October, 2024 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #979 — Repentance

In This Issue:
It’s Not Too Late!
Repentance
A Changed Heart
A Broken Heart
Verses on Repentance
“Stop Now”

Volume: 979 October 28, 2024
Theme: Repentance

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

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It’s Not Too Late!
Bill Brinkworth

Psalm 137 is a sad hymn that Israel sang. The time referred to in this song was when God’s people had been captured (Psalm 137:1-3) by the Babylonians and taken to a foreign land.

There, Israel found themselves slaves to their captives. Their freedom was lost because of their sin (Lamentations 1:8). They found themselves surrounded by godless people and all Israel could remember was what it was like in Jerusalem. Their beloved Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed.

Israel pined for their freedom and their country. They remembered how it was before captivity left them grief-stricken.

In the past, they and Jerusalem were known for joyous singing and happiness. In their bondage, they could not (Psalm 137:4) utter a note when requested to sing. Their hearts were broken, and their spirits were crushed.

Too many today find themselves with a similar sadness. They remember their joy and good times before reaping the consequences of their sin. When their memories drift back to those joyous days, they, too, are not happy. It is heartbreaking to think about what one’s life could have been without involvement in iniquity.

The captive Israelites must have constantly pondered, “It’s too late!” Maybe they shook their heads in despair, thinking, “There is no taking back what we have done. We have sown sin and are now reaping its terrible consequences.” Today’s sinners also will one day have similar regrets.

There is no way to take back what was done, that is why it is so important to stay away from sin. Unfortunately, most have to live with iniquity’s consequences, but they can go forward without making the same mistakes.

A repentant, regretting heart can decide to start over. Seeking God’s forgiveness and help can give one a second (or third, or fourth…) chance.

Moping about “spilled beans” will not clean up the mess sin made. God is a forgiving God. There may still be a sinful crop that one will reap from the seeds sown by iniquity, but with God’s help, one can still go forward.

Seek God’s forgiveness and His help. There is hope!

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.” — Sophocles

Repentance
Edited from an article in Homilies of the English Church.

Repentance is a true turning or returning unto God. People forsake their idolatry and wickedness with a stronger faith and embrace, love, and worship only the true, living God. They give themselves to good works and changed behavior, which, according to God’s Word, they know to be acceptable unto Him.

The four parts of repentance are contrition, confession, faith, and amendment of life’s wrongdoings. They may be likened to an easy and short ladder. From that “ladder,” one may mentally climb from gut-wrenching guilt to the castle where the Lord is pleased.

“When the soul has laid down its faults at the feet of God, it feels as though it had wings.” — Guerin

A Changed Heart
Bill Brinkworth

Repentance is the “… pain, regret, or affliction which a person feels on account of his past conduct…” (Noah Webster, 1828). This sorrowful attitude over one’s sins was a vital part of John the Baptist’s ministry and is essential today when one is saved from the eternal wages of one’s iniquities.

Although a repentant person will usually change their behavior, just changing conduct alone will not save anyone. If a lifestyle change were necessary for salvation, those acts would be good work, and no good deed can save anyone from the eternal wages of sin (Ephesians 2:8-9).

John, the Baptist, illustrated that a broken heart over sin would produce a better life when he spoke to four types of people:

To the religious but not righteous, John told them that if they were convicted over their sins, they would prove it by a lifestyle that would show “fruits” from their inward changes. Their changed heart would change how they lived, and others could see what the changes had done in their life (Luke 3:8).
To the common people, he told them that a giving attitude would show a changed heart (Luke 3:11). John must have known that they were covetous of the things of this world and that they were not trusting God daily for their needs.
To the publicans, he also said there would need to be some changes in their lives. Publicans were notoriously dishonest tax collectors. John told them their spiritual remodeling should include honesty (Luke 3:13).
To soldiers, he did not tell them to quit the army. He told them their change of heart would include halting unnecessary violence, lying, and dissatisfaction with their salaries.

