Christian accountability & responsibility
This is something that I have been thinking about for awhile, and one day after Church, on my way home I really started to get some answers on this topic. I am going to break down my thoughts into a few sections. I hope that you find this article interesting and helpful.
Accountability
Are we (Christians as in people who are a true relationship with Christ) truly accountable for our sins and actions? It is true that God does forgive our sins if we repent them and ask for forgiveness. We are washed clean with Christ's blood1. But, that does not mean that we have a free ride and can take advantage of God's mercy2. If you are Saved and you have an authentic relationship with Christ than you shouldn't have to worry about having that mindset.
1 Ephesians 1:7- “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
2 Hebrews 13:5- “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."”
Differences between Saved and the Lost
Is there a difference between Christians and non-Christians when it comes to accountability? Yes, there is. When you look at a person that is not saved, they live for themselves or for their own man-made gods. That means that they are not truly accountable for anything that they do, that is, until the end. This may sound like an inviting life, but it really is not. I have found and other Christians can testify to this, that living for yourself leaves you with an empty and worthless feeling.
As for the Christian we are to hold true to the Word and its Commandments. We have a responsibility1 to be examples to the world and to let Christ show through our actions and lifestyle.
In the end (or beginning for Christians) we are all going to be judged by the King himself according to our works2. Now there are two major factors in this event. If you are unsaved then you will not be allowed into God's promised Kingdom, Heaven3. For those who are saved, we will be judged according to our works (acts, decisions, etc), but because Christ died for our sins, he is the propitiation4 for us… Christ says5, “I died for him, I died for his sins, s/he loves me and I love him/her, I have promised that I will never leave or forsake him/her, I have washed & robbed him/her my White raimenant”.
I believe that even though I am a Christian and have a relationship with Christ, I am given more responsibility to be example to the world, the salt and light6. Christ rewards faithfulness, when we are in Heaven all will be given different Crowns. That right there says there is some sort of accountability.
1 Matthew 28: 18-20- “…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
2 Romans 14:11,12- “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Matthew 12:36- “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
3 Matthew 7:23- “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!”
Revelation 20:15- “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
4 1st John 2:2- “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
5 Revelation 3:5- “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”
6 Matthew 5:13- “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”