Jesus is Essential
John 16:11: Of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
“Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” The prince of this world, Satan, has already been judged. It is difficult for a great many believers to understand that we live in a judged world. One hears people say that they’ll take their chances. They act as if they are on trial. My friend, you are not on trial. God has already declared you a lost sinner, and He has already judged you. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We live in a world that has already been judged and is like the man waiting in death row for his execution.
The judgment against all of us is “Guilty” because all our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags in the sight of God. If we had to stand before God in our own filthy rags, we would not only be ashamed of ourselves, but we would also see how guilty we are. Remember that Paul reasoned with old Felix concerning judgment to come. That frightened him. Today many people don’t like to hear about judgment, and they resent it a great deal. The lost world hates many things about God: for instance, His omnipotence. They don’t like the fact that it is His universe and He is running it His way. They don’t like it that God saves by grace and that man has already been declared lost. 1
Walking with Jesus
Heaven and hell are both literal destinations. Unfortunately, most people live like there is no eternal consequence for denying Jesus. Are you willing to discuss the realities that exit after our last breathe on earth (life beyond the grave), with an unsaved friend?
And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42
Why would anyone resist the One who is in absolute control of everything?
Praying
Lord, thank You for taking my judgement upon Yourself, and for giving me eternal life.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
