Here Comes the Judge!

[Thanks to Cathy Marine for the sermon notes that formed this blog.]

Acts 1:1-11
Matthew 25:31-46

On Sunday, 17 October 2004, Mr. Hunter continued his series on The Apostles' Creed by examining the phrase ". . . he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead."

The Ascension, Mr. Hunter explained, is a natural and comforting conclusion to the story of Christ's dwelling on earth. Although Christ descended into humanity at birth and experienced humanity's sorrow, suffering, and loneliness, the Ascension reverses the motion--returning Christ to wholeness through union with the godhead. In other words, the Ascension affirms that Christ is Lord and King, sitting at the right hand of God.

Mr. Hunter then turned his attention to the latter part of the phrase--"from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead"--and matters of the final judgment.

Contained in this phrase is the promise that Christ will return, but we don't know when. In fact, when considering Christ's return, how and when are not as important as why, and that why pertains to Christ's judgment of believers and unbelievers.

We know from scripture that believers are saved through their faith in Christ. Salvation is God's gift of grace, but it is not cheap grace. We must confess Jesus Christ with our lives and not just with our lips; accepting grace is accepting a life of faithfulness and obedience.

And what will be Christ's judgment of unbelievers? While reminding us this short sermon doesn't allow full examination of the issue, Mr. Hunter affirmed that salvation requires acceptance of Christ, saying, "I believe God will still require acceptance and faith on the part of the recipient even if God allows that acceptance to take place on the other side of the grave."

All of us, of course, have the free will to reject Christ and his gift of grace, but denial of Christ leads to hell, a "separation from God--a separation that begins when we reject God's love."

Although we are unsure of when and who Christ will save, we must, Mr. Hunter concluded, live our lives wisely and in the promise that Christ will forgive and save us.