How do we avoid fear and judgment when stepping into the unknown of eternity? Eternity is not something most of us are thinking about unless a loved one has died, is seriously ill, or we are struggling with a life-threatening situation. Faith and peace are the opposite of fear. John gives us the words of Jesus in his Gospel. John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”[1]
We may be experiencing a great storm in life, but we can have peace because the Lord is with us, and His Spirit dwells in us. As people of faith, we don’t have to fear judgment. Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. [2] As believers, we can be confident that when we die, we will go to heaven to be with our heavenly Father for all eternity.
Living in God
The Apostle John speaks about living in God, but what does that mean? To live in God is to have faith in Jesus; when we do, the Holy Spirit comes and lives with us. Faith forever connects us to our Savior. John describes it as living in God when that happens. 1 John 4:17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. [3]
Our ongoing relationship with the Lord gives us confidence on the day of judgment. On that day of judgment, the Lord will require all people to give an account of their lives. Those who have followed Jesus and placed their faith in Him will live forever in heaven. As believers, we don’t have to fear that day as we live out our faith.
There is No Fear in Love
As we grow in faith, something extraordinary happens. We grow in love. Yes, we may sometimes take two steps forward and one backward along our spiritual journey. But if we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will help us move forward. 1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.[4]
Fear and love can’t coexist. As believers, we can’t approach the Lord’s throne of grace in love and simultaneously hide from Him in fear. Remember, as a believer in Jesus, you are a child of God. Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”[5] If you are struggling today as a believer, remember you are a child of God and don’t have to walk in fear, but we can walk in peace and love.
To learn more about fear and judgment, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-love
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.