On That Day
E.A. Johnston challenges believers to live their lives in light of eternity, building on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ so that their works will endure the testing fire on the day of judgment.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects deeply on the reality of eternity and the coming day of judgment. He urges believers to examine their lives and build on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ, so their works will endure the testing fire. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, Johnston challenges listeners to live with eternal perspective and intentionality. This sermon is a heartfelt call to live for Christ in every moment.
Full Transcript
The older I get, the more confronted I am with eternity, and how I've lived my life in light of eternity. I wish I could go back and relive much of my life, for surely I would have lived it differently for Christ Jesus, for I fear much of it is merely wood, hay, and ashes. The words of the Apostle Paul, from 1 Corinthians 3.12 and following, cut like a knife deep into my soul.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire. A day is soon coming when I will die, and my soul goes back to the God who gave it, and I will one day stand at the judgment seat, facing the Christ of eternity, who sits on a pure white throne, and the book of my life is opened, and laid bare beneath His holy glare, while the heavens stand still. For on that day, when you review the moments of my life, my thoughts, my deeds, every word I spoke since knowing you, and all is placed into the fire for testing and review, will what remains be gold and silver, or ashes heaped with hay? The day will declare to what degree I lived my life for thee.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reflection on life lived in light of eternity
- The desire to have lived differently for Christ
- The reality of wood, hay, and ashes in our works
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II
- The foundation laid is Jesus Christ alone
- Different materials represent the quality of works
- The testing fire will reveal the true nature of our works
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III
- The certainty of death and judgment day
- The soul returning to God and standing before Christ
- The book of life opened and life’s deeds examined
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IV
- The challenge to live a life that remains after testing
- The hope of reward for enduring works
- The warning of loss despite salvation
Key Quotes
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — E.A. Johnston
“Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire.” — E.A. Johnston
“When you review the moments of my life... will what remains be gold and silver, or ashes heaped with hay?” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Evaluate your life regularly to ensure you are building on the foundation of Christ.
- Live with the awareness that your works will be tested by fire on the day of judgment.
- Focus on producing lasting, eternal fruit rather than temporary, worldly achievements.