What About You
I can imagine the day of judgment. All are gathered before the throne of God. Those who are robed in the perfect robe of Christ's righteousness are gathered to His right hand. The rest wait to hear His voice of condemnation, "Depart from Me!" Does anyone have anything to say? If there be one who has no sin, let him step forth and say so. Come forth, my friend, and state your case! What about the righteousness and holiness in which you boasted while on earth? Come forward and tell about your works, your gifts, your denomination; you found much comfort in those things once. You who scoffed at substitution, who laughed at free grace, imputed righteousness and covenant mercies–you are not laughing now! Why is your face so pale? Why do you tremble so? You never trembled before but always had so much confidence in your decision and boasted of being as sure for heaven as if you were already there! Why do you not tell God what you did for Him on earth? It is quite evident that He did nothing for you. But I remember that you said, "God has done all that he could do and salvation is up to you." What a terrible time to discover what you should have known, "SALVATION IS OF THE LORD!" "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Why do you not speak? Is it because of the awesome, infinite "HOLINESS,OF HIS PRESENCE"? You clutch your righteous garments about you and they are nothing but filthy rags now, and you know it! You think of your prayers, your religious activities, your debates over doctrine; and they are all so much rubbish in the light of His presence. And now you are praying? What is it that you cry? "O rocks and mountains, fall on me, and hide me from the face of Him that sits upon the throne." I wish that you had cried as fervently for Christ to hide you, cleanse you, and cover you–HE WOULD HAVE!
Henry Mahan