Much has been given to him and much will be required of him. The judgment falls on him, not on Satan, because the sin has proceeded from his own wickedness and laziness. He has not been found worthy of the resurrection to eternal life. He will be cast into outer darkness.

If we aspire to the first resurrection we must redeem the time, being diligent with all the Lord has entrusted to us. Only then will we be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God.

Charitable deeds are a work that causes God to regard us as worthy of the Kingdom.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament emphasize God's concern for the poor of the world.

The story of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus, is a very helpful exhortation. First of all, we must realize this is not a discussion of the merits of receiving Christ. The issue here has to do with the treatment of the poor by the rich.

The rich man was assigned to the flames of torment because he had not shared his wealth with the beggar. Lazarus was taken to Abraham in Paradise because he had suffered in the world. God has a concern for the poor and expects us to be considerate and helpful to those who are in need. This is part of the worthiness required for entrance into eternal life.

Cornelius "gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway" (Acts 10:2). God took notice of the charity of Cornelius and brought salvation to his household.

The kind treatment of the needy can lead us into eternal life.

And these [who did not minister to the needs of the Lord's brothers] shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)

The right kind of faith in Christ produces righteous behavior in us. It is the righteous behavior that brings us into eternal life. It is as we overcome sin and self-centeredness that we are given to eat of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7).

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:7)

But now being made free from sin [by choosing to obey righteousness], and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22)

The end of holiness is eternal life.

When Adam and Eve transgressed, the scales of Divine equity became unbalanced. No human being was able to bring those scales back into balance.

When Christ paid the price in His own body on the cross the scales of Divine equity came back into balance. The price was paid, not only for the elect but for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2).

The price has been paid, but "Adam and Eve," so to speak, are not worthy to be readmitted to Paradise. If they are allowed back into Eden they will continue to sin, causing the entire horrible, agonizing situation to take place again.

Yes, but now they have learned their lesson. Have they? Have we?

To be continued.