In the book of 2 Corinthians 5 we read, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences….For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:” vs.10-12, 14. The fact of the coming judgment before the Judge of the Universe, has a compelling force in that truth. Paul said that he used the fear of God, and the truth that we will answer before God, as a means to persuade men. Knowing that I must give answer for my life before God, and that he has the power to cast body and soul into hell, is a sobering fact. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt.10:28.
Also the fact of Jesus suffering and dying on the cross was for MY sins, and that he loves me so much has a compelling, constraining effect in my life. How could Jesus go through such horrible mistreatment, when had done nothing wrong? It is that he loves us and it was the only way to pay the price for our sins. Salvation and redemption could come no other way. John says, “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 Jn. 4:19. It is a sad reality that people are not going to let God “run” their life. They don’t want to be “pressured” in serving him. Let the truth be known, the only reason people don’t serve him is because they do not want to do what is right! When we get our thinking on straight, the fear of the Lord, and the love of Christ will constrain, compel, persuade, motivate us to serve him.
— Dan McKibben
