In Matthew 12:22-37 I know the context is about the Pharisees saying Jesus casts out devils with help of Beelzebub. In verses 36-37 Jesus says “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (NIV)
I don’t understand this to a degree. If we are saved by grace through faith, then by what merit of words will we be acquitted and by what merit words will we be condemned? Will all our words be brought before us at the Judgement Seat to give an account for? I’m struggling with this, and would appreciate any help regarding this. Thank you for your time.
The key to this verse lies in the phrase, “For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” When you ask Jesus to be your savior and accept his death as payment in full for all your sins, these words acquit you. Failure to do that leaves you accountable for everything you’ve ever said. So by your words, you are acquitted, and by your words, you are condemned.