In this season of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is often forgotten that the season is a sharp reminder that Jesus will come one day 'to judge the quick [living] and the dead' (old form of Apostles' Creed).
The Creed draws these words and idea from at least four different scriptures of general judgement (Acts 10.42; Rom 14.9,12; 2Tim 4.1) plus two scriptures on the specific judgement of Christians (2Cor 5.10; Jas 5.9).
We recoil at that thought that we Christians will be judged but scripture makes this clear beyond dispute.
Although, we have been saved, are being saved and will be saved from the 'wrath to come' (1Thes 1.10), nevertheless, Christians will also stand before Christ to have their works tried by fire to test the quality of them (1Cor 3.13).
This thought is a sobering one and worthy of our earnest attention as we wait for His coming in compassionate judgement.
The Creed draws these words and idea from at least four different scriptures of general judgement (Acts 10.42; Rom 14.9,12; 2Tim 4.1) plus two scriptures on the specific judgement of Christians (2Cor 5.10; Jas 5.9).
We recoil at that thought that we Christians will be judged but scripture makes this clear beyond dispute.
Although, we have been saved, are being saved and will be saved from the 'wrath to come' (1Thes 1.10), nevertheless, Christians will also stand before Christ to have their works tried by fire to test the quality of them (1Cor 3.13).
This thought is a sobering one and worthy of our earnest attention as we wait for His coming in compassionate judgement.
