A brief note from "Who will be Saved."
We affirm the Creed, "He shall come to judge the quick (the living) and the dead." All. The judge is Christ, and none of us is above his assize. And none of us has advanced knowledge of the outcome. As Paul told a contentious congregation that tried to judge his worthiness as an apostle, "It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:4).
The use of the word "all" is amazing. Too...too often, it seems to give Christians the notion that everyone who is not one of us is "going to get it." Too often, we want to have a hand in that final outcome - or at least claim to know what it will be so that we can move people to live in the world as we would have them live. What an odd need for power and influence! Christ will judge as Christ would judge - no like me or anyone who tries to convince you that they somehow know who will or will not be within God's embrace. Having said that, I'm willing to say God will embrace all. In the midst of that embrace will be a judgment that carries the blessing of new life - promise - all hopefulness.
Connection: Hold off on the need to be judge. It is not always easy. Therefore we are given the moment at hand to begin to see things with new eyes...not always easy.
Within your loving embrace, O God, we find our place and are encouraged to be the ones you have placed within the time and place as your sons and daughters. This is therefore, an amazing time. Thanks be to you, O God. Amen.
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