Natural man is dead, because of sin. Whoever does not hasten to God’s love judges himself. Christ’s words are loving, powerful and pure. Whoever listens to him lives. At the same time his words and conduct are the rules of our lives. God commits judgment to him; he is the Holy One, tempted like us but without sin. No man will have a pretext before the divine court. Christ remains the only Person worthy of taking over universal judgment. He can decide the destiny of all mankind. Angels and all creatures worship him.
Resurrection is sure to take place, by Jesus’ command. His call will pierce our globe; the dead do not hear ordinary calls. But the Son’s voice will cause the dead to tremble. The sleeping souls will be awakened, and leave their tombs. Wonder of wonders, some souls will arise as living, while others as seemingly dead. There are two resurrections, one for life, the other for judgment. That hour will bring wondrous surprises: Some will be shrouded in gloom, whereas we thought they were bright lights. Others will shine as the sun, while we thought they were simple and of no account!
The good folk who are alive before God, were no better than the bad. But the first group were forgiven by Christ Jesus and responded thankfully. They lived in the power of his Gospel. Their lives displayed the fruits that the Holy Spirit produces. Jesus has wiped out all their blemishes by his precious blood. This grace has come to them through faith.
However, he who thinks that his own works suffice before God, will hear this sentence, "You egoist why were you concerned for your own deliverance only, but did not love your enemies? Why did you not accept full reconciliation, which the Crucified One effected between you and God? And how did you reject His eternal life in your being? Your pride has made you choose death, so continue without the grace offered you." Those dead in sin will rise to a severe judgment, and receive a detailed account of their words, works and thoughts. Whereas he who was drawn to Christ’s glory by faith in him, has love poured into him from Christ. This impelled him to merciful service, which is the characteristic of eternal life today.