Give God Your Best (Cont’)
Concerning believer’s judgment, the following facts should be kept in mind:
All Christians will be subjected to judgment; there will be no exception (Rom 14:12; 1Cor 3:12-15; 2Cor 5:10; see Eccl 12:14).
This judgment will occur when Christ returns for His church (see John 14:3; 1Thes 4:14-17).
The judge is Christ (John 5:22; 2Tim 4:8).
The Bible speaks of the believer’s judgment as something solemn and serious, especially since it includes the possibility of damage or “loss” (1Cor 3:15; 2John 8), of being ashamed before Him “at His coming” (1John 2:280 and of burning up one’s whole life’s work (1Cor 3:13-15). The believer’s judgment, however, will not involve a declaration of condemnation by God.
Everything will be made manifest. The word, “appear” (Gkphaneē, 2 Cor 5:10) means “to be revealed openly or publicly.” God will examine and openly reveal, in its true reality. (a) Our secret acts (Mark 4:22; Rom 2:16); (b) Our character (Rom 2:5-11); (c) Our words (Mat 12:36-37); (d) Our good deeds (Eph 6:8); (e) Our attitudes (Mat 5:22); (f) Our motives (1 Cor 4:5); (g) Our lack of love (Col 3:18―4:1); and (h) Our work and ministry (1 Cor 3:13).
In sum, believers will have to give an account of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God (Mat 25:21, 23; 1 Cor 4:2-5) and of their deeds in light of the grace, opportunity and understanding made available to them (Luke 12:48; John 5:24; Rom 8:1).
The believer’s bad deeds, when repented of, are forgiven with respect to eternal punishment (Rom 8:1), but they are still taken into account when being judged for repayment. “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality,” (Col 3:25; cf. Eccl 12:14; 1 Cor 3:15; 2 Cor 5:10). The believer’s good deeds and love are remembered by God and rewarded (Heb 6:10): “Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord (Eph 6:8).
The specific results of the believer’s judgment will be varied. There will be either the gain or loss of joy (1 John 2:28), divine approval (Mat 25:21), tasks and authority (Mat 25:14-30), position (Mat 5:19; 19:30), rewards (1 Cor 3:12-14; Phil 3:14; 2 Tim 4:8) and honour (Rom 2:10; cf. 1 Pet 1:7).
The impending judgment of Christians should perfect in them the fear of the Lord (2 Cor 5:11; Phil 2:12; 1 Pet 1:17) and cause them to be clear-minded and self-controlled, to watch and pray (1 Pet 4:5, 7), to live holy and godly lives (2 Pet 3:11), and to show mercy and kindness to all (Mat 5:7; cf. 2 Tim 1:16-18).
Conclusion
Every person is a bundle of possibilities, given the right circumstances and training.
• Email:mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk. www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com. Mobile: +234 8033446614; +234 8081237987.
