Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
During his travels, the apostle Paul came to the world-renowned city of Athens, breeder of philosophers and one of the principal places of idolatry on earth. When invited by those of the city to speak at a public gathering, he unashamedly declared that faith in Jesus was their only hope of salvation. He spoke boldly and clearly to everyone on the famed Mars Hill that day, warning them of the wrath to come. Part of what he said to those officials is recorded in Acts 17:31: "[God] hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained . . ."
This is fundamental information concerning life. Everyone on earth should be told these essential truths: (1) there is coming a day of Eternal Judgment and (2) Jesus will be the judge. The eternal destination of every human being will be determined by Jesus. "The Father judgeth no man", Jesus said, "but hath committed all judgment to the Son" (Jn. 5:22). That is the truth, and all other teaching concerning the Day of Judgment by any religion on earth is not true. The religions of man destroy the souls of those who believe in them; they do not prepare souls to meet God in peace as the gospel does. "There is none other name given unto men under heaven whereby we must be saved", proclaimed Peter. On the Day of Judgment, everything will depend on a person's relationship with Jesus.
"We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ", wrote Paul, "to give account of the deeds done in this body, whether they be good or whether they be evil". The reason Paul taught this truth is not that some slick-talking evangelist had talked him into believing it. Paul taught this truth because Jesus had told him it was true, and in godly concern for others, Paul was passing that knowledge to every soul who would listen.