Today this was one of the passages in the Murray M'Cheyne calendar I use.
It troubles me every time I read it.
I am trusting in Jesus to have paid for my sins, but I don't see a hint of that here, in fact by this account of the judgement, I know I am lost.
Can anyone advise the best way to approach a passage that seems on the face of it to be teaching works righteousness, -or if this has already been addressed, please tell me where to look?
Thank you

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JennyG
Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)
Fife, Scotland

Jenny,
The words of the Lord on this day of judgment particularly focus upon the actions of the respective groups. Both the saved and the lost will have demonstrated either the presence or the absence of love to Him by their actions.

See this in His commendation of the woman in
Luke 7:44 - 8:1 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 "You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." 48 Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

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Bob, elder, RBC Louisville. 1689 LBCF

"... Of such also, or of those who make a credible profession of being such, all those particular churches consist, which constitute our Lord's visible kingdom. ... Consequently, all the subjects of His government must have spiritual dispositions, , and yield spiritual obedience- obedience proceeding from an enlightened understanding, an awakened conscience, and a renewed heart."- Abraham Booth 1788

Thank you Bob,
I think I understand.
You mean contrary to superficial appearances, the good actions the Lord speaks of are not to be taken as the grounds for justification. I suppose really they're the evidence of it, is that the way to see it?
I always found it a difficult passage, partly because of knowing people who consider it crystal-clear evidence for salvation by works. Also because of the temptation to think "I should be doing more", and then before you know it you're in their way of thinking.
Thank you very much for answering.

You are very welcome Jenny. And yes, I think you have it now. Every one of us can say that we should love more, do more, etc. But we quickly remind ourselves that even our best days are tainted with sin mixed in. Our Lord looks at the heart, not the "results" that are visible to man.

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

BTW have you ever listened to Pastor Edward Donnelly of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church(NI) on SermonAudio? He is a good man and faithful teacher of the Word.