A changed, repentant heart is proof of one’s salvation. The areas John said should change in lives over 2,000 years ago should still change today when one’s life is altered by salvation.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

“Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce.”
— Spurgeon

A Broken Heart
Spurgeon

What man can stand against his children’s tears? When King Henry II was provoked to take up arms against his ungrateful and rebellious son, he cornered his son in a French town.

The son, near death, desired to see his father and confess his wrongdoing, but the stern older man refused to look the rebel in the face. His offspring was sorely troubled in his conscience and said to those about him, “I am dying; take me from my bed, and let me lie in sackcloth and ashes, in token of my sorrow for my ingratitude to my father.” Then he died.

When the tidings came to the older man that his boy had died in ashes and was repentant for his rebellion, the man threw himself upon the earth. Like King David, he cried, “Would God I had died for him.” The thought of his boy’s broken heart touched the father’s heart.

If ye, being evil, are overcome by your children’s tears and grief, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven find your moanings and confessions an argument for the display of His pardoning love through Christ Jesus our Lord? This is the eloquence which God delights in: the broken heart and the contrite spirit.

“Contrite”: Full of guilt and remorse for a wrongdoing or sin

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Verses on Repentance

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
“And they went out, and preached that men should repent.” Mark 6:12
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30
“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20

“Stop Now!”
Tillmage

Some young men were ice-skating on a pond around an half-melted spot in the ice some years ago near Princeton, New Jersey. As they neared the dangerous place, the ice began to break.

Most of the skaters stopped. However, one young man said, “I am not afraid. I will skate around it one more time.” He almost was able to glide entirely around it, but the ice broke, and he fell in. Not until the next day was his lifeless body found.

Similarly, people often get too close to sin. They were warned, but they were determined to do it “one more time.” That last willing iniquity may be their permanent downfall.

Do not risk one more attempt at ignoring God’s sent conviction not to commit that sin any longer. Stop now! He can deliver us from the foolhardiness and temptation of doing wrong “just one more time.”

The BIBLE VIEW #978 — Strengthening A Nation

In This Issue:
Benjamin Franklin’s Motion
True Then. True Now! What America Needs
Lincoln’s Plea Lincoln’s Bible
“If They Slip Too Far, the Light Will Go Out of America!”
Different Motive The Greatness of America
MacArthur Was Right! Only Way Out Is Up!

Volume: 978 October 21, 2024
Theme: Strengthening A Nation

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

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Benjamin Franklin’s Motion
Our Hope

At the meeting of the 1778 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin made the motion to those assembled that the Convention should not proceed without an opening prayer each day.

“I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth that God governs the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid.

“We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it….’ I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall proceed in politically building no better than the builders of Babel.”

Prayer was the foundation stone in our country’s beginning. There should be more national prayer today.

“Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.” — Cowper

True Then. True Now!
President Woodrow Wilson

Our civilization cannot survive materially unless it is redeemed spiritually. It can be saved only by becoming permeated with the Spirit of Christ and being made free and happy by the practices which spring out of the spirit. Only thus can discontent be driven out and all the shadows lifted from the road ahead.”

“Our prayer and God’s mercy are like two buckets in a well; while the one ascends, the other descends.” — Hopkins

What America Needs
Wall Street Journal (Many years ago!)

What America needs more than railway extensions, western irrigation, a low tariff, a bigger cotton crop, and a larger wheat crop is a revival of religion, the kind that our fathers and mothers used to have. We need a religion that made men quit work a half hour earlier on Wednesday so the whole family could get ready to go to prayer meeting.

“Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God.” — Keith

Lincoln’s Plea
Christian Beacon

During the days of the Civil War, a visitor to the White House said, “I had been spending three weeks in the White House with Mr. Lincoln as his guest. One night, just after the Bull Run battle, I was restless and could not sleep.

It was near dawn when I heard low tones proceeding from a private room where the president slept. The door was partly open. I walked in and saw a sight I shall never forget. It was the president kneeling before an open Bible.

