Live in teh Truth

Read Matthew 26:1-19, Luke 22:3-13, John 12:34-50
 
John 12:44-50 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
 
THE Son repeatedly spoke of his intimate relationship with the Father. After all, this is one God who is of three persons. The two persons, Father and Son, are working as One God through the third person, the Spirit. Believing in God is believing in the Holy Trinity. Any other belief is unbelief.
   Then Jesus issued a warning. Warnings are good, aren’t they? They keep us safe, for example, when a road sign warns us of sharp curves ahead. We slow down and drive along the road safely, unless we disregard the warnings. If we ignore the signs that are meant to save us from destruction and decide to drive too fast, our unbelief in the signs does not change the truth. The curves are still there, and fast driving can condemn us to an accident, even to kill us and/or our passengers. In a like manner, Jesus teaches us to obey his “signs” – his words and his actions – so we will navigate our lives on his true roadway. If the Jews dismissed his words as lies, they are headed for destruction. He, the Way, will judge them.
   Please understand Jesus’ words in verse 47. They are not a universal salvation message such as this: “Jesus didn’t come to judge me. He loves me regardless of what I do or believe!” Yes, he did first come to save sinners through preaching the gospel. But pay sure attention to  verse 48! H will come to complete the full gospel message. Believe in Jesus’ judgment. It will happen, and you must be prepared, or you will perish.
   How horrible to travel through life ignoring Jesus’ judgment warning! Unforgiveness would constantly be dangerous curves on our hearts. Dismissing the truth does  not change the truth. Right and wrong would be based on our own way. No one could trust us because we reject truth. But worst of all, we would end our journey in death, Jesus judging us into Hell! It’s an indescribable, horrific picture.
   This is judgment with no parole, no clemency or no delayed sentencing. It is a judgment for eternity (Let this sink in: e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y). If you reject Jesus as God, you are rejecting God. He will reject you, and you will have no second life for a second choice. Final judgment is final forever. Heed Jesus’ words. Help others do the same. Be loving and urgent to tell the gospel truth. Recognizing sin, we come to know the essence of his grace and the joys of his love.