judgment, Eternal Salvation in Jesus Christ

God's Righteous Judgment and Salvation

We are made in God's image and designed to exist forever. This reality brings purpose and consequences requiring faith in God and love for our neighbors.

Salvation by Grace

One might ask why does mankind face judgement?

God’s judgment is aimed at destroying evil and injustice, while salvation brings mercy, restoration, and eternal life. The reality is, humans can’t earn salvation by our works and good deeds as Ephesians 2: 8-9 (NIV) says:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."

The salvation of each individual human being will begin with our faith in Christ as our redeemer, as Jesus has already paid the ultimate price (His death) to save humanity from sin, death, and spiritual bondage, restoring people to a relationship with God.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

- Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

Salvation is really a two-stage process, while it first requires faith, it also requires works which derive from our connectedness with Christ. The Bible reveals a distinction between the judgment of faith and the judgment of works.

Ultimately, our eternal salvation depends on whether our faith grows into a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ.

"So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.

- Matthew 7:17-20 (ESV)

The Bible often discusses Baptism as a vital part of our public expression of our faith in God, and why we, like Jesus, are baptized in water as a symbolic expression of the cleansing of our sins and the gained wisdom and knowledge from the Holy Spirit.

"And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized,

every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,

and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:38 (ESV)

Christians should recognize the Trinity, the biblical doctrine that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct, co-equal Persons: The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They share the same divine essence, nature, and character, working together in unity while performing distinct roles in creation and salvation, as Jesus said:

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

he will teach you all things

and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

- John 14:26 (ESV)

What the Bible Says About Judgement

The Bible offers defined answers about God's judgment and the requirements for eternal salvation. Specific criteria are found in the 2nd chapter of Romans. The very first verse sets the tone where it addresses mankind's hypocrisy.

"Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges.

For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself,

because you, the judge, practice the very same things." - Romans 2:1

Romans chapter 2 emphatically states that it is only God's role to judge. This is because we cannot know a person's heart, motives, or full story, making our judgments superficial and often wrong, promoting legalism over mercy. The goal of an honest Christian's life is to show mercy, which triumphs over judgment.

In the same chapter we are taught about the specific requirements in regard to being righteous in the eyes of God, and whether we realize it or not, we are redeemed through Jesus Christ... Amen!

We also have no right to be judgmental because our personal salvation is by grace since

we are redeemed through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ... Amen!

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father, except through me."

- John 14:6 (NIV)

Many have wondered about the Godly law-abiding theologians of the Old Testament or those from around the world who do not have the fortunate opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed in the New Testament. This important issue is actually addressed by the apostle Paul in the book of Romans.

"For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law,

and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God,

but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles,

who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires,

they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.

They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts,

while their conscience also bears witness,

and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

on that day when, according to my gospel,

God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus."

- Romans 2:12-16 (ESV)

What these verses clearly state is that God's judgement applies to everyone past and present who have faith in Him and obey His laws. God's judgement is the same whether you have read or heard the Gospel or not and that knowing the Scriptures does not mean that we are living by God's laws either. Salvation is for the faithful living by the law.

The great benefit for those who have read the Bible, accept their salvation through Christ, make an honest attempt to live by the law and also repent when they fall short, can live with the upmost confidence that they are truly saved.

This profound reality allows Christians to stop worrying about their own salvation so they can focus efforts on bearing fruit by helping others with charity and teaching the Gospel.

Our Trust and Surrender to Christ

Mention previously, salvation is not something that we can achieve with works, it is something that God does inside of us. When we are born again through the salvation of Christ, we are touched spiritually, emotionally and psychologically to seek the glory of God and to follow His laws and repent when we don’t. This is why the Scriptures says we must trust and surrender to God.

“Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”

- Psalms 62:8 (NLT)

“Surrender yourself to the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

- Psalms 37:7 (GWT)

Are we willing to give up the one thing (or things), whatever it is, our addictions, our possessions that we hold above the Lord? Remember God chose us first because He knows everything in the universe from beginning to end. So, He has our best interest. When we put God first, everything else will fall into place regarding His plans for our lives.

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,

anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

- Matthew 10:37 (NIV)

In Matthew chapter 7, during the conclusion of the sermon on the mount, Jesus provides important advice on salvation:

"Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,

and only a few find it."

- Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

Are we willing to give up the one thing(s), whatever it is, that we hold above the Lord? This is the narrow gate referred to in verse 13 and 14. Whether it’s giving up an addiction, bad habits or an object, is it the price that you are not willing to pay.

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name

and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

- Matthew 7:22-23 (ESV)

Found in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus provides an eloquent parable about separating sheep and goats. The sheep are the people who naturally follow the Lords laws with compassion and kindness which are basically second nature. The goats are those who might have the knowledge of the Scriptures and yet still choose not to act with compassion and kindness. This parable is used to expose and explain why some Christians will not enter heaven because they lack a transformation in their heart.

How Do We Know If We Are Saved?

Mentioned in the Bible, the word fruit is often meant to describe a person’s outward actions as doing good works that result from the condition of the heart. In the book of John we see where Jesus said:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,

you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

- John 15:5 (NIV)

You will know if you are saved by the fruit you produce. The apostle Paul defines our fruit of the spirit in Galatian chapter 5 when he provides vivid examples of sin (in the flesh) versus the fruit of our labor. Being made in God's spiritual image, we are not to use our freedom to indulge in the flesh.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery,

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy,

fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before,

that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

- Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

- Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

The list above may seem daunting to some. No one is sinless as everyone has good and bad days. The key to staying in good favor with the Lord is to repent and ask for forgiveness when we realize that we have sinned. In the end, guaranteed salvation is having a genuine relationship with Christ.

There will be many who appeared to have faith and do great works yet never developed an honest relationship with Christ on the inside. One can do research, know all about Christ and the Bible, impress others, gain notoriety and still be relationally bankrupt.

Ask yourself these important questions:

Do I really love Jesus?
Do I really appreciate his compassion and sacrifice for humanity?
Do I talk to Jesus every day, dwell on His message of kindness, love and service to others?
Am I truly kind to others and committed to following His advice found in the Scriptures?
When I fall short, make mistakes and sin, do you sincerely repent and then move on in peace?
Am I willing to provide charity to others or help at church even when it is not convenient?
How often do I pray without ego, making requests that have no direct benefit to my interests?

If you do, this is when God works in your life for your benefit and those you care about, which also brings the greatest satisfaction and inner peace you will ever have in this life.

Understand, sin is not always about what you do, it can often be what we don’t do. There are times when we have an opportunity to do good works but selfishly decline. In the Book of James, it says:

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

- James 4:14 (ESV)

Once we become aware of our own sin, we should pray for forgiveness.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

We must also be mature enough to forgive others who sin against us, as Christ forgives us.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

If you fall short on any part of the seven questions above, make a change in your life and notice the heavenly rewards now and forever. Living by the laws found in the Bible will not only bring peace and stability to one's life, but it also allows us to bear our own fruit by helping others understand the true purpose to life, thus inspiring them to bear fruit too by spreading the Gospel themselves. Amen!

Salvation by Grace

What the Bible Says About Judgement

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The Bible offers defined answers about God's judgment and the requirements for eternal salvation. Specific criteria are found in the 2nd chapter of Romans. The very first verse sets the tone where it addresses mankind's hypocrisy.

Our Trust and Surrender to Christ

How Do We Know If We Are Saved?