The idea of judgement day can cause us to fear. We don’t like the idea of being judged. But the Bible says, ‘As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love’ (vv. 17-18 NLT). On the day of judgement, things like money, beauty and fame won’t matter. So, we shouldn’t be putting our efforts into building up these things while we’re here on earth. Our focus should be on living in the way that God has called us to live, but with a recognition that we’re never going to be able to be perfect here on earth. God’s grace covers us, and He sees us the way He sees Christ – worthy and accepted. Without God’s judgement, we couldn’t have God’s justice. Without God’s judgement we’d lose sight of our sin, and the amazing grace that He gives us. ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast’ (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). When we’re ‘in Christ’ we can view judgement day the way He does – with confidence. On that day, the focus will be on Jesus and if we’ve accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour then we don’t have to fear.
What now?
Ask yourself honestly how you’d feel if judgment day happened today. If there’s any fear there, take those fears to God and ask Him to help you work on them until you feel totally confident in Him.