Thursday, March 12, 2009
Day of Reckoning
(II Cor. 5:1-11)
The future judgment seat of Christ is one of the most sobering motivations for faithful Gospel witness. The judgment seat of Christ will take place following the rapture of the Church. This is the time when Christians will be judged concerning their faithfulness in serving the Lord. Though some commentators view the judgment seat as exclusively a time of reward, the Bible describes a different scene. In fact, some Christians will be ashamed (I Jn. 2:28) and some will suffer loss (I Cor. 3:15) at this judgment.
At the judgment seat of Christ, our works will be evaluated, whether they are “good or bad” (10). Bad works are not necessarily evil. The word for “bad” literally means “worthless.” In other words, some works—while not morally objectionable—are ultimately worthless in view of eternity.
What works will count most at the judgment seat? Paul said, “Knowing…the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (11). The most important, eternal work, therefore, is the persuading of men to trust Christ. Ultimately, nothing equals the value of Gospel work—preaching, witnessing, soulwinning, persuading. Faithfulness to the vital task of evangelism will help to insure an eternal reward.
Christian, one day you will stand before the Lord. One day you will give an account. Will you stand before Him with confidence, knowing you did your best to win lost friends and loved ones? Will you receive a reward, or will you suffer loss?
