Is it right that Christians should be willing to accept it if Christ judges us unworthy to enter his heavenly kingdom? It is true, certainly, that Christ is our judge, he is omniscient, he is worthy, and he has the power to do so. It is also true that we do not deserve heaven. We are supposed to be perfect, but our imperfections cause damages to ourselves and to all those around us hour by hour. All that being true, what of Christ’s promise to us, based on our faith in him? Faith is not our work; it is God’s gift, and it is God’s downpayment, promise and proof of the full salvation he promises. Yes, we must attend, as Christians, to holy behavior, and we must continuously stand them next to Christ’s plumb line of righteousness. But those with faith do desire to live righteously. Frustration at their failures to do so is not evidence of faithlessness but of faith. – E.O.
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