The Daily Word of Righteousness

Judgment, Redemption, and the First Resurrection, #11

Who shall render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:6-11)

The Scriptures teach clearly that each human being, whether or not he is a Christian, will be judged according to his works. Only after he has been judged will it be determined whether he is worthy of the final release from Satan, the release that will (for the royal priesthood) take place at the appearing of Christ.

Romans 2:7 (above) reveals that eternal life is the product of "patient continuance in well doing."

The current belief, which is that the believer in Christ can gain eternal life apart from patient continuance in well doing, is a distortion of the doctrine of the Apostle Paul and may result in the destruction of the believer.

Let us think about additional passages proclaiming that all persons, including the Christians, will be judged and rewarded according to their works.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)

It is obvious from the context of the above verse that Paul is including himself. Paul will receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether good or evil. Jesus taught (John 5:29) that the kind of resurrection we shall experience depends on whether we have practiced good or evil.

The current Christian teaching that the believer will not experience a resurrection in accordance with his behavior is a destructive error.

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you [of the churches] according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)

. . . the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

. . . they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20:13)

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)

What are the types of works that will be the bases on which we are judged and rewarded?

Resisting sin.

Heeding the Scriptures.

Being consecrated and obedient to God.

Not neglecting our salvation.

Abiding in Christ.

Using our talents in the Kingdom.

Doing charitable deeds.

One of the most important of all Christian works is the resisting of sin. He who does not resist sin and the devil can never attain the first resurrection. He runs the danger not only of not being received by the Lord at His coming but also of being thrown into the Lake of Fire.

To be continued.