Scripture for April 26: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (ESV)

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

⁶ So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, ⁷ for we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

This scripture gives us some important information about ‘what comes next’. That is, when we depart this earthly existence. It speaks clearly about the fact that we will all give account of what we have done here, whether good or evil. There is no getting around it. However, there is also a teaching of Jesus that claims whoever believes in him “does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” already (John 5:24).

All you need to do to get ready for next week is figure out how both of those scriptures speak the truth.

Simple, eh? I’ll see you then.

–Pr. Steve