GOD SENT HIS SON TO SAVE THE WORLD NOT TO JUDGE IT - AQUINAS

        There are two comings of Christ.  The first was on Christmas day.  The second is at the end of the world.  During His first coming, Christ came to save the world and not to judge it.  God's rule is that, no matter how many sins one commits, as long as he is repentant and still alive, he will be forgiven.  God's mercy rules the era between His first and second coming. 

        But at His second coming, He will come not to save but to judge.  The day we die is Christ's second coming for each of us.  God will patiently show us mercy while we are alive on earth.  At our death, He will show us only justice. 

        Let us not make the mistake that God will have mercy on us here while we are alive and still show us mercy at His judgment seat.  For those who have failed to give a glass of water, a seemingly small matter, will be condemned to hell at the end times.  God is, indeed, merciful.  But He is also just and we often forget this. . .or intentionally forget.  . . to rationalize our evil deeds. 

  (08-25-10)