 | Reverend Terry G. Fox is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. He is Chairman of the North American Mission Board, member of its Executive Committee and the FamilyNet Broadcast Communications Committee, as well as numerous other subcommittees. He's listed on the Who's Who Among Outstanding Corporate Executives. He is a sought after speaker and has traveled and ministered in many places in the United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Rev. Fox and his wife Barbara have three children. You may contact him at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 South Topeka, Wichita, Kansas, 67211; phone (316) 262-1452; or Fax (316) 262-4704. |
Religion
2005-01-01 09:20:00
Will we be judged more harshly than those of the Old Testament?
: Since the beginning of the New Testament, we have a myriad of resources to aid in our salvation, unlike those who lived and died during the Old Testament. Will we be judged more harshly when we die, than they were?
ANSWER: Yes, the Bible seems to say that this is true. In St. Paul's speech to the religious philosophers in Athens he said: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts:17:30-31)Regarding the Jews who had God's revelation of the Old Testament, they were responsible for acting on the light they had. They knew to avoid idol worship and to follow the ethical standards which are summarized in the Ten Commandments. Their knowledge, and responsibility, increased over the centuries as prophets writings became available.When Christ came, He raised the standards for them In the "Sermon On The Mount", He said: "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matt.5:20). This must have been a shock! The Pharisees lived by hundreds of rules and were notoriously religious. Then He raised the requirements again by making the requirements based on internal attitudes rather than only external acts: " You have heard that it was said long ago, 'Do not murder'. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement." (Matt.5:21) Hate = murder! He did the same with adultery and lustful looking. Lust = adultery! Essentially, all that was lacking in each case was the opportunity.Then Jesus did the same with virtues: "You have heard, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'" (Matt.5:43-44) The requirements were made harder and He called this "Good News" (Gospel) Why? For two reasons: (1) Christ paid the penalty for sin by dying on the cross and will accredit His righteousness to any who accepts and entrusts themselves to Him. "By grace are we saved... not of works." (Eph2:8-9) (2) The Holy Spirit will indwell the Believer and empower him to live a truly righteous life as described in the Sermon on the Mount. It is clear that none could qualify by their own efforts. By God's grace, a rescue has to take place.In answer to your question, Jesus stated the principle: "Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required." (Luke 12:48) And we have so much more than the pre-Christian Jews. More what? Revelation, information, and the example of Jesus Christ. The responsibility extends to our wealth of time, possessions, influence, education, etc. To whom much is given, much shall be required.
