The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Judgment Seat of Christ, #2

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)

Can you imagine the chagrin, remorse, and terror of the modern Christian teachers and preachers when they stand with their followers before Him whose eyes are as furnaces of fire, and all their thoughts, words, and deeds are brought before them and measured against the written Word of God? Surely there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth!

The careless believers have only themselves to blame. The Scriptures are clear concerning the Kingdom law of sowing and reaping. Each human being, including each Christian, will pass before the white throne of Christ and be judged according to his or her works. The Father has given the authority and power of judgment to Christ (John 5:22,28,29; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:12,13).

Where, then, does grace fit in? First of all, Divine grace is not an excuse for the sins of Christians. All mankind will be judged and will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. All of us will be judged according to our works. The Scriptures are clear on this point.

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

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

There is one statement the risen Lord Jesus Christ makes to each of His seven churches: "I know thy works"!

Consider carefully the Lord's declaration concerning the resurrection of the dead:

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29)

"They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life"!

Have done good to the resurrection of life!

There is a relationship between good works and eternal life (Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:22).

It is not the purpose of Divine grace to provide an alternative to godly living. If the purpose of Divine grace were to provide a permanent alternative to godly living, the new covenant would be inferior to every past dealing of God with man.

God's goal is sons who are in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, who walk in righteousness and holiness before Him and perform His will sternly and diligently.

The purpose of Divine grace is not to bring sinning, self-willed people into Paradise, thus making Paradise a branch of Hell. Rather, Divine grace forgives our sins so we can approach God and receive the power and wisdom from Heaven that will enable us to live righteously.

Apart from such repentance and transformation into righteousness there is no redemption. We have received the grace of God in vain. The purpose of Divine grace is to bring many sons to glory, to righteousness, holiness, obedience, and everlasting power and glory, and to untroubled fellowship with the Father.

To be continued.