Acts 26:19-32
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Reflection
Paul bases his hope on the resurrection of Jesus, which he sees as the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Law and the Prophets (Acts 26:22–23; see also vv. 6–8). For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus both confirms God’s faithfulness and power to fulfill his promises and provides the motivation for the spread of God’s gospel to Jews and Gentiles over all the earth (v. 23; cf. 1 Cor. 15:1–28).
Revelation 20:11-15
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Reflection
After the final rebellion (Rev. 20:7–10), the dead are judged according to what they have done (v. 12). This judgment is not in conflict with the gospel of grace. God freely and gladly accepts those who genuinely trust in Christ, and this grace changes the way they live. God will look at the deeds of every person whose name is written in the “book of life” (v. 12), and he will see that their actions have demonstrated the reality of their faith. Our deeds will not earn favor from God at the judgment; rather, they will prove that we have truly put our hope in Christ, who alone is worthy.
Those who are saved have “overcome” sin by faith in Christ (1 John 5:4–5). They have white heavenly robes because they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14). Those who have been truly saved have clearly demonstrated their salvation by grace through a faithful and transformed life, even through tribulation (cf. 7:14).
Psalm 116:12-13
12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
Once again we see that the New Testament emphasizes the importance of having faith that bears fruit. Remember that the key to a life of obedience is to set your focus on the finished work of Christ. Ask God to fill your heart once more with confidence in the grace of Jesus so that you will have power to walk in newness of life.