In Genesis 3, God asked Adam for an explanation as to why he was hiding. When asked if he had eaten from the forbidden tree, Adam made an explanation that the woman whom God had given him had given him to eat and he ate. In other words, the fault was with the woman whom God Himself had given him. The woman, in turn, blamed the serpent. All the sons and daughters of Adam have engaged in this same self-justification, which usually includes directly—or indirectly—blaming someone else.
Of this, Ellen White wrote: “The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies; it was indulged by our first parents as soon as they yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessing their sins, they try to shield themselves by casting the blame upon others, upon circumstances, or upon God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 58.
The world and the church are full of explanations today, but the real question is, What are you and I going to do in the day of judgment when the real truth about each of us will be open to the whole universe? What explanation are you planning to give to God for your words and actions in this life? Paul declared: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to what he has done, whether [it be] good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10.
Jesus said that there would be nothing covered that was not revealed and hid that would not be known. (Matthew 10:26.) God has a record of everything that has happened in our world and in each individual’s life. (See The Great Controversy, 486.)
As we ponder the future judgment, biblical prophets give solemn warnings for the present: “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6, 7.
Now is the time to go to God with repentance and confession and to seek to have our sins not only covered but blotted out in the final judgment.