What practical steps can we take to prepare for the judgment described here? The Sobering Scene “ The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.” (Revelation 20:13) This is a literal, future moment when every person will stand before the risen Christ. Because Scripture is accurate and trustworthy, we prepare now in concrete ways. Step One – Secure Your Standing in Christ • Believe the gospel: “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life… he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) • Receive Him by faith (John 1:12). • Rest in the promise: “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). Step Two – Walk in Continual Repentance • Keep short accounts with God: confess sins promptly (1 John 1:9). • Allow the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Turn from patterns that grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30-32). Step Three – Invest in Works That Will Survive the Fire • Our foundation is Christ, but “the quality of each man’s work will be revealed by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) • Serve from pure motives—love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). • Use time, talent, and treasure for eternal impact (Colossians 3:23-24). Step Four – Cultivate Holy Character • Pursue holiness: “Be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Grow the fruit of the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:22-23). • Practice forgiveness, generosity, humility (Luke 6:35-38; James 4:6-10). Step Five – Engage in Regular Self-Examination • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Evaluate habits, relationships, and speech in light of Scripture (James 1:22-25). • Welcome accountability from mature believers (Hebrews 3:12-13). Step Six – Gather and Encourage One Another • Do not neglect meeting together, “but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. • Spur each other toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Step Seven – Live with Watchful Hope • Keep eyes fixed on Christ’s return (Titus 2:11-13). • Maintain an eternal perspective during trials (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). • Long for the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Taking these practical, Spirit-empowered steps positions us to face the Great White Throne judgment unafraid—clothed in Christ’s righteousness and ready to give an account that honors Him. |
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