The current position is, the Christian who serves the Lord receives a reward while the Christian who does not serve the Lord simply does not receive a reward, or as much of a reward.

But we think the Scriptures condemn the believer who does not take up his cross and follow the Master with a pure heart.

Speaking to Christians:

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:4)

Again, to Christians:

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; . . . . (Hebrews 2:3)

Again:

But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:8)

The Scripture exhorts us to offer up our body a living sacrifice to God, this being our reasonable service of worship (Romans 12:1). This is a commandment of God. What if we do not offer up our body a living sacrifice to God? Is this sin?

The Scripture states that they who belong to Christ "have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24). Is our not crucifying the flesh a sin abolished on the cross, or is it an evil work we will receive at the beema of Christ?

Jesus declared: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). Is not taking up our cross and following after Jesus a sin abolished on the cross, or is it an evil work we will receive before the beema of Christ?

If the believer is called by the Lord to serve Him in some capacity, and he does not do so, he is disobedient to the Word of the Lord to him. Is such disobedience a sin removed on the cross or is it an evil work the believer will receive at the beema of Christ? And if disobedience to the Lord is an evil work and not a sin, what will the believer receive when he receives the disobedience to Christ he practiced in his body?

Can you see the folly, the confusion of this position?

In our day there is occurring a spiritual fulfillment of the Levitical Day of Atonement. Numerous pastors, evangelists, and other workers and believers are confessing their sins to the Lord. This is happening now and thousands of Christians are involved. Are the Christians to confess their evil works but not their sins because their sins already have been forgiven? Are they to come before the Lord and sort out the difference between their sins and their evil works as they repent?

If it is true Christ already has forgiven all our sins and will judge only our works, then the repenting Christian should be careful to confess and repent only of his evil works and not of his sins, his sins having been taken care of on the cross.

We understand, then, that making a distinction between the sins of the Christians and the works of the Christians, concluding that no Christian need have any concern regarding the Judgment Seat of Christ, is dangerous indeed! This distinction and its attendant conclusion, that no believer need fear the Judgment Seat of Christ, have left multitudes of believers unprepared for what they assuredly shall face when they come before Christ.

To be continued.