I recently heard a story that I’m pretty confident is true. Most of us have seen pictures of the warehouses at Auschwitz. The Nazis collected all the personal effects—shoes, clothes, jewelry, toys, etc.—of those who died in the gas chambers. There were warehouses full of these items. 

I heard that the Auschwitz collection included a large box of German Iron Crosses. These crosses were one of the highest military honors a German soldier could earn for bravery in combat. During World War I, many Jewish soldiers had risked their lives and won this prestigious award. These men were national heroes. 

As the Jews were forced to live in ghettos, then transported by train—group by group—to the death camps, it is easy to imagine what these men felt. They heard the rumors about where the trains were going, but their Iron Crosses were a source of great comfort. Even if others were heading to their deaths—and that seemed incomprehensible—surely the nation and its soldiers would never mistreat someone with an Iron Cross.  

At each stop on the way to Auschwitz, these men would proudly show the Nazi soldiers their medals. They expected special treatment, even respect. The vast majority of the Nazis had not made such sacrifices for Germany. These Jewish heroes must surely have expected that they would be respected, and that the cross they wore would save their lives. I’m sure they told their friends and family members the same thing. 

I picture a Jewish hero, as he was heading to the gas chambers, saying to a guard: “Have I shown you my Iron Cross?” In his mind, that piece of metal would save him from any possible harm. Wouldn’t a fellow soldier honor a hero who had given so much to his nation? 

I also imagine a guard saying that he was impressed and that he would be glad to watch the cross for him while he “took his shower.” As the old soldier went to his death, the Nazi snickered as he put the man’s Iron Cross in the box with all the others. The Jewish soldier’s heroism and service to his country counted for nothing. He was a Jew, and that was all that mattered. Of course, what the Nazis did was unrighteous in the extreme. 

Something similar will happen at the Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers, but in this case, it will be done in complete righteousness. Many of those judged will have something to show—something that they’re sure will save them: They will appeal to their good works. The old Jewish soldier would say, “Look at what I did in the Great War. Let me tell you about all the good I did for Germany.” Unbelievers at the Great White Throne will say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” (Matt 7:22). I’m sure many will list all the good works they did for others. I’m even sure that war heroes will list the sacrifices they made for freedom, democracy, and the right of people to worship as they see fit. 

But their “medals” of valor, good works, and human righteousness will not save them.   

All that will matter is who they are: They are people without life. They never received eternal life from the One before whom they stand. They never believed in Him for that life. They will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). Unlike the Nazis’ treatment of the Jews, the Lord’s judgment of unbelievers at the Great White Throne will be righteous and just. They refused the free offer of eternal life bought through the sacrifice of God the Son, the Lord Jesus.  

As a human being and an old Army guy, it breaks my heart to think about those old Jewish heroes clinging to their crosses as they arrived at Auschwitz, foolishly thinking that they would protect them from being murdered. It was incredibly sad as they headed to the fires of the crematoria. It is even more tragic, however, to think of the many people today who cling to their good works, thinking they will earn them eternal life.  

As people who understand grace, we have the privilege of sharing the truth with them. Your medals of good deeds will not change who you are. Only faith will do that. Only believing in Jesus Christ for eternal life will save you from the fires of the second death.