Psalm 1:5-6
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:5-6 ESV
When you come to a ‘therefore’ while reading go back and see what it’s there … for. In this case I think the Psalmist is making a contrast between believers and unbelievers: the righteous and wicked sinners. As you go back to the first four verses of Psalm 1 you find all the advantages of being a believer and then here the ball drops and you find the consequences of not believing in Christ.
Judgment Day is coming, make no mistake, whether you believe it or not: Judgment Day will arrive. These verses teach us the two ways it can go for you: the righteous leading to eternal life or the wicked leading to eternal damnation. Those who have humbled themselves are forgiven of their sins, washed clean by Jesus, and have a standing position in the presence of God; that’s not true for those remaining in their sin. God calls them wicked or sinners because of their rebellion and they will not stand in His presence.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Romans 2:5 NLT
Well, this is sure a Debby Downer message today, Jan. I know it … but it’s still true.
The Judge of the Universe says,
… none is righteous, not not one. Rom. 3:10
However, He follows it up with,
The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Rom. 3:22
It’s a simple black and white truth that all people, from all time, will come before the Judge (Ecc. 3:17); the question is whether you will humble yourself now or be forced into submission. Repentance or Rebellion? It’s a no-brainer.
Jesus declared a separation between the sheep on the right and the goats on the left in Matt. 25:31-34 and in the Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:46-50) He said angels will accomplish that task of separating evil or unredeemed people from the redeemed, righteous people.
… who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Psalm 103:4
Don’t be like the rich man of Luke 12:19-20 who told himself the lies of the world: eat, drink, and be merry: all is well.
But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Luke 12:20 NLT
Be a blessed family of Psalm 1 who chooses the right way.
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