Judgement Day: What Will Be Judged?

August 11, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life.” Rev. 20:12

 

     All the things that you have done your entire life, is “what” will be judged. This includes your every thought – action – word and deed. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14

 

     “There is nothing concealed that will not be made known.” Luke 12:2

 

     What about those who have been saved – the believers? Will we be judged? “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

 

     You’re probably wondering why a Christian would be judged at all? Not a bad question really. I mean, didn’t we get a new wardrobe? Won’t we be wearing the righteousness of Christ? Haven’t our sins been cast as far as the east is from the west? Answer to all the above questions: “yes”, “yes” and “yes”.

 

     We can stand firmly on this truth: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death”. Romans 8:1-2

 

     So, if we are clothed in Christ, why do we need a judgment?  I’ve searched and can find at least two answers: 

1. So our rewards can be unveiled and -
2. So that God’s grace can be revealed.

 

     “For we know him who said, ‘It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’” Hebrews 10:30. 

 

     Ok – so what are these rewards? Keep in mind, your salvation is a result of grace. No man or woman has ever done one work of service to earn their salvation – no not one! However, the service you have done while in this life - does impact your rewards.

 

     We do not know how God will dispense the matter of rewards - but Scripture tells us that He will. Specifics such as: what kinds and what form are not exactly known. But we are assured they exist. In addition to the crowns of life, righteousness, and glory, Scripture indicates that there are also other rewards. “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work, if what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

 

     Perhaps our rewards will come in the form of added responsibility instead of added privilege. “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21.

 

     Since there will be no competitiveness in heaven, any way that Jesus distributes our rewards will never create jealousy, resentment, anger or hard feelings. Our focus will be off of ourselves and solely onto Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

 

     The sins of those who have been saved, will be revealed as forgiven. We will be forever pardoned and free. Then – and only then – will God’s grace be revealed.

 

Father God,

 

     You have remained so patient with us as we forge through our lives in a sometimes whirlwind of confusion and misunderstanding. Knowing that our every thought, action, word and deeds will be judged should make us rethink before we commit our ways. Help us keep our focus always on You and the Day of Judgment. In Jesus name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan

 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14