I have a friend who is almost terrified that in the Day of Judgment God will produce a record or evidence of some unknown sin and the result will be the loss of his eternal life. He tells me he regularly searches his past trying to remember some misdeed he has not yet confessed. He breaks my heart. There is little if any of the joy of salvation in his life. I hope he never hears my concept of sin or he will go over the edge. I believe all of us are filled with unknown sins. It is part of our selfish nature. I see it often regarding the gossipy things I both say and hear about others. Recently I heard someone who is very perfectionistic in his theology speak unlovingly of someone who did not share his theology. Sin permeates us.
I wish I could convince my friend that all of us will be lost if God is in the business of proving us unworthy. There is only one who is worthy. In Revelation 5 John weeps because there is no one worthy to open a book. Then came the good news there was someone. Verse 12 says, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
God isn’t keeping records to prove us to be sinners. That is very evident. He is storing evidence to prove we accepted the gift of salvation. None of the redeemed are worthy except in Jesus. That includes the nicest, kindest, gentlest person you have ever known. My friend must stop worrying, relax and enjoy the joy of being held SAFELY in Jesus’ hand. It’s a good place to be.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 8, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org