…and [Felix] sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed. (Acts 24:24-25)
It’s interesting to me that Paul and Felix faced the idea of God’s judgment with completely different attitudes.
Paul faced judgment with hope (15).
Felix feared judgment. He feared it because deep down, he knew his sin. He feared it because deep down, he knew he was worthy of judgment.
Why could Paul face judgment with hope? Because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Jesus has already taken our punishment on the cross. So Paul didn’t fear God’s punishment. He rested in his Father’s love. He rested in the truth that he was a child of God.
As John would later write,
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.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (1 John 4:17)
Father, thank you that I don’t have to fear your judgment. Rather, as your child, I stand confidently before you in your love and grace.
So Father, I draw near to you. I honor you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 