Walking with the Wise #110: God's Goodwill

“A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
 

but a man of evil devices He condemns.” 

—Proverbs 12:2 

Following Christ is beneficial both for this life and the life to come. As Paul wrote,

“…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come”—1 Timothy 4:8.

Our world tries to make it appear that we can live life without limits—doing whatever we want without consequences, but that is not how the world works. God has decreed that all evil will be judged and righteousness will be rewarded. There is not one sin that will be overlooked on the Day of Judgment. Jonathan Edwards, the great American theologian, once surmised that when men are in hell, they will beg to have one sin removed from their sentence, because their suffering is so great.

There is no way to escape God’s all-seeing eye. He knows everything we have ever done and He will judge us accordingly. The only way of escaping the Day of Judgment is by trusting in Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom we can have redemption, and He is the one through whom God’s favor has ultimately been bestowed. Our righteousness or goodness is not our own, but comes from knowing and trusting in God.

Have you trusted in the Lord? Have you experienced His favor through trusting in His Son? Rest in Christ, know that your righteousness will be rewarded, and that God’s judgment will stand for His glory. Amen.