Although many people don't want to talk or think about it, it is a fact that "we shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God" (Rm 14:10). After dying (Heb 9:27) and at the end of the world (Mt 25:31), each person will be "judged according to his conduct" (Rv 20:13). The Lord "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts" (1 Cor 4:5). Those who have lost their lives (Lk 9:24) by totally giving them to Jesus will be saved. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and God will be saved (Acts 16:30-31). Those baptized and living their Baptisms in love (Mk 16:16) will be saved, enter into eternal life, and see Jesus face to face (1 Jn 3:2). Those who have turned away from God by serious mortal sin will be judged worthy of eternal punishment (see Mt 25:46). They will be judged as having decided to be "apart from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might" (2 Thes 1:9). They will be thrown out into the night to wail and grind their teeth (Mt 22:13). "Their lot is the fiery pool of burning sulphur, the second death!" (Rv 21:8) Do not be so foolish as to forget about Judgment Day. But do not worry about it. Now give your life totally to Jesus, the Judge (Jn 5:22), Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16). |