By Allen White
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the
body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Your first thought is probably, “And, good morning to you
too.” This passage is a bit of a rude awakening until you realize when and why
believers will be judged.
Years ago I read a Chick tract on judgment day (that’s the
actual name of the Christian publisher – you can’t make this stuff up). This
miniature, not-so-funny comic book showed everyone standing before the judgment
seat while movies of their lives were shown for all to see. Immediately I was
confused by two things.
First of all, the church that I grew up in taught that going
to movies was a sin. If there were movies in Heaven, and there is no sin in
Heaven, then maybe movies weren’t so bad. The answer was still “No.”
Secondly, if God has forgiven all of our sin and doesn’t
remember it any more, then what would there be to show? If our sins are as far
as the east is from the west, then the tales of our sordid pasts would be
erased (Psalm
103:12). It should be nothing but blank film. Maybe the lesson here is
getting our theology from the Bible rather than from cartoons.
The Bible speaks of two judgments: the Great White Throne
and the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Great White Throne is a judgment based on
whether their names were written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-12). If
you have trusted in Christ for your salvation (Romans 10:9-10), then your name
is written in the Book of Life (Hebrews 12:23; Luke 10:20). Believers don’t
need to worry about the Great White Throne judgment.
The Judgment Seat of Christ mentioned in today’s passage is a
test of the believer’s actions on earth. Non-believers aren’t judged based on
their works. They are only judged on their names being in the Book of Life. So,
for the folks who are working hard at good works in order to make it into
Heaven, unfortunately, they are studying for the wrong test. God will consider
our commitment to Christ before He looks at any of our good deeds.
For believers, judgment is not to determine whether we’re
good enough for Heaven. We’re not, but our names are written in the Book. The
Judgment Seat of Christ is expressly for rewarding us for our good deeds. The
prize is to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Which test do you need to prepare for? Have you committed
your heart and life to Christ? If not, then all you need to do is ask: “If you
declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you
believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your
faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
If you are a believer, what good works has God prepared for
you to do? (Ephesians 2:10).
Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World
Foundation:http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing
Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com
More from Allen White: allenwhite.org
Facebook: Galatians419
Group
No comments:
Post a Comment