Are You Wearing a Robe of Righteousness in Christ?
“Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” -1 John 2:28 (NASB)
Are you excited and wait with anticipation at the coming of the Lord? I mean are you really looking forward to His arrival? Not just saying it but believing it with your whole heart, speaking about it to others and living it. Living in the air of excitement ready to stand before the Lord God Almighty? Does this describe you? If not, why not?
So many “Christians” claim to know the Lord. They attend church, maybe sing in the choir, maybe lead a small group or Bible study or maybe be an elder. In fact, maybe even a pastor. But in reality, these or most of them, are afraid to exit this life. Afraid of what’s next. Maybe afraid they won’t make it into heaven…
Friends, if you are a Christian and live like one, living in and for the one True God, reading His word and practicing what it says then you need not be afraid or ashamed as Scripture puts it. One visible proof that you are a Christian is in how you live, talk and think. You will display Biblical behavior, and perform good works in faith of the Savior (not as justification for being saved as some religions teach and dictate). Being ashamed is being spiritually naked in your robe of righteousness. Will you and I be found fully dressed in the robe of righteousness when we stand before Him? For me, I have my robe on now. How about you?
And do you abide in Him? Is He an integral part of your life? Is Christ number 1 in your life? Have you totally surrendered to Him and do you really love Him, as anything else is unacceptable – Matt 10:37; 1 Cor 16:22; Matt 22:37. Do you pray daily, seek His face, trust in Him, abide in His love and display this to others, and does your faith walk match your talk?
“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” -2 Tim 4:8 (ESV)
Another aspect of being not ashamed is, are we loving His appearing (2 Tim 4:8) and looking for Him to appear a second time (Heb 9:28)?
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” -Heb 9:28 (KJV)
These are critical elements of our faith … that is … if you are waiting for Him to return. He will appear again but will it be only to those who are looking for Him to return. If you label yourself as a Christian yet scoff at His return then perhaps you will not be caught up with Him in the air (1 Th 4:16). Unbelievers will not be in heaven – Rev 21:8. I have known pastors who scoff at His return – sad, so sad!
OK, so the bottom-line here is: are you not ashamed of being a follower of Christ and would endure what you have to for the cause of Christ? Would you be a soldier for the Cross? That being said, are you clothed in His robe of righteousness? Ready to be unashamed at His return? And are you eagerly awaiting His return above all else in this life? Some heart-provoking questions that should help to reposition your faith in Christ, if needed. Perhaps you need to chart a new course now by being aware of these Scriptures. Pray about it and seek the Lord’s face concerning where you stand in Him today. Seek His wisdom and not the wisdom of the world.
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” -Matt 24:44 (ESV)
Are you saved?
-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman
GLORY TO GOD!
