TUESDAY October 27, 2020

Every Knee Shall Bow

But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
Romans 14:10-11

Previously, Paul spoke about disunity among the brethren concerning issues about food and drink. When you consider these issues in the light of eternity, they were petty arguments. These things were not going to affect their salvation. Paul brought an eternal perspective to the forefront of everyone’s mind––the future judgment seat of Christ.

Think about the seriousness of what Paul was teaching. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul taught believers about the Bema seat of Christ. He referred to the judgment that would be given to believers. Christians often forget that they shall have to give an account for their works before Christ. Yes, our sins are taken care of at the Cross; we have salvation, but we are to be Christ-like––salt and light in this lost world.

If we are not a true example of a Christian, then we are no better than the Pharisees before God. We are living a life of hypocrisy. Consider what Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 12:36-37, because of their words of unbelief and hypocrisy:

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

God keeps the records of people’s words. Christians should not talk against one another behind their backs. That is not right before God. They must not be critical about another person’s life. They are no better than anyone else. Believers are to work together to the glory of God.

Paul used Isaiah 45:23 to back up his teaching. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. When people bow their knees to Christ, it is a sign of humility, submission and servanthood. Christ is confessed to others to show He is King, Master, Lord and Savior. Have you bowed you knee to Christ today?

Jesus will reign over you; either by your consent or without it.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!