The light was turned low in the room. His back was toward me.

I shall never forget his tones, so pitiful and sorrowful. “Do thou God, that heard Solomon in the night when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me! I cannot lead this people. I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without Thy help. I am poor and weak and sinful. O God, thou didst hear Solomon when he cried for wisdom, hear me and save this nation.”

God heard, and He answered him. Will He not answer today if we had leaders who sought God’s help?

Lincoln’s Bible
Moody Monthly

Abraham Lincoln’s well-thumbed Bible in the Lincoln Museum, among other things, would abundantly prove that he was a Christian.

On the way to be inaugurated, Mr. Lincoln uttered these impressive words, “I go to assume a task more difficult than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He would never have succeeded but for the aid of Divine Providence upon which he relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same divine blessing which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being, I place my reliance for support. I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive the divine assistance without which I cannot succeed but with which success is certain.”

“Oh, for more leaders that seek God’s help and guidance rather than those adopting sinful philosophies in hopes of gaining more votes.”

“If They Slip Too Far, the Light Will Go Out of America!”
President Herbert Hoover

“The ‘New Order,’ ‘New Freedom,’ ‘New Day,’ ‘New Outlook,’ ‘New Epoch,’ ‘New Economy,’ ‘New Deal,’ ‘New Deal,’ ‘New Religion,’ ‘New Liberalism,’ ‘New War,’ and ‘New Policy’ are popular to the ears of many. We have overused the word ‘New’ to escape the misery from 37 years of hot and cold wars, with intervals of hot and cold peace.

If we want to strengthen the country, the practical thing is to use the word ‘Old’ more often. Some “old things” made this country.

Many old things are slipping. If they slip too far, the light will go out of America! Old virtues, religious faith, whole truth, integrity, honor in public office, economy in government, individual liberty, and willingness to sacrifice for righteousness need to return to our leaders and nation. We have a cancerous growth of dishonesty among our leadership. Our great danger is suicide by complaisance with evil.

Different Motive
Christian Digest

Roger Babson, the statistician, was lunching with the President of Argentina. “Mr. Babson,” the president said, “I have been wondering why it is that South America, with all its natural advantages, its mines of iron, copper, coal, silver and gold, its rivers and great waterfalls which rival Niagra’s, is so far behind North America.

Babson asked, “Well, Mr. President, what do you think is the reason?”

The president was silent for a while before he answered, “I have come to the conclusion, South America was settled by the Spanish, who came to South America in search of gold, but North America was settled by the Pilgrim Fathers, who went there in search of God.”

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17

The Greatness of America
Author Unknown

Over a hundred years ago, De Tocqueville of France visited America. Upon his return home, he wrote, “I sought the greatness of America in her harbors, rivers, fertile fields, mines and commerce. It was not there.”

Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

MacArthur Was Right!
Prairie Overcomer

General Douglas MacArthur, recognizing a spiritual awakening was imperative, said, as quoted by Moody Monthly, “History fails to record a single precedent in which nations experiencing moral decay have not passed onto political and economic success. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimately a national disaster.”

“Choosing to honor and allow sin to flourish will lead to the destruction of any nation. NO ONE gets away with disregarding the morality God demands in His Word!”

Only Way Out Is Up!
Walter Knight

On a gray morning during World War One, David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Britain, stood grim-visaged before his compeers and members of the British Cabinet. The seriousness of the situation was evident on the faces of all.

The prime minister said, ”Gentlemen, we are fighting with our backs to the wall. The only way out is up. Our only hope is God. Let us pray!” When nations turn to God in their trouble, deliverance is not distant.

The BIBLE VIEW #977 — Why?

In This Issue:
There Is A Reason
… But God Had Different Plans

Volume: 977 October 4, 2024
Theme: Why?

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
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There Is A Reason
Bill Brinkworth

While walking my four-footed friend, Buddi, I almost walked into a thread from which a one-inch green worm descended. It hung 10 feet from a hanging oak branch. The barely noticeable thread was used to safely lower the creature that distance.

