Do you believe that your salvation depends on what Jesus did at the cross, plus nothing? If so, you’re missing the Biblical principle that every person will be judged by their works.
On the cross, Jesus opened up the way for us to receive the Holy Spirit. But our salvation wasn’t finished at the cross. Instead, our salvation depends on the work of the Holy Spirit in our soul. First, we’re born again when we repent and totally surrender to Jesus. Because in the new birth we die to sin, our past sins are not counted against us. Now, we live a transformed life. As Jesus lives and rules in our soul, he produces works of righteousness and obedience in us. Thus, when we are judged, we are really righteous before God.
Jesus said,
“I am the vine, ye are the branches…If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5-6).
This terrifying message from Jesus is saying that even if we think we are Christians, we will be sent to hell if we don’t live a righteous life by faith.
If you stood before the judgment seat of Christ today, would you be counted as a sinner or as a saint?