FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

This will be a time of exposure. Jesus said, “For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light” (Mark 4:22), a claim that I believe makes specific reference to the Second Coming. Paul wrote that God will one day “Judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16). When one of my daughters was a toddler, she swallowed a curtain hook.We took her to the hospital and they imme- diately performed an X- ray, which showed the metal object caught in her throat.The curtain hook was exposed, brought to light, and then removed. Likewise, for believers, the return of Christ will trigger a coming to light, a time of exposure and accountability, and es- pecially a true evaluation of our deeds . According to Paul, our efforts and accomplishments will be shown for what they are at the Second Coming. Some Christians build their foundations on wood, hay, and straw (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).These deeds may stand the test of time that generate a position in the church and accolades among peers. Ultimately, they will not survive judg- ment seat scrutiny. According to the Bible, this time of evaluation will also include accountability for our words. Jesus said, “Every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36). I sometimes feel awkward when people start recording on their phones around me, knowing that every word is being picked up and preserved.Yet, what is that compared to God’s cosmic recorder that logs a lifetime of conversations? Not only will our actions and words be judged, but the motives behind them as well.When the Lord comes, He “Will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

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