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It Is Written Canada

Chris Holland

The Accountability Factor

God's book, the Bible, still relevant in today's complex world.

It is written sharing messages of hope around the world.

Have you ever wondered what's the difference between a sheep and a goat?

Now, I'm no farmer, I'm a preacher, and I need to be careful in giving too much careful analysis to animals that I have worked with very little.

However, with a little research, 1 would find some noted differences.

For example, goats are considered browsers.

They nibble at their food, which is usually leaves, tender shoots, or other soft vegetation.

But sheep, on the other hand, are grazers.

They feed for hours at a time, eating small portions of food all day long.

They love clover and grasses, and they eat it right down to the soil.

Goats are naturally curious creatures, but very independent.

On the other hand, sheep like to be in the flock.

In fact, when a sheep is away from the flock, they become agitated and upset.

1 other difference is that most goats have hair while sheep have wool.

Now I am sure that there are other differences, but why all of this talk of sheep and goats?

We've been studying about hope for a helpless planet.

And we've looked at Jesus' reminder and warning in Matthew 24 to watch and be ready.

And in Matthew 25, we now look at the third in a series of 3 parables that are teaching us how we can be ready for the return of Jesus.

Listen to these words of Jesus in Matthew 25, verses 31 to 33.

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on His throne of glory.

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them 1 from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

And he will set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left." This parable uses a metaphorical or symbolic language to describe the judgment.

How will Jesus decide who is and who is not going to heaven?

And he makes the comparison to sheep and goats.

The sheep he places on his right hand, but the goats he places on his left hand.

Right at the outset, before any information is given, we see a difference.

In the Bible, the right hand is a symbol of power and favor.

The sheep seem to be favored for some reason.

Jesus gives us the answers in verses 34 to 36.

Then the king will say to those on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

I was in prison and you came to me." Did you hear that?

We've had several studies on the joy of going to heaven.

These sheep, which represent God's true people, are invited into the courts of heaven.

Sheep are often used to describe God's people.

In fact, in John chapter 10 and verse 4, Jesus uses this illustration, John chapter 10 and verse 4.

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

Because the sheep know his voice, they have acts of kindness.

The Bible says that they feed the hungry.

They provide shelter to the homeless, clothing for the naked, and comfort and healing for the sick.

Jesus is inviting those individuals into heaven who have provided acts of kindness.

Right now, I know what someone is thinking.

Are you saying that people are saved by their works?

I fully believe the words of Ephesians 2, 8, and 9, words you probably have memorized.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

I also believe the words of Paul in Titus, Titus chapter 3 and verse 5, where Paul further emphasizes this very important reality.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Those who will go to heaven are saved by the grace and mercy of God alone.

I want to be very clear with you on that and I want you to notice something very interesting though.

While we are not saved by our works, listen to the words from the book of Revelation in chapter 20 and verse 13.

And they were judged, each 1 according to his works.

And I don't want to confuse you more, but listen to the very words of Jesus back in Matthew chapter 16 and verse 27.

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to His works.

Now here is the principle, and I want you to listen very carefully.

We are saved 100% by the grace and mercy of God.

It is His gift to us and it is a free gift as we make a decision to follow him and give our lives to him.

But the Bible is also very clear that we are judged by our works.

You see, as Jesus enters our life and saves a sinner like me who doesn't deserve his salvation, His grace and mercy makes me worthy of heaven.

Jesus takes my imperfect heart and makes it perfect.

He invites me to come as I am, but here's the thing, He doesn't want me to stay that way.

He invites me and gives me the power to change.

As we make a decision to follow Jesus, He cleanses us, takes away our sin, and the Holy Spirit enters our life.

And as the Holy Spirit enters our life, He begins to change us.

Paul writes about what the Holy Spirit does in our life in Galatians chapter 5, Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 to 25.

In Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 to 25, Paul writes these words to the believers on how the Holy Spirit changes us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

As we walk with Jesus and give our life to him, the Holy Spirit enters our life and produces fruit, the fruit of the Spirit.

This is why Jesus says in Matthew chapter 7 and verse 20, therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Several years ago I learned the art of grafting trees, specifically apple trees.

And over the past few years, I have probably tried close to 100 different varieties of apples.

And you know, if I go to an orchard, I'm pretty good at identifying what is an apple tree, and what is a peach tree, and what is a cherry tree.

But you know, I really wouldn't know with absolute certainty until those trees did something, until those trees produced fruit.

And here lies the principle of the Christian life.

The fruit we bear demonstrates who we are.

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The Accountability Factor

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