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We Shall Meet in the Judgment

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 24, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 10.

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We Shall Meet in the Judgment

By F. W. Paap

THERE is not one of us but desires to be saved in God’s eternal kingdom. At times we all have some serious thoughts relative to the judgment, and no doubt many of our words and actions would be far different than they are if we could look at things now as we shall see them then.
“Jesus came to our world, and gave his own life to save these souls, and yet you who know the truth make so little effort to impart the blessings of his grace to those for whom he died. Such indifference and neglect of duty is an amazement to the angels. In the judgment you must meet the souls you have neglected.”—“An Appeal,” p. 19.
We rejoice in the improved conditions that we see on every hand. Many are coming to sense their personal responsibility in this great soul-winning work, but we are solicitous for the many who are still neglectful of the daily opportunities of doing work for God.
“What manner of entreaty can be brought to bear upon the idlers in market places that will arouse them to go and work in the Master’s vineyard? What can we say to the slothful church member to make him realize the necessity of unearthing his talent and putting it out to the exchangers? O that God would set this matter in all its importance before the sleeping churches!”—Id., p. 14.
The following is a mighty appeal to us all to watch as those who must give an account:—
“Gone! Gone!
“‘As thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone.’ 1 Kings 20: 40.
“Gone? Where?
“Don’t ask the awful question. It is agony to me to think about it!
“The Spirit said, ‘Speak to him. Tell him of a Saviour’s love. Tell him his danger.’ But I was ‘busy here and there;’ I neglected it; and by and by he was gone.
“I knew I ought to talk to him. I felt that I was the one God meant to put the gospel before him, and somehow I felt I ought to do it quickly—now, now!
“But I was ‘busy here and there.’
“Now it is too late! He is gone!
“I shall not see him until I meet him at the judgment bar, in that awful day! I know I shall see him then!
“I do not fear that day of judgment for myself, for I heard and believed God’s good news, that Jesus of Nazareth died for me, that he took my place on the cross, where he bore all [sin] for the whole world. I heard that all who believed he bore their sin, and trusted him (for he rose from the dead, and is alive now), should be saved, and should not even be judged (John 5: 24); for Jesus was judged in their place. I believed this, and I know I am saved. But he—he is gone!
“Maybe if I had told him, he, too, would have believed; and with what joy we should have met in glory!
“But he is gone! Gone without Christ, without God, without hope!
“‘It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.’ Oh, if I had only told the gospel to him! If I had only said, ‘Jesus Christ died for your sin. Will you trust him?’
“But I was ‘busy here and there,’ and I put off speaking to him; and now he is gone—gone!”—W. R. Newell, in Missionary Witness.
“Shall we hear the glad word spoken: ‘Faithful servant,’ and ‘well done’? Or the dread and awful sentence, ‘Thou art wanting, sinful one’?”
F. W. PAAP.