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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: While it is true that in the New Testament and after those books were written, we Christians (those who believe in the New Testament), have a myriad of resources and examples to aid in our salvation, it is none-the-less true that those who lived and died under the Old Testament also had and have numerous resources and examples for salvation.   Both Testaments were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, the primary author of the books of the Bible.   Both the Old and New Testament produced saints, friends of God, and heroes for salvation.  Likewise the lives and teachings of the saints of all times and places: provide worthy role-models of how to direct our lives towards God.  We are very fortunate to have so many more resources and examples to encourage and help us than did those early patriarchs and prophets, who believed in God and were pleasing to Him.   Think of Abraham, the father of all true believers, whose history is recorded in the first book of the Bible, Genesis (chapter 12 following).    He was born and reared in the pagan culture of ancient Mesopotamia.   Nevertheless he reasoned and believed that there must be one true God, whom he worshiped to the best of his ability, and so became the friend of God, and the father of all true believers.  The New Testament epistle to the Hebrews, chapter 11, praises the faith of Abraham, as well as that of Abel and Enoch and Noe, who lived before Abraham, and also that of Abraham's descendants who live by faith.   Only gradually in time, did God reveal more of Himself, and most especially in the person of his Son, Jesus the Messiah, who taught his Apostles.   These in turn taught other Christian disciples down to our own day.   With so many witnesses to the true faith revealed by God, we have less excuse, than those who lived before us, for neglecting God and his revel-ation or for rejecting the  teachings of Jesus.    In the Gospel of St. Luke (12:48), Jesus observes: "Much will be required from the person to whom much is given;  much more is required from the person to whom much more is given."     The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The coming of God's Son on earth is an event of such importance that God willed to prepare for it over centuries. . . . all the rituals and sacrifices figures and symbols of the First Covenant.    God announces Him through the mouths of the prophets, who succeeded one another in Israel.   Moreover, God awakens in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming" (Para. 522).   Even the Koran, which is a collection of the sayings and recollections of Mohammed (compiled by Mohammed's followers after his death), does provide some aids for salvation for those who sincerely believe in it.    The Catechism of the Catholic Church says also: "At all times and in every race, anyone who fears God and does what is right has been acceptable to Him.  He has, however, willed to make men holy and save them: to make them into a people who might acknowledge Him and serve Him in holiness.   He chose the Israelite race to be His own people and established a covenant with it.   He gradually instructed this people.  All these things, however, happened as a preparation for . . . that new and perfect covenant, which was to be ratified in Christ. . . . He called together both Jews and Gentiles, which would be one race, not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit" (Para. 781).     So, to answer the question:  yes, we will be judged more harshly when we die: than will those people, who have not received the fullness of God's revelation.   But also, those who live by this faith: will receive a greater share of happiness in heaven: than will those who have not received it, but have lived good lives in accordance with the light of their conscience and whatever truths have come to them.In the epistle to the Hebrews the Apostle has a serious warning for those who fall away from the faith they have once received: "What then of the person who despises the Son of God? who treats as a cheap thing the Blood of God's covenant, which purified him from sin?  who insults the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment he will deserve!   For we know who said: 'I will take revenge, I will repay' and who also said: 'The Lord will judge His people.' It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebr. 10:29-31).    The text then goes on with words of encouragement: "Remember how it was with you in the past: . . .  you suffered many things . . .  because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. You need to be patient, in order to do the Will of God, and receive what He promises. . . . My righteous people will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with him" (Hebr. 10:32-38).