Shouldn't Your Pastor Understand Eternal Judgment?

Jesus said: "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then he will reward (repay-give) each according to his works (Matthew 16.27).

This is significant for every follower of Christ to understand. If we have an in-complete visual of this reward system in Christ, then we have a recipe for falsely believing Christians won’t be judged at all following the resurrection. 

The Biblical answer is “Yes” Christians are judged in the past, present, and also in the future. 

The only exclusion in this process of judgment is the True Believer will not be subjected to the condemnation of the second death outlined in Revelation 2.11, 20.6, 20.14, 21.8.

Of course each follower of Christ is looking for the phrase “well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25.21-23, Luke 19.17) for which there is general criteria in Titus 2, and leadership and servant criteria in 1 Timothy 3 for example, and James 3.1 also warns about teachers receiving the stricter judgment. All these need to be put into perspective in order to develop the criteria for any particular individual’s judgment, and can be summarized in context in verses like Luke 12.48 where Jesus says, “to whom much is given much is required”. Jesus talked about servant’s works a lot in his teachings and parables, and has some profound warnings in places like Matthew 7.15-23 and Matthew 23. The emphasis throughout is on what you “do/actions/fruits”, whether in word or deed or teaching or prophesying, and how it matters to do the will of the Father. Likewise, much of Paul’s writing focuses on righteous works (Galatians 6.1-10). 

So why is all of this important? 

Aren’t Christians saved by grace and that’s all that matters? 

This kind of question is the result of hyper-grace.

The foundational doctrine of “eternal judgment” does not just deal with “condemnation to death”, because judgment is not exclusively a salvation issue. The scripture develops two primary distinct concepts of judgment that are broken down into further categories. One overall judgment is that God eternally separates those who reject salvation through the method he has chosen. You get what you deserve because you refused to receive the free gift of the Gospel, which is the Father’s plan, in Messiah Jesus, for personal reconciliation back to God and overcoming sin and death. So you get the judgment of death called the second death Revelation 2, 20, and 21. Christians will not be judged in this second death judgment, which is best termed condemnation, but will be judged worthy to enter into everlasting life. 

Believers can be perceived as already being judged in the present-past tense based upon their embracing the good news that is in “the works of Christ Jesus as ordained by the Father” outlined in 2 Corinthians 1, Colossians 1, Ephesians 1, and Hebrews 9. Thus Believers are free from having to experience this condemnation in the future that leads, as they are judged by a different standard that carries them into everlasting life as referenced in John 3.16-18, Romans 8.1, Revelation 2.11, 20.6. These followers of Christ are also then enabled and called to live by a different standard that is directly stated in passages like Romans chapters 6-8. 

The other primary concept has to do with the idea of God’s justness, in the context of judgment, for what each person did individually with their life. For those who heard the good news but refused to believe, these unrepentant are judged by their own works and are not justified, so they are “destroyed” when they are cast into the Lake of Fire (John 3.16-18, Revelation 20.15).

Believers, likewise, are also judged by their works, but not for salvation purposes. Their judgment ultimately leads to reward(s). However, this judgment also includes suffering loss. If the portion about suffering loss is excluded from a judgment message for Christians, then an incomplete picture is painted, for the reward of judgment is just and fair and very personal.

Again, it is absolutely true that those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ the Son of Living God will have everlasting life. They will not be condemned “by their works” to be “destroyed” by the eternal fire (John 3.16-18). Believers are not condemned to the second death, as according to the law, because they are not subject to the “curse” of the law (Galatians 3.10-14), which brings “eternal punishment”. Those in Christ are judged in Christ unto life because of Jesus Christ’s works. 

Nevertheless it’s of utmost importance to understand that this saving belief and faith is action related, in doing, and not just hearing words (James 1.22-25). Thereby the follower of Jesus Christ goes toward the will of Father God in repentance from dead works (Mark 1.15, Hebrews 6.1), onto good works (Ephesians 2.8-10) because they are led by the Father’s Holy Spirit, by and through Jesus (Romans 8.9-10), thereby escaping the ultimate penalty of death under the law and serving in the newness of the Spirit (Romans 7.6, 8.2 and 4, and Galatians 5.18).

However, every Believer is still subject to a three-fold process of judgment that covers the past, the present, and the future (John 3.16-18, 2 Corinthians 13.5, Romans 14.10-13). This judgment is according to the grace and mercy of God the Father, by and through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3.24, 5.1, 11, 15, 21), and worked out in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit (Romans 8, Ephesians 4.3-4, 1 Corinthians 12.13). That which is common (koinos) is brought into community (koinonia) with God through Jesus Christ, which under natural circumstances would be “unclean or unholy”. The common first becomes separated (holy) unto God by the works of God in and through Christ. Believers are then exhorted to be like Christ (Deuteronomy 32.4, John 17.23, Ephesians 2.10, Hebrews 13.20-21). 

This process of judgment brings holiness and justice, and operates on the premise of a single major element of equality for all believers: all shall enter into eternal life receiving remission for sins (Acts 10.42-43). Ultimately though there are variations of admission into the Kingdom of God, and the Bible notes many of these personal judgments that are not equally rewarded, along with many warnings to consider. The spectrum of judgment spans from barely being saved as one passes through fire having all their works burned up (1 Corinthians 3.13, 1 Peter 4.17-18), to entering into the Kingdom of God in abundance (2 Peter 1.10-11).

