Paul – on Righteousness, Self-control, and the Judgment to Come
Acts 24.22-27
The Apostle Paul began this discussion with Felix by presenting a defense that
he, too, believed in
In order for Paul to
have "hope" in the resurrection he had to have peace about the judgment that is
to follow.
There have been many Christians who have the simplistic view
that if their sins are forgiven they are then adequately prepared for the
judgment.
Matthew's gospel records Jesus telling of a king who prepared a
wedding banquet to honor his son. The story records the fate of those who were
invited but refused to come, and the subsequent invitees who did attend. Among
those attending was a man who didn't adequately dress for the occasion. The king
was outraged that someone would fail to give attention to proper preparation for
such a great event.
This story, as told by Jesus, is quite instructive.
Paul understood the importance of proper presentation. The acceptance of the
invitation is salvation. It is indeed "the gift" from God.
"...to as many as believed, to them gave he the right to become children of
God."
This, alone, doesn't give one proper preparation or
adequate 'dress' for the occasion. Once we have accepted the invitation to the
Kingdom, we must begin our preparations for standing before the Great King.
We must learn 'righteousness' and 'self-control.' We must learn to say and
do what is 'right' - and that requires 'self-control.' It will be our integrity,
or lack of, that will be on display at the Judgment.
If we live lives of integrity, justice, mercy,
humility and grace - then we will have the 'hope of the resurrection' that the
Apostle Paul had. We will anticipate standing before God and hearing Him say,
"Well done thou good and faithful servant. You
have been faithful over a few things..."
Indeed, "It is appointed unto man once to die and
then the judgment..."