NOTE: All comments in parentheses are those of the author of this mini-study.
If we would all scrutinize ourselves as intensely as we scrutinize the behavior and speech of others, we would all walk in truth and holiness. The apostle Paul urges us to “Examine YOURSELVES, whether YOU are in the faith (truly converted), prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is IN you (ordering your behavior, speech and thoughts) except you be reprobates (false converts, merely a bit religious from time to time)” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (If you are quick to notice some tiny flaw in others, God will just as quickly take note of any flaws in your character or personality). Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-2, NIV).
There are countless numbers one hundred percent sure they are saved and heirs of eternal life who are no more redeemed than a common demon! Jesus was not being over dramatic when He warned it was a narrow gate one had to pass through in order to enter into life eternal. (See Matthew 7:13). He went on to say only a relative few find there way through that gate, asking “Why do you call me, Lord and yet do not do the things I tell you to do?” (See Luke 6:46). Many are going to come forth from death in a resurrection, expecting to find themselves in an incorruptible, immortal spirit body only to discover they are still flesh and blood creatures still subject to the second death – the judgment of the spiritually lost. I cannot imagine the mind numbing fear that will flood their minds when that realization dawns on them. No wonder God’s Word says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth! God help you to understand is my prayer.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley