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Romans 14:12: So Then Each Of Us Will Give An Account Of Himself To God.

Romans 14:12
[12] So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (ESV)

I have not had to go to a courtroom very many times in my lifetime. I would very much like to keep it that way. The idea of standing before a judge is very intimidating to me. Even if I am there and have done nothing wrong. There is something about being in a courtroom where someone else determines your fate that is terrifying.

Perhaps you share my fear of courtrooms and judges. I am about to make it a little worse. As terrifying as any judge or courtroom could be there is nothing more terrifying than the idea of standing before the God of the universe. What is worse is that we can know for certain that we are not standing there in our innocence. No one is innocent! Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned."

We will all have to give an account of ourselves to God. If you are not intimidated by this verse there is probably something wrong with your understanding of who God is or who you are. Hebrews 10:31 tells us, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Even Scripture itself bears out the terrifying aspect of our fateful meeting in eternity with God.

There is good news. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ you have an advocate. You have someone who will stand in your place before God the Father. Jesus will come into that courtroom and say to the Father, the Judge, "Yes, your honor, This one is guilty. Their life was filled with failure and sin. But I took the penalty for their sin at the Cross. I recommend a full pardon.

Consider this verse to be as serious as it is. You will give an account before God. I encourage you to accept the sacrifice of your advocate, Jesus Christ, on your behalf. To stand before God without him will mean your eternal terrible punishment. 

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