Any Hope for the Hypocrite?

 All of us have a sinful nature that is active until we turn from our sins, trust Jesus alone for our salvation, and make Him the Lord of our life. After that, we are no longer slaves of sin, but we still have to live in the flesh with all of the hungers and drives which can lead us from the Lord. Therefore, we all have the tendency to put on a good face and to make sure that we act right even when we have unconfessed sins in our hearts. When we act outwardly in a way that doesn't match our heart, we are being a hypocrite.

Job spoke of this condition by asking a very pertinent question. (Job 27:8) Job asked, "For what is the hope of a hypocrite, though he may gain much, if God takes away his life?" We all need to be totally honest with ourselves and with God about this issue, because the answer to Job's questions is that there is no hope for the hypocrite.

The Bible is clear that God looks on our heart to judge who we are and what we believe. He doesn't look at outward attitudes and actions to determine who we are as a person. We can't fool God by doing good things when our heart is full of sin. Rituals and religion can never save anyone from their sins. Therefore, those people are hypocrites. They are not true believers, and when God takes their life away, they have no hope of heaven, just punishment.

Yes, a hypocrite might fool people, and he or she may gain much in this life by putting on a good outward show. None of that will last past the grave. We have to be a believer, not just act like a good person. Our life must be a reflection of the righteousness of God, because we can't be righteous without knowing Jesus and having a new heart. Therefore, let's get our hearts right and live it out every day in the power of the Spirit. Then, we have the sure hope of heaven.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 28-30