As I watched the creature work, he struggled and wiggled. His efforts, however, seemingly did nothing to lower him, let alone the five more feet to the ground. Finally, he was still, but to my surprise, more thread was quickly produced from his posterior, and he was lowered safely and speedily to the ground. After touching the ground, he wiggled away as if nothing had happened.

How similar is that creature’s 15-foot journey to what many experience. Life often throws serious obstacles in the way of many. They start out attempting to deal with the situation. There may be some progress, but shortly they quit.

As the little worm experienced, many attempts to remedy a bad situation do not seem to get anywhere. People struggle; they wrestle with the problem the best they can, but soon, they get tired and stop. Then, out of nowhere, it seems the problem is solved, and they glide gently through the situation they never thought they would conquer.

For a Christian, a daunting situation is often when God will allow a change in one’s life. Nothing that happens to us is a surprise to God. He always has a plan for us that we often do not recognize.

Some believe life’s catastrophes are a punishment allowed by God. For some, they may be. The unpleasant predicament may be a price-tag for doing wrong, disobedience, or even sin. Hopefully, the struggle will get the person’s attention, and they will change the direction they are going.

Years ago, my friend Kenny fell off a high ladder. As he lay there knowing parts of his body were broken, he immediately went to God in prayer and asked, “Is this accident for something I have done or haven’t done?” When no reminder of wrongdoing evaded his thought life, Kenny quickly assumed the fall would have another purpose in his life and prepared to endure what the Lord allowed.

For others, the challenge may be for another purpose. The reasons can be different for each person. No one should assume they know why a person has the trials they are experiencing. Only God knows the real reason!
“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.” Job 22:29

Some may go through fires of tribulation to teach a lesson requiring trust or patience for future benefits. For others, the trial may move one in another direction, to keep them from further hurt from an unseen future calamity, the consequences of living in a sin-cursed world (sin often hurts more than the sinner), to use their character to show others how they should react in a similar situation, or many other reasons.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” I Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you.” James 4:10

As the wiggling inchworm soon figured out, when attempts to fix a situation are seemingly for naught, relax and trust God to do what He will. Do not develop a blame-God-attitude, but trust, be patient, and have faith that His leadership in handling the bad situation will bring glory to God and be for your best.

“He who knows no hardships will know no hardihood. He who faces no calamity will need no courage. Mysterious though it is, the characteristics in human nature which we love best grow in a soil with a strong mixture of trouble.”
— Harry Emerson Fosdick

… But God Had Different Plans
Bill Brinkworth

We all, at one time or another, have had hard times. Sometimes, those difficulties are caused by a group or an individual. It seems that they are in control and changing the direction of one’s life.

However, even if situations are meant to hamper or hurt, there could be a good result in the future. Joseph in Genesis can certainly attest to that.

The young man could not help that his father, Israel, favored him. Israel’s blessings on his son made Joseph’s siblings quite jealous. Their jealousy festered, and their hearts became bitter to the innocent younger brother. It was not long until their bitterness resulted in their throwing the boy into a pit. An opportunity arose, and they sold their sibling into slavery.

From there, many hardships happened to the teenager. Joseph was sold in Egypt to Potiphar. There, he served his master, but “.. the Lord was with Joseph…” (Genesis 39:1). He was in a bad situation, but God had a purpose for the boy.

Later, a lie from Potiphar’s wife got Joeseph thrown into prison. Even in this horrible situation, “… the Lord was with Joseph…” (Gen. 39:21).

While in prison and after some time, God used Joseph. After a series of God-directed events, Joseph became second in command over Egpyt.

Joseph spared Egypt and his family from a consuming famine using his new lofty leadership role. All the terrible happenings in his life were to place him where God would use him to help many.

