As I write, the Holy Spirit reminds me of what I have learned over the years. I tell you all of these things because I want to share how important it is to know what to expect when you stand before Christ at the Day of Judgment and what the Bible has taught me. Here may be some of the questions you may want to prepare for:

1. How would you rate your relationship with Christ?
2. How often did you communicate with God in prayer?
3. Would you rate your service to others above average?
4. What kind of a Christian example did you set for your family and others?
5. How active were you in your church body?
6. Would Christ see you as one of His enthusiastic worshippers and supporters or just a weekend church attender?

Revelation 3:15 & 16 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” In answering the questions did you rate yourself hot, cold or lukewarm? It you were not hot do you think Christ will accept excuses?

Revelation 3:19 & 20 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.“

It seems like the only thing required is just opening the door when Christ knocks and we are guaranteed eternal life with Him. How often do we allow the pleasures of this world to make us become indifferent and independent of God? How much time do we spend in serving, worshipping and studying the Word? Have we ignored the Holy Spirit and His guidance? Do we need to allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle our zeal for God and allow Him to work in our hearts?

It is so easy to become complacent and self-satisfied. Are we so busy enjoying worldly pleasures that we can no longer hear Jesus knocking at the door of our hearts? Have we allowed security and material possessions, which give us temporary satisfaction and make us indifferent to God, the church and others, become more important than our relationship with Christ?

Over the years I have heard a number of Christian speakers state that only 20% of a church’s membership is really on fire for the Lord. Does that mean that 80% are lukewarm or cold? The Bible gives a warning but also a promise: Revelation 3:10 – “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

I do not write this to be judgmental but I am concerned. We cannot all be paid pastors, evangelists or Bible teachers. But we can all have an unconditional love for God and have a love for others. I am 100% convinced that we are going to be judged on our love, our attitude and our willingness to help and serve others. But we should never get to the point that we feel we no longer need to serve God and others for we have done everything the Holy Spirit will ever ask us to do. For the 80% who are lukewarm in their relationship I would suggest we do what Christ instructs us to do—Revelation 3:19 “So be earnest and repent”.

One day Jesus will return and Christians will be raptured. There could be many left behind that professed to be Christians but never walked the walk as described above. I believe they will be given another chance. However, to become a Christian under the Antichrist could be a death sentence. It would be better they not take that chance and become hot for Christ today.