I don’t need Christ—I can negotiate with God at the Judgment
Many envision the Judgment Day in a very physical sense, where they’ll be in a giant courtroom and hear testimony both for and against them. Then they’ll be called on the stand and give their side of the story. God will then render a verdict based on their innocence or guilt.
Most of us can't talk our way out of a speeding ticket, much less a holy verdict of condemnation. Being found righteous takes place in this life, when a person is born again. Any negotiating must be done while a person is alive. Note what Jesus said:
“...(the Holy Spirit)...will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” NAS (John 16:8-11)
Thus, the person without Christ has already been convicted and found guilty. There will be no negotiations.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent Him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:23, 24)
He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. (1 John 5:12)
In other words, you don’t get to God or get into heaven without Christ being your Savior. He is, in fact, our Advocate—our Defense Attorney (1 John 2:1). Self-representation will not be an option.