Those hard times may have been intended to abuse and use him, but the hand of God allowed those circumstances to put Joseph in the place where the Lord needed him. As the powerful man stood before his family, Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (Gen. 45:5 Also: Gen. 45:7, 8). Joseph realized that God had plans for him and put him in the right place by allowing him to face some difficulties.

Others have also found themselves facing unfair treatment, as did Joseph. While wearied and discouraged from tumultuous trials, they also discovered that God used events to put them in a position where God could use them.

God allowed Satan to do his worst to the godly Job. After perhaps a year of losing possessions and having friends and family turn against the non-wavering child of God, Job was blessed with much more than he originally had.
“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

Moses remembered all the years Israel faced hardship and servitude in Egypt. Still, he saw how God dealt with the pharaoh and the Egyptians in His timing. Israel then saw that their prayers for freedom were answered as God led them to a land He had for them.
“… 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.” Exodus 19:3-4

God used the hatred of the Jews, the cruelty of Roman soldiers, and the betrayal of Judas to give us eternal hope because of Jesus’ death. God’s only Son was beaten, mocked, embarrassed, and nailed to the cross so that sinners would have an acceptable payment to cover their sins. We are blessed because of His sacrifice, and now Jesus sits on the right hand of God.

The apostle Paul also was on the receiving end of unfair treatment. However, what seemed like misfortune on his part, God used those methods to make him a witness in Rome.
“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11

We should also recognize that perhaps something happening in our life is ordered by the Lord. A child of God was bought by the price of His Son’s blood. If born-again into His family, we are His. God will use His own as he sees fit.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I Corinthians 6:20 Also: I Cor. 7:23.

So, child of God, first examine yourself if you find yourself in trying times. Are you reaping what you have sowed in sin’s field, and maybe you are facing iniquity’s consequences? Is it possible that you are not a child of God, and He is using your situation to get you to turn to Him for salvation? If you are sure of your salvation, is God trying to get your attention to change your course?

If self-examination does not reveal any reasons, it may be quite possible that you are in the same boat as the above heroes of the faith were and where many other Christians have found themselves. It may be God has future plans for you, and He is moving you to a place where He can use you.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:3-4

Be encouraged, Christian, if you find yourself in a similar situation like so many others had. You are on the winning side, so be patient, always do right, and wait for the Lord to use you the way He desires.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial.”
— Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #976 — Judging

In This Issue:
It Can Happen to Anyone!
Would You Dare
The Hand of God Was Against Them
What Inspired William Booth

Volume: 976 October 7, 2024
Theme: Judging

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

It Can Happen to Anyone!
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes, we can be very judgmental of a person. We are reluctant to show mercy when one sins or makes a mistake. However, we should remember no one is exempt from making a wrong decision.

Anyone of us could make a mistake and get involved in thievery, dishonesty, immorality, or any other sin. It is only God’s grace and our character that separates us from those that get involved in sin.

Peter was a prime example of unexpected, ungodly behavior. Peter boasted to Jesus that he loved Jesus so much that he would never turn against Him. The apostle was determined that he would lay down his life for the Saviour. Prophetically, Jesus responded, revealing that He knew Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:37-38, Mat. 26:34) before the rooster crowed.

After an angry mob took Jesus away, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled. When a woman opened the door and accused Peter of being one of the ones with Jesus, Peter denied that he was even associated with Christ (John 18:17).

Another damsel asked Peter if he was one of those who was with Jesus as he warmed himself at a fire (John 18:25, Mat.26:71). He flatly denied any association with Jesus. Later, another servant asked the disciple if he was one of those with Jesus. Peter denied even knowing the Lord (John 18:26) for the third time. A rooster then crowed. Peter, I am sure, “Gulped!” He had done what he thought he would never do.

Sin can happen to any one of us. We can never put down our guard and think that sin cannot control or overtake us. Do you think you are so spiritual that you will never fall? Be careful; a rooster may be getting ready to crow for you at any minute.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” I Peter 5:8

Would You Dare?
Bill Brinkworth

One of man’s natural tendencies is to judge others by his measuring stick, usually himself. Paul, in Romans 2, powerfully addresses that weakness.
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same thing… 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3

Many times, when we judge others, we have or have had the same problem ourselves. Those who have had or are still having the biggest issues seem to complain the loudest of another’s weaknesses.

