There is a traditional view of people showing up at heaven’s gate only to be turned away. Peter or some cosmic being sits at a desk with a large book and a pen in hand. It is a moment of being accepted or rejected by a judge. While this picture is metaphorical there is an essence of truth. There is a judge and there will be rejection. In John 12:47-48 Jesus said, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”
According to Jesus He never has nor ever will reject anyone. His responsibility in the plan of redemption is to save the world. Please note He said, “The world.” That’s everyone. But we know not everyone will be saved. So who then does the rejecting? The answer isn’t a “who” but a “what.” It is the words of Jesus. They are the standard. If there is a “who” involved it is the lost themselves. They perish because of their decision not to pay any attention to what Jesus said.
This is what judgment is all about. All of our lives Jesus woos us. “Come unto me” He calls out. “Let my righteousness be yours.” Being lost is a matter of personal choice and not an edict from on high. We are not rejected by another. We are the rejecters. We are not cast out. We turned and walked out. It’s a horrible realization. It is hell.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 15, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
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