The judgment of God is something we need to take seriously. Although the Lord is merciful and full of grace, He is also a God of judgment. Peter explains why the Lord brings judgment. 1 Peter 1:17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.[1]
Perhaps judgment is not something you spend much time thinking about, yet all of us will face judgment for how we have lived our lives. Ananias and Sapphira sold some property and brought part of the money to the Apostles, claiming it was the full amount. Often, we deceive ourselves, thinking our sin is just a tiny matter that God will overlook.
Bringing Judgment Upon Ourselves
As Ananias and Sapphira brought the money to the Apostles, they knew they were being deceptive. But they didn’t realize judgment was awaiting them for their sin. Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died.[2]
If only Ananias and Sapphira had a proper fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. [3] We don’t know if Ananias and Sapphira died without faith, as the text does not say. But we do know they were struck dead for their deception.
Is God’s Judgment Fair?
We sin in a temporary world, yet those who die without faith in Jesus will spend eternity in hell. Is that fair? Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”[4] Long before God created man, He had a plan to rescue humanity from eternity in hell. That is why Jesus came and died for our sins. 2 Peter 3:9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.[5]
While God does not allow sin to go unpunished, it does not mean He does not love us. When we place our faith in Jesus as our Savior, He forgives and rescues us from hell. Only when a person rejects the gift of salvation and turns away from Jesus are people sent to hell. If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, the Lord is calling you today!
To learn more about the judgment of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ananias-sapphira
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.