Question of the Week: What is going to matter at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
When it comes to matters of judgment for believers, it needs to be first clarified what the word “judgment” means. It isn’t always a negative thing. To judge means to come to conclusions. If Jesus concludes that we belong to Him, we have been judged by Him in a very positive sense.
With that said, the sort of things that will matter to Him when He judges our lives, there are two Old Testament passages and two New Testament passages to keep in mind.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
Daniel 12:2-3
2 Corinthians 5:9-11
And Colossians 1:9-11
From these core passages and others, we conclude the following truth statements from them.
1. God will judge the thoughts and motives as well as the words and deeds.
2. The judgment will include a resurrection for both the righteous and the wicked.
3. Jesus will judge those who have a relationship with Him, therefore His standards matter most to us.
4. The following are the things that matter most to Him; being filled and strengthened with the Spirit, growing in knowledge of Him, waking worthy of Him, giving thanks, and showing patience with joy.
Likewise, there are specific rewards mentioned that fall in line with the things Jesus is looking to reward in Colossians 1. Several of which overlap with one another tying into the heart and attitude that consistently and joyfully looks forward to His return.
1. The Imperishable crown in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, which is for those who walk worthy of Him.
2. The Crown of Rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, which is for those who patiently await His return with joy.
3. The Crown of Righteousness in 2 Timothy 4:8, which is for those who love His appearing.
4. The Crown of Glory in 1 Peter 5:4, which is for the same reason.
5. The Crown of Life in Revelation 2:10, which is for those who endure persecution and even death for Jesus’ sake.
However, all of these rewards are null and void if we don’t first have a relationship with Him in the first place. If our sins aren’t first judged to be separated from us and paid for by the sacrifice Jesus made in His own blood, then we will face the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20 where every non-believer will get their day in court and fairly shown by these same standards what they ultimately chose. Based on their actions and thoughts, they will be given what they want. Separation from God forever. Those who receive Jesus’ gift of mercy will be given a new heart before Him legally as well as personally to want to do the things that He will reward us for.
Philippians 2:13
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