by Ester yusufu | 12 September 2019 08:46 am09
Many people—even some Christians—feel anxious when they hear about the coming judgment day. The idea of standing before God fills them with fear and worry. But the good news is that the Bible assures us it’s possible to escape God’s judgment.
Jesus said:
John 5:24
“Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
This verse teaches the assurance of salvation — those who truly believe in Jesus Christ receive eternal life and do not face condemnation. The phrase “passed from death into life” means a spiritual transformation has already occurred. They are no longer under condemnation but alive in Christ (see also Romans 8:1).
Is belief merely intellectual acknowledgment or verbal confession? The Bible warns against a superficial faith:
James 2:19
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”
The demons believe the facts but remain lost. True belief includes faith that leads to obedience and transformation (James 2:17).
Consider this illustration: at a crossroads, two signs point in different directions. To reach your destination, you must follow the correct path—not just acknowledge it exists.
Similarly, faith must be accompanied by repentance — turning away from sin and following Jesus’ way:
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Repentance is a change of mind and heart leading to a new lifestyle consistent with God’s will.
If you have genuinely repented and been baptized, your life should increasingly reflect that change:
Turning away from sinful behaviors (e.g., fornication, drunkenness, immorality)
Pursuing holiness and righteousness
Bearing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
This ongoing transformation confirms true salvation.
Salvation is by grace — God’s unmerited favor:
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
God doesn’t demand perfection now but a heart genuinely pursuing Him. Even if we die before full maturity, God counts us righteous if we are on the path of repentance and faith.
The story of Lot and his wife (Genesis 19) illustrates this well. Lot was saved because he obeyed God’s warning and fled. But his wife looked back — a symbol of reluctance to fully leave sin — and was lost.
Hebrews 10:38-39
“But the just shall live by faith; and if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”
God evaluates the heart, not just outward deeds:
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
A heart sincerely seeking righteousness will strive to live accordingly, and God credits this as righteousness.
If you want to escape judgment:
Confess your sins honestly (1 John 1:9)
Repent and turn away from all sinful habits
Trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
Walk daily in obedience to God’s Word
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
This is the foundation of Christian hope — through faith in Christ and repentance, we are freed from judgment.
May God bless you as you walk in faith and live in the freedom Jesus provides!
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