The Simple Gospel

One of the most sobering truths in the Bible is the certainty of a coming judgment. While life seems to go on from day to day without much thought of the end, the Bible reminds us repeatedly that we will all stand before God one day to give an account of our lives. Everything we have done, every word we have spoken, and every thought we have entertained will be measured against the perfect standard of God’s Word. This judgment will not be based on opinions, traditions, or the expectations of society. It will be based on what is written in Scripture.

We live in a world where people often justify their actions with personal feelings, cultural trends, or the idea that if God hasn’t explicitly forbidden something, it must be acceptable. But the truth is that God’s silence on certain matters is not permission. He has already provided everything we need for life and godliness through His Word. 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB) states, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” With this knowledge comes the responsibility to live in accordance with God’s will. Anything less is dangerous ground, especially when we consider that we will be judged according to what is written.

On that day, there will be no second chances. There will be no opportunity to make up for the things we ignored or brushed aside. The final judgment will separate the faithful from the unfaithful, the obedient from the disobedient, the righteous from the unrighteous. Romans 14:12 (NASB) says, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we ready for that day? Are we living according to the standard that will be used to judge us, or are we assuming that God’s mercy will overlook our neglect of His commands?

Let’s explore what the Bible says about this coming judgment and what we must do to be prepared.

We Will Be Judged by What is Written

Scripture is clear that we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10-12 (NASB) says, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” We will be judged not by human traditions or opinions but by God’s Word. John 12:48 (NASB) emphasizes this truth: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” Are we living in accordance with what is written?

Judged on the Basis of Our Living

It’s not just our knowledge of Scripture that will be evaluated—it’s our actions. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NASB) warns, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” If we are engaging in these sinful behaviors, we will not pass the judgment test. Our lives must reflect purity in thought, word, and deed. Titus 2:7-8 (NASB) urges us to “show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach.”

The Sheep and the Goats: A Final Separation

On the day of judgment, there will be a separation between those who did right and those who either did wrong or did nothing. Jesus teaches this vividly in Matthew 25:31-46 (NASB), where He describes the final judgment as the division of the sheep and the goats. The sheep represent those who followed Christ’s teachings, serving others and living righteously. The goats, however, represent those who either ignored God’s commands or did nothing with their lives. Are we sheep, faithfully following Christ, or goats, passively ignoring our responsibilities?

The Weight of Personal Responsibility

We cannot afford to place the responsibility of our faithfulness on others or on institutions. Each one of us will answer for our own lives. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB) reminds us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” It’s not enough to rely on church affiliation or good intentions. Are we personally living out the faith, caring for the widows and orphans as commanded in James 1:27 (NASB)? Our lives must be active examples of Christian service and obedience to God’s Word.

The Necessity of Obedience

It is not enough to merely believe. Jesus emphasized the necessity of obedience in Mark 16:16 (NASB): “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Belief without action is incomplete. Similarly, repentance is non-negotiable. Luke 13:3 (NASB) records Jesus saying, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Have we taken these commands seriously, or are we putting off obedience?

The Urgency of Repentance

There is a pressing urgency in Scripture to repent before it is too late. Acts 2:38 (NASB) calls us to “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” If we wait until judgment day to take these commands seriously, it will be too late. The Bible is clear: 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB) says, “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’” We must act today, while we still have the opportunity.

Are We Ready for the Judgment?

The question we must all ask ourselves is: Are we ready for the judgment? Matthew 12:36 (NASB) warns, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” Even the smallest of actions, thoughts, and words will be brought to light. Have we confessed Christ publicly, as commanded in Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)? If not, now is the time to make that confession and begin living in alignment with God’s Word.

Conclusion: The Book Will Stand

The New Testament will be the standard by which we are judged. We will not be able to claim ignorance or plead human tradition as an excuse. Matthew 24:35 (NASB) reminds us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” God’s Word will stand, and we will be measured against it. Are we living our lives in such a way that we are ready for the judgment, or are we neglecting the commands that will be brought up on that final day?

Let us prepare today. Let us live with the awareness that the judgment is coming, and we will be judged according to what is written. Are we ready to give an account?