It is often the ex-smoker who criticizes the loudest about another’s smoke he is inhaling. An older man grumbles to a son about his child’s late hours coming home, forgetting how his father used to rebuke him in his younger, cohorting days. One who recently lied on his income tax form somehow is not convicted when he judges a worker who just lied to him. On and on our hypocritical judging goes.

God, however, knows the truth, and He remembers (Rom. 3:3). For the born-again child of God, there is no judgment for sins. All one’s sins are paid for and no longer remembered (Hebrews 10:17).

All Christians, however, will be judged (Mat. 12:36, Gal. 6:7, Eph. 6:8, Col. 3:24) for what they did or did not do for the Lord. It is called the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Cor. 5:10), and it will involve reward or loss of rewards (Rev. 22:12).

Sadly, the unsaved person’s judgment will be at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). That fearful condemnation will be at the end of Christ’s 1,000-year reign on Earth. At that judgment, the lost will be judged for their sins (Rev. 20:14).

In light of our future day of judgment before an Almighty God who knows everything about us (including real intents for doing something, what we did when no one else saw us, and all other dark secrets), our judgment of others seems so insignificant and embarrassing on our part. We certainly want our mistakes and sins overlooked when we stand before our Judge. Can we stop judging others and leave that to the One who knows all?

“Reputation is what man thinks of us. Character is what God knows us to be.”

The Hand of God Was Against Them
C. Buck, 1871

Many say it is a presumption to pronounce the calamities of sinners as particular judgments of God. A study was made of many cruel, persecuting tyrants who delighted in tormenting their fellow creatures.

The study revealed that they died not the common deaths of most men. They suffered plagues and fatalities that were horrible and strange. Even a skeptic would be moved by the evidence and would be apt to suspect that the hand of God was in their demise. Here are some biblical-related examples:

Herod the Great attempted to destroy the baby Jesus Christ by ordering the deaths of all the male children that were in and near Bethlehem. The historian Josephus reported that Herod had a long and grievous fever, a voracious appetite, difficulty breathing, swelling of his limbs, loathsome ulcers, violent torments, and convulsions, so much that he endeavored to kill himself. The Jews thought his evils to be Divine judgments upon him for his wickedness.
Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and treated Christ contemptuously when He was brought before him. Aretas, an Arabian king, defeated Herod, and his dominions were taken from him. He was sent into banishment, along with his infamous wife, Herodias.
Herod Agrippa killed James, the brother of John, and put Peter in prison. The angel of the Lord soon smote him, and he was eaten of worms and died.
Judas, who betrayed our Lord, died by his own hands.
Pontius Pilate, who condemned Jesus to death was, not long afterward, deposed from his office, banished from his country, and died by his hand.
The wicked high priest, Caiaphas, condemned Christ for fear of disobliging the Romans. He was turned out of his office by the Roman governor, whom he had sought to oblige.
Ananias was the high priest who persecuted Paul and ordered him to be smitten on the mouth (Acts 23:2, 24:1). He was slain, together with his brother, by his son.
Domitian persecuted the Christians and was said to be the one who threw John into a cauldron of boiling oil. The man was later banished to the isle of Patmos and murdered by his people.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

What Inspired William Booth
Walter Knight

Many Christians say they believe in the day of accountability. However, they are as silent as the sphinx when warning others to flee from the wrath to come.

The words that had much to do with William Booth’s being a “fiery” Salvation Army preacher was the indicting, taunting statement from an infidel. The man said, “If I believed what you Christians say you believe about the coming judgment, day of reckoning, and the eternal lostness of impenitent Christ-rejecters, I would crawl on my bare knees on crushed glass all over London, England, night and day, telling men and women to flee the wrath to come!”