Be Confident in GodSample

Confidence to appear before God’s judgment throne

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

The thought of a judging God is terrifying. He is so great and so holy. He knows us through and through, so He knows exactly what we have all done wrong. And that is a lot! Indeed, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

And yet John says we can face God's judgment with confidence. How is that possible?! Because of love. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

This love comes from God and fills us. As a result, we can also love others. Then we become like Jesus: “As He is so also are we in this world.” His love flows through us. And that gives us confidence. It shows that we belong to God. It shows that His Spirit dwells in us, that we are “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). Then we will not be condemned, but may stand “holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4). We may even look forward to an eternal future in His presence!

The prospect of standing before God's throne as a tiny human remains awe-inspiring. But if His love dwells in us, that love leaves no room for fear.

What feelings does the day of judgment evoke in you?