Triumph or Humiliation

August 12, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trust in him will never be put to shame.’” 1 Peter 2:6 NIV

 

     There was a couple who resorted to do-it-yourself marriage counseling. They determined to make a list of each other’s faults and then read them aloud. Sounds like a productive evening, don’t you think? The woman made her list and the man made his. She gave her list of complaints to the man and he read them aloud:

1. You snore.
2. You eat in bed.
3. You don’t listen.
4. You never admit when you’re wrong.

 

     When she was finished, he did the same and then handed her his list. But when the woman looked at the paper, she began to smile. He, too, had written his grievances against her, but next to each, he had written, “But I forgive.”

 

 

     The primary purpose of Judgment Day is to reveal the grace of the Father. As your sins are announced, God’s grace will be magnified.

    

• Disrespected parents from age 6-18 – Pardoned!
• Shaded the truth at age 15 – Pardoned!
• Lied to the youth pastor at age 16 – Pardoned!
• Ignored the Spirit’s call at age 19 – Pardoned!
• Lusted at age 28 and 35– Pardoned!
• Disobeyed God’s Word at age 43 – Pardoned!
• Gossiped to a neighbor at age 61 – Pardoned!

 

     Imagine this event for a moment. There you stand before the judgment seat of Christ – the Book is opened and the official reading begins. Each sin, each deceit, each occasion of destruction and every greed and misdeed ever committed is announced. But as soon as the infraction is read – grace is miraculously proclaimed!

 

     For the first time ever in your life, you will then understand the depth of God’s goodness. The result? God’s merciful verdict will echo throughout the universe of heaven. You will stand in awe as one sin after another is proclaimed and then instantaneously pardoned.

 

     Lies exposed – then erased!

     Jealousies revealed – then removed!

     Infidelities announced – then cleansed!

 

     HALLELUJAH TO THE LAMB!!!

   

     The devil will have no choice than to shrink in defeat. The angels will step forward in display of heaven’s glory. We will stand tall in God’s grace, as we see just how true His love for us really is.

 

     Perhaps you’re thinking how humiliating this will be for you? Scripture promises it won’t. If the hidden is known and secrets are shown, won’t you be embarrassed? I don’t think so.  Here’s why:  Shame is a by-product of self-centeredness. Heaven’s occupants are not self-centered. They are Christ-centered. Then, we will all be in a sinless state. The sinless won’t have any reason to protect a reputation. Therefore, you won’t be ashamed. But you will be honored in your weakness.

 

     I believe the believer has nothing to fear from the judgment. The unbeliever however, has much to fear.

 

     So, what is the destiny of those who don’t know Christ? The Bible tells us that Jesus will declare, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23

 

     Christ’s rewards will be unveiled and those who do not know Him will pay a price – a terrible, severe and everlasting price. For sinners, the day of judgment will be a day of great shame and humiliation. Their sins will be revealed – but not forgiven. They will never receive any proclamation of pardon. One deed after another will be read until even the vilest sinner will refuse to question God’s right to punish.

 

     “The Lord knows those who are his, and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19

 

     What will Judgment Day hold for you -  A day of shame, humiliation and eternal damnation or a day of triumph, pardon and eternal rewards?

________________________________________________________________

 

 

Father God,

 

     We don’t deserve your grace nor your pardon. Our sins deserve eternal damnation, however we are most grateful for Your forgiveness and look forward to what Heaven holds for us. We can hardly wait for Your return. May we always remain true to You and You remain forever forgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan

 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14