“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:8-9)

Paul speaks with certainty about what lies beyond the grave, a certainty which those in the media, in the world cannot match with their fanciful religions, whimsical philosophies, romantic notions and self-centered ideals. Every human being who is alive today or has ever lived will one day stand before the judgment seat of the Lord. Sadly, many people think that when that time comes they will into heaven with no worries. They don’t need to repent, they don’t have to admit they are sinners. God, whatever form he takes, is not a harsh judge. He is all bark and no bite. He will let them into heaven with no problem. So they reject what God says in His word. They reject the covering of the Lord. They prefer to be clothed with their own righteousness. And so they will find themselves naked, ashamed and without any hope before the judgment seat of Christ.

The hope of the believer is that in Christ we will endure that day of judgment forgiven and clothed in Christ, clothed with the good works born out of faith and produced in and through us by the power of God. Paul knew as do we that those who have not trusted Jesus for salvation should be afraid. When they appear before the judgment seat, they will be bound for condemnation. Paul preached the truth out of concern and compassion and love for others in order to prevent them from suffering judgment and hell. That should be our motive as well. Most unbelievers, for whatever reason, are under the mistaken impression that salvation depends on them. They try to reconcile themselves to God (or whatever god they profess) through their religious, spiritual, altruistic or charitable deeds and actions. It is our ministry to tell them about almighty God’s act of reconciliation that changed everything. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself on the cross. He did all the work because we could not.