"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR LIVES NOW, AND REWARDS IN HEAVEN"
2Co 5:10* For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. This verse is not talking about the Great White Throne Judgement. That is reserved for unbelievers, not for believers.
2. This judgement seat as it's called, is the Judgement seat of Christ. He will be doing the judging.
3. The purpose of this judgement is that each one of us may receive rewards for what we have done with our life in Christ, since we have become saved.
4. The words, "whether good or bad" are not speaking of things ethically, or morally evil, because Christ has already paid the price for our sins. But, rather, the word "bad" speaks of something evil of another kind. It actually means, "good-for-nothingness, or worthlessness.
5. It's not speaking of someone who has done something that was clearly wrong, but rather, it's speaking of the person who has simply wasted their days here on earth. It's speaking of not using the time we have for the Lord, but rather using it for nothing. Using our time for things that have no real value, and of being pre-occupied with non-essential activities and pre-occupations.
6. The good news, is that we can use our time wisely, and be rewarded for that wise us of time once we get to heaven. This verse, ought to bring a sobriety to our lives, and cause us to think about what we are actually doing with our lives, what are we investing our time, energy and talents into, and for.
7. It's never too late to start following Christ with all of our hearts. It's never too late to stop wasting time, and start using time for His glory.
8. Here's a great encouragement from Scripture, in Romans 13:11-12 in the NLT
Romans 13:11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
A prayer:
Lord, let us pursue having this urgency, and let us truly know how late it is. Time is indeed running out, Oh God, cause us, if we are asleep to wake up, and to realize how nearer our salvation is then when we first believed.
We ask for Your power and want to commit ourselves to obey what You tell us about putting out of our lives any dark and dirty deeds. May we also put on the armor of light, and live for You. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
