“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10-12).
Giving account of personal choices and actions in the last day is a theme clearly set forth in the New Testament. Knowing that such is going to take place, how should each person look at the subject of accountability? Consider three particulars on this subject.
1. Personal Responsibility. The Holy Spirit specifically stated, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). While some may seek to point out the need for others to be accountable for their lives, such does not eliminate the fact that God holds each person accountable for himself. Jesus gave a parable concerning three servants and their responsibility to handle the owner’s goods while he was away following with these words when the owner returned, “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them” (Matt. 25:19). Each servant was not responsible for the other servants and their stewardships. Each was responsible for his own; therefore, the accountability was personal. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). Peter wrote, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” (1 Peter 4:4-5). May all take the time and make the effort to examine their own lives.
2. Prepare Before the Time. Since the Bible addresses the subject of the final judgment day, then it moves all to make adequate preparation for it. Paul followed up his statement in view of all standing before the judgment seat of Christ, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11). When Amos addressed the unrepentant sins of the nation of Israel and their failure to return to God, he stated, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). God has given all things that pertain to life and godliness (cf. 2 Peter 1:3). It is only fitting that each person take advantage and be fully prepared.
3. Permanent in Consequence. Jesus gave a parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins to address the need for adequate preparation. Jesus stated, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matt. 25:10-12). Jesus closes his discourse on the final judgment with the words, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46). Giving final account of one’s life will follow with eternal consequences. May such sobering words take root in the heart and produce fruit.
Jimmy Clark