What Happens at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

Summary

Summary prepared by Acts 2:38 Life from the transcript below — the preacher’s words follow in full.

Saved by grace — and judged according to works

• The question posed (in the host's frame): in the verse the frame cites (its locator stands in the frame), Paul wrote: for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad. Paul is writing to believers, who presumably have been forgiven of their sins. If that's the case: what exactly is going on, at the Judgment seat of Christ? (The episode also carries an invitation, in Bernard's own voice, to the gathering it names — which stands verbatim-only, as episode furniture, not as part of the answer.) The host's question: in the verse the question cites (its locator stands in the question), Paul wrote: for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Now: he's writing to believers, who we would presume already have had their sins forgiven, when they repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus. If that's the case, then: what exactly is happening here, at what Paul calls the Judgment seat of Christ? Can you explain? The answer: yes. Well, let's talk a little bit more about judgment. First of all: we have many passages of scripture, that tell us we're saved by grace, through faith, not of Works ('were saved', as spoken): Ephesians chapter 2, verse 8-9 (as he cites the span). So we must be very clear, when it comes to Salvation: we're saved through Jesus Christ, through his death, burial, and Resurrection. Which, as we know, in the New Covenant, we apply to our own lives, through repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. And so that is all — that comes by the grace of God. That's not our works, that save us. That's the new birth experience I just mentioned. That's the application of God's grace, to our lives. That's the expression of our faith, in God. And it's God, who does the work. So we must be very clear, that in the last judgment: if you're saved, you're saved by the grace of God. However: there are many other passages of scriptures, that says everyone will be judged, according to their works. Now: for those who are not saved, their Works will include sins, and their Works will condemn them. But what about people who are saved? Even though we're saved by grace, we're saved so that we can live a holy life, and produce good work. So the same passage — Ephesians 2:8 through 9 ('the same passage Ephesians 8 through 9', as the exposition's slip stands; the designation at the correct form stands just above), that says you're saved by grace, through faith, not of Works — verse 10 goes on to say: we're created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God has before ordained ('which God has before hath before ordained', as the reading stands), that we should walk in them. So God definitely expects us, to produce good works. And there are also passages of scripture ('passes of scripture', as heard), that we will be rewarded, according to our works. Now: that doesn't mean anybody's saved, without the gospel, or without the new birth, or saved by our works. But that means, that for the same people, God will take their good works, into account. Now: how he will do this, I'm not really sure. I think perhaps, in the millennial Kingdom, where Jesus Christ rules and Reigns on Earth, for a thousand years, with his Saints — it's very likely, that people — the saved — will be rewarded, according to their works, by positions of Honor, or influence. Or, you know, what happens in the millennial Kingdom. I don't know, in eternity, how God will bless us (his sentence at that point stands garbled in the letters). I think all the saved will enjoy the rich blessings of God. But there are going to be some rewards.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 2:10

1 Corinthians 3 — the building, the fire, and what survives

• And so, in that regard, I'd like to look at First Corinthians chapter 3, because it explains it in Greater detail. First Corinthians chapter 3, verse 11 — I'm reading the new King James (as he names the version). It says: for no other Foundation can anyone lay, than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. So I think that's talking about your salvation. So he's making it clear: when it comes to Salvation, it's Jesus only — through Jesus Christ. But then he explains, that our life is like a building, on that foundation. So: like when you come to God, you're saved, you're born again — that's your foundation. But your Christian Life, after that, is like a building, being built on the foundation. So he explains: now, if anyone Builds on this foundation, with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one's work will become clear, for the day will declare it ('for the day we'll declare it', as the reading stands), because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work, which he has built on, endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. So, like second Corinthians, which you've already referenced: First Corinthians is also written to the church. So this last statement — he'll be saved — it's not talking about a sinner, can suddenly slip into salvation, based on his good works. That's not what he's talking — it's to the church. And it opens and closes, with this understanding: you're talking to saved people ('you're talking to save people', as spoken). So: given the fact you're saved, through Jesus Christ — what about your life? So you can liken your Works, to gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble. Now: we're not talking about sins, because that would condemn you. But we're talking about works. So let's say: I work on a job. I earn some money. I buy a car. I buy some Recreational Equipment ('Recreational Equipment', as spelled in the letters). Now: in eternity, that's not going to mean anything. Now: it's not sinful, to buy recreational equipment. It's not a sin, say, to go play golf, or a racquetball — in my case — or hunting, or fishing. Those aren't evil. Those won't condemn me to hell. Those aren't sinful. But those don't really Advance the kingdom of God, in any meaningful way. So in eternity: do I expect to be rewarded, because I played racquetball? No, I don't. Now: I guess there's some connection, of — if I'm taking care of my body, and being a good Steward, and so forth, but getting proper rest, Recreation, is an important concept. But do I really expect — in eternity, or in the millennial Kingdom — I'll get a reward, because I played racquetball? No. As far as the kingdom of God is concerned, it's not sin. But it's wood, hay, or stubble. But: if I taught a Bible study, and won a soul. Or: if I spent time with my child, and they grew up, and they're saved. That's going to be of Eternal value. So I'll receive an eternal reward. You know: the reward might simply be — their presence would be rewarding. But the point is: there are some things I do, in this life, that while they're not bad, they're not wrong, they could be good — they really don't have an eternal value. And I'm not going to be rewarded, for them. But there are other things, I do in this life, that will actually have eternal value. That actually will change people's Eternal Destiny. My destiny. My family's. Definitely, are — people that I come in contact with. So those Works will last, for eternity. So I think what the Apostle Paul is saying: if you take all the things of your life, and it's like a house — so the things that you just did for yourself, or you did for your — this life only — that's going to be like building a house of wood. It's not bad. It serves a purpose. But if a fire comes, it gets burned up, it's lost. There's no Eternal value. After the fire's over, there's nothing left. But other things: you did for the kingdom of God — your prayer, your teaching Bible study, your study of God's word, ministry, in whatever way, serving the church, serving — advancing the kingdom of God, serving other people, helping them be saved, or discipled, or encouraged — well, those things are going to last. So: even if you imagine this life is like a fire, and when this life is over, you know, everything is burned up — well, those Works will be like gold, silver, precious stones. They will survive the fire. And they will last, into the next life. And so it's an admonition: not that you can't do wood, hay, and stubble. But get your priorities right. If you really want something of Eternal value, make sure you invest, in things in this life, that will make a difference. Like gold, silver, and precious stones, as the analogy. So: it's make sure you get your priorities right. Make sure you spend plenty of time, on things that will make a difference, for eternity. And the promise is: if you do that, you will definitely receive a reward.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Even a cup of cold water — and all the glory to God

• Jesus even said: if you just gave a cup of cold water, in my name, then you would not lose your reward. So: if you received a prophet, in the name of a prophet ('if you received a profit in the name of a prophet', as the first 'prophet' stands in the letters), you received a prophet's reward (the saying is priced in the refs note: the sayer is named, and the words delivered, but no book is designated, so no entry is made). So even though you may not have a prominent public Ministry, that everybody lauds — if you're supporting the kingdom of God, in unknown ways, yet, in eternity, in the life to come, you will receive a reward. So it's an encouragement, to believers, that God will reward us. Of course, you know: even the works we do, it's because of the Lord enabling us. I think, at the end of the day, we will be rewarded. We will be honored. We will be blessed. But we'll give all the glory to God. Because ultimately, he's the one — and he alone — who is Worthy.

Scripture index: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.