For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Everything a Christian has done must fall into one of two categories—good or bad. There is no neutrality. Every act that is not performed in faith and obedience for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God and therefore bad. All these works will be judged when Jesus returns. However, this would not be a judgment of condemnation but one of reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15). So how will Jesus judge believers when we stand before Him?
(1) According to our relationship with Him (Matt. 7:21-23). There are some professing Christians who only have a head-knowledge about Jesus, but have never had an experiential intimate relationship with Him. These people will not stand the test of fire in that day.
(2) According to our obedience (7:24-25). The man who hears and obeys God is likened to one who builds his life on a solid foundation which will stand the test of storms in life.
(3) According to our faithfulness (24:45-46). God wants us to be faithful at all times and in every situation, even when it is inconvenient; or when no one is watching; or when it is dangerous to be faithful. Faithfulness is the cornerstone of character. And God is more committed to building our character than our comfort.
(4) According to our fruitfulness (25:21). God wants us to be faithful so that we will be fruitful. Jesus has chosen us to go and bear fruit—fruit that should remain (John 15:16). Everything that bears fruit, God will prune so that it will bear even more fruit. But everything that does not bear fruit, God will take away (15:1-2). This shows the importance of fruitfulness in God’s eyes. (
5) According to our motives (Rom. 2:16). God judges our thoughts and intents, the deepest motives and impulse of our minds and hearts.
Knowing this, let us live our lives circumspectly and judge ourselves in these five areas so that our works will stand as we come before the judgment seat of Christ one day.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Everything a Christian has done must fall into one of two categories—good or bad. There is no neutrality. Every act that is not performed in faith and obedience for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God and therefore bad. All these works will be judged when Jesus returns. However, this would not be a judgment of condemnation but one of reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15). So how will Jesus judge believers when we stand before Him?
(1) According to our relationship with Him (Matt. 7:21-23). There are some professing Christians who only have a head-knowledge about Jesus, but have never had an experiential intimate relationship with Him. These people will not stand the test of fire in that day.
(2) According to our obedience (7:24-25). The man who hears and obeys God is likened to one who builds his life on a solid foundation which will stand the test of storms in life.
(3) According to our faithfulness (24:45-46). God wants us to be faithful at all times and in every situation, even when it is inconvenient; or when no one is watching; or when it is dangerous to be faithful. Faithfulness is the cornerstone of character. And God is more committed to building our character than our comfort.
(4) According to our fruitfulness (25:21). God wants us to be faithful so that we will be fruitful. Jesus has chosen us to go and bear fruit—fruit that should remain (John 15:16). Everything that bears fruit, God will prune so that it will bear even more fruit. But everything that does not bear fruit, God will take away (15:1-2). This shows the importance of fruitfulness in God’s eyes. (
5) According to our motives (Rom. 2:16). God judges our thoughts and intents, the deepest motives and impulse of our minds and hearts.
Knowing this, let us live our lives circumspectly and judge ourselves in these five areas so that our works will stand as we come before the judgment seat of Christ one day.
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