Go to the Home page Weekly bulletin article archives

A Frightening Conversation (Part 3)

by Chris Simmons

For the past two weeks, the bulletin articles have been discussing Acts 24:24-25 where we read of Paul reasoning with Felix and his wife Drusilla of “the faith in Christ Jesus” which included the subjects of “righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come” and how that “Felix was terrified, and answered, ‘Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.’” The man who reigned with a cruelty and severity designed to instill fear in others, now found himself feeling as so many did under his heavy hand. As noted two weeks ago, when Paul discussed “righteousness,” he reasoned with them about that they (as defined by Vine) were not as they ought to be as compared to the righteousness of God. Last week, Micky wrote about the discussion Paul had with them about self-control and their failure to master their desires and passions in so many aspects of their lives including their anger, tongue, and moral purity.

Finally, Luke records that Paul reasoned with them about “the judgment to come.” Discussions about the judgment to come should be sobering to each and every one of us – if we’re not as we’re not as we ought to be and not exercising self-control. If unprepared, standing before the judgment seat of God will be both sobering and frightening. Peter writes in I Peter 4:5 regarding those who revile and persecute the righteous, “but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” He then goes on in verse 7, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” To have faith in a God who is ready to judge, along with knowledge that the “end of all things” is “at hand” should cause us to be sober, exercise sound judgment, and be frightened if unprepared. In this verse, “at hand” simply means that there is nothing else that God has destined to take place before the “end” comes and thus we must view as imminent. Paul writes in Romans 14:10, “… For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.” And again in II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” The thought of accounting for all that we have done in our lives upon this earth should bring about sober thinking. It is a woeful thing to stand before the throne of God in an “undone” condition as Isaiah the prophet found out (cf. Isaiah 6:1-7). Rather, the judgment of God should sober us up to deal with any sin in our lives, “cleans(ing) ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (II Corinthians 7:1). Having done that, we may with soberness, “have confidence in the day of judgment” (I John 4:17).

Micky, in a lesson he presented on January 9, 2009 discussed the fact that this impending judgment is fixed and certain as evidenced by the testimony of Solomon (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14); Jesus (Matthew 11:20-24; 12:36-37; 25:31-46); Paul (II Corinthians 5:10; Acts 17:30-31); Peter (I Peter 1:17; 4:17-18; II Peter 3:10) and John (I John 4:17; Revelation 20:12-14). He also discussed that this judgment will be executed by God (Romans 2:16) who, though patient and long suffering (II Peter 3:9), will be no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). This judgment will come through His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16; Acts 17:31). Human judgment is not always fixed and certain and performed by someone qualified to render a just and impartial decision but God’s judgment will be, and that should indeed frighten the unrepentant, disobedient, and unforgiven soul. Divine judgment is not a matter of if, but only when!

Finally, in an article by Joe Price from March 10, 2002, Joe discussed the fact that this judgment will be both fair and right. As opposed to human judgements, nothing will be missed; no facts will be overlooked; no biases held. No one needs to worry that their judgment will be unfair. God’s judgments have always been and will always be preeminently fair and appropriate (Revelation 16:7). Romans 2:2-11 assures us God’s judgments are just. Use the descriptions contained in Romans 2:2-11 to prepare yourself for God’s judgment of your life:

  1. According to truth (verse 2). Since God’s word is truth (John 17:17), we must be in harmony with truth to receive a favorable judgment.
  2. Inclusive (verse 3). None shall escape its reach.
  3. Righteous (verse 5). God’s judgment is just and uncompromising.
  4. Individual (verses 6-10). It will be according to each person’s life.
  5. Impartial (verses 9-11). God looks on a person’s heart and life. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35).

Felix had every right to be frightened by Paul’s discourse regarding righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Paul exposed the sin in Felix’s life and established that he was not as he ought to be, that he had not exercised the self-control necessary to be pleasing to God, and that, as such, he faced a horrifying prospect in the judgment to come. That doesn’t have to be the case for you and me. In fact, through our faithful obedience to Jesus Christ, we can actually look forward to the time that we stand before Him and be welcomed into the eternal reward. John describes the contrast of the one prepared versus the one who is not in I John 2:28 which says, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” Will that day be a day of confidence or a day in which we “shrink away from Him in shame”?

Go to the Home page Weekly bulletin article archives