"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." (NASB)-- "they that have done good unto resurrection of life, they that have done evil unto resurrection of damnation." (Interlinear Bible) (John 5:28, 29)
Evangelicals don't know what to do with these verses and those like them, because they base their whole salvation "experience" on grace and faith and marginalize obedience. The "God-Breathed" Word says, "Not so." If the grace and faith people would just acknowledge that grace and faith only "work" in obedience ("they that have done good"), they would have no problem with any such passages.
According to our text, I will be judged by what I "have done," not by what I have just said or thought. Since the Reformation, words have tended to replace works. "Just repeat after me." Finney once said that if you have to tell a sinner what to say to God, he probably hasn't met God in true conviction and repentance, viz, "changing your minds for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins." (A.B.) Once a person receives revelation of his sin and Who Jesus Christ is, you won't have to tell him what to say. Grief, sorrow, repentance, love, and worship will flow. "Do not err, my beloved brethren." Biblical repentance is not just a change of mind. It is a change of life style! John the Baptist said, "Bring for fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]...." He did not lead his questioners in a prayer of repentance. He led them in deeds of repentance.
Our salvation, our relationship in the Living Triune God in Jesus Christ is indeed, "not of works, lest anyone should boast." But, "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." So, "walk in them," and you will rise in Him. "To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and (every) work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." Amen.
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Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
