Jesus will come again (John 14:3). On the same day, He will judge all men. That day is called both “the last day” (John 12:48) and “the day of judgment” (2 Peter 3:7).
What excuses might be given that day?
“But, Lord, I thought . . .”
This sounds like Naaman when he was told to dip inthe Jordan to be rid of leprosy (2 Kings 5:11). He thought he knew how things ought to happen, but God thought differently. On judgment day it might be, “But I thought that all a person had to do to be saved was believe in Jesus as God’s Son.” The Bible says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone . . . by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:17-24). Jesus will judge us by the Bible (John 12:48).
“But, Lord, I was always told . . .”
In the religious realm, all kinds of faulty messages are given. Only God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Some might say, “I was told that one church is as good as another.” God’s Word teaches that there is only one body or church (Ephesians 4:4), that Jesus promised to build one church (Matthew 16:18), and that He purchased and saves only one church with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:23-25).
“But, Lord, my pastor always said . . .”
It is amazing how many people hang their soul’s destiny on what a preacher has to say. The only Pastor whom we should accept as final authority is “our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20). He alone has all authority (Matthew 28:18-20). At the judgment, some may plead, “But my pastor said that it doesn’t matter how you worship, just as long as you worship the Lord.” The Master said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Think about it. —Roger Campbell, Cleveland, Tennessee
