Based on Isaiah 66:1-6 (New King James Version)
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. ‘He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood; he who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations, so will I choose their delusions, and bring their fears on them; because, when I called, no one answered, when I spoke they did not hear; but they did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.’ Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brethren who hated you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.’ The sound of noise from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, Who fully repays His enemies!”
The first thing we must consider when looking at this passage is: what, or rather, Who, is everything in the universe about? Who is the main character in all of history, in all of existence, in the past, in the present, and especially in the future? We are talking about God, and not a universal god as many believe, one that they say all religions lead to, but the Elohim, the plural God who created the heavens and the earth, of whom the Book of Genesis speaks: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle John also declares, as it is written: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7. This God is unique, and He is the True God, the Almighty, who reigns forever and ever. We are not talking about just any being, but rather a triune being who possesses all power and authority throughout the entire universe. This is more than important to understand because, as the Being He is, His Word teaches us that He is also the Judge of the universe, who will judge every being in the not-too-distant future.
We understand through the Word of God that God is love, and that love is one of His most important characteristics, and one upon which we all depend. That is why we were created, why we exist, and despite our utterly compromised state due to sin, He loved us so much that He has given us a way, a means to receive forgiveness and have eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ. But He is not only love, but also holy and a consuming fire when He exercises His judgment. And this is something far too important to overlook or ignore. We must keep in mind that even though He is love, He will not forget or set aside His holiness. It is impossible. And this holy character teaches us that a day will come when the mercy and grace that can be found in Him now will give way to His judgment in the future. This is one of the greatest misunderstandings within our Christian community, that many think God will set aside His judgment because He is love. There is a final judgment where everyone, every person, both the unbeliever and the Christian, will give an account before Him, where He will see what we did, whether we did His will or something else. And this is what the Word says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:7-10. We cannot deceive God, under any circumstances. Everything will be revealed then. Many supposed believers may try to deceive other people, as they do now, or even try to convince themselves that they won't have to give an account, but it will be impossible to ignore this perfect Being who sees all, knows all, and can do all. For the good of each person, it would be wise for those who deny this coming judgment to stop deceiving themselves and to stop mistakenly thinking that our opinion dictates reality and what is inevitable. This is what the Word of God says: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27. And this is also written: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11a.
The Lord taught that religious hypocrisy will not be overlooked in the coming judgment. Many people may try to do religious things, or even supernatural things, but God will see through all of that and will only see our true selves. This is what the Lord said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23. On the day of judgment, there will be much confusion, many surprises, and much sorrow, because those who pretend to be righteous will be completely exposed before God and His heavenly hosts. It is a serious problem if God sees your offerings, your sacrifices, and your works as abominable things, even though they may appear holy and righteous to those who are unaware of the truth that lies deep within a person’s heart. What will matter at that moment is what is evident to God. And as the Word says: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26. It doesn't matter if your works look good in the eyes of men. What matters is whether God sees your faith as genuine, based on the works it produces.
The Word teaches us very clearly that we will give an account of everything we have done, and of course, what we did with the knowledge of the Truth. Did it remain merely knowledge, or did something more happen? No one likes the idea of being held accountable for their actions, but just because we don't like something doesn't mean it won't happen. This is what we read. “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’” Acts 24:24-25. For your own good, follow this advice: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 13:5. Ignoring or refusing to believe that there will be a judgment is foolishness, and you could lose everything if you don't take God's warning seriously. The stakes are too high. God will hold you accountable for what you did with the Gospel, with the knowledge of His Word, and ultimately, with Christ. So, are you living a genuine faith in Christ so that you can pass God's judgment, or are you still treating God and His Word lightly and irresponsibly? Lord bless! John. God bless Israel!