Scripture sends a complete message of the justice system of God the Father as it is effectuated by the administration of God’s Laws. This is administrated by the mediator Jesus Christ as the Father’s appointed (Matthew 28.18, John 5.22). Everything will be called into subjection, and we are to be careful how we approach the coming judgment (Ecclesiastes 12.13-14, James 5.8-9, 1 Corinthians 4.5). 

God has appointed Jesus as Savior and King and Lord (Psalm 110.1, Matthew 28.18, 1 Thessalonians 5.19), as was foreknown and predestined and prophesied (1 Peter 1.20, Colossians 1.26, 2 Timothy 1.9) and which did come to be ultimately fulfilled as a direct result of Jesus Christ’s obedience (Hebrews 5.8). This is a very key point: Christ was obedient to the law without sin, and it is by this same law that he shall judge us, only in the grace and mercy rather than in the letter of the law, with his righteous judgment. Since Jesus lived as a man being exposed to the temptations of man, he can be trusted to be that judge. By this we must learn to judge rightly as Jesus commended Simon in Luke 7.43, and told the Jews in John 7.24, and exhorted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2.14-15 that we need to judge the spiritual by the Spirit of God (even in prophesying 1 Corinthians 14.23-25). In this right spirit we must determine that we are also to be obedient (1 Peter 1.2, 22, 1 Peter 4.17).

We don’t want to be found unworthy to judge in a place of even the least of importance concerning the brotherhood, as Paul puts it in (1 Corinthians 6 v4-5).

Therefore, when communicating judgment in favor of Believers, we need to be sensitive to a couple of major realities that bring forth a more clarifying approach to truth. 

1. Many who think they are Believers will be told to depart from Jesus as he never knew them, because their fruit is judged as practicing lawlessness (Matthew 7.15-23). This clarification needs to be included in Bible teachings concerning Judgment, because there are many mixed in the congregation that believe they are saved, but they are not. Jesus said you have to do the will of the Father to enter (Matthew 7.21). Jesus referenced those not entering, that are mixed in with the wheat as tares, repeating it eight times in Matthew 13, and his conclusion is a key in his parable of the “weeds in the field” in Matthew 13.41-42 as it parallels Matthew 7.23. We must preach and teach judgment for a Christian that also includes much caution, properly distinguishing between salvation and accountability. Why else would our Messiah close in his first discourse in the Sermon on the Mount with a staunch warning that concludes with severe consequences (Matthew 7)? Therefore we must not speak to the congregation in a free-pass, hyper-grace tone, as “us-inside won’t be judged vs. them-outside will be judged”. This not only judges the congregation un-righteously before the time the congregation is to be judged (2 Corinthians 4.5), but this also puts us in the position of judgment, judging as one having the authority that was not appointed to us, but to the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28.18, John 5.22). 
2. Furthermore, those who are saved will stand before Christ subject to giving an account and also suffering loss (Matthew 12.36, Luke 16.2, Romans 14.12, 1 Corinthians 3.10-17). This is often presented as if these verses refer to rewards only, and it feels good and people love to hear it. Yet, rewards are also a kind of judgment, and rendering them as something exclusively positive is an error. During the reward period some will suffer loss pertaining to each individual’s works prior to Jesus passing out any rewards. The way the text reads, it seems possible that some will not suffer loss, but certainly some will, and only Jesus will be the judge of loss, and rewards, which leads to the suffering and entering the joy of the Lord. The warning should be included within the context of rewards. 
3. Jesus said he will separate the sheep from the goats on “that day” (Matthew 25.31-34), as if “the day” is singular. Many interpret this is as a different time of judgment altogether than the Judgment (bema-tribunal) Seat of Christ, either including the Matthew 25 judgment with the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ, while others separate the Matthew 25 judgment into a third categorical judgment**. Regardless of your point of view, there is common ground we can all agree upon if we take a conservative approach that seeks to error on the side of caution; this is a warning by Jesus, and the warning is more important than the when, because once the time arrives for this judgment it will be too late to heed the warning.
    

Furthermore, there are sheep and goats together at this prophesied moment, making it probable the sheep will see and experience the goats departing. This sounds like a major kind of loss for the sheep, as in that moment their loved ones could be the goats. Remember that the Great White Throne Judgment takes place in Revelation 20 prior to God wiping away tears and taking away sorrow in Revelation 21. Will there not be much suffering as you watch your loved one taken to the “left side” while you head to the “right side”?

**Clarification: The Judgment seat of Christ (Bema) is often distinguished as a Tribunal in his presence (parousia), at his coming return, as he receives the saints unto himself, and that this is “only a time of rewards”. This Bema is taught to be held as a separate event from the premillennial earthly throne of Christ (Matthew 25), and also separate from the postmillennial Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20.11), at which time “only the dead” are said to appear, sometimes going as far as to say “those alive in Christ will not be present”. 

Is it really true that the saved won’t even be there to watch? Will the saints be totally unaware of the eternal condemnation and those involved? 

What can we make of the left/right separation between the sheep and the goats, especially as it pertains to how a Believer might suffer too? This is not a parable! This reality ties into the work of each Believer, as those sheep that did not do good work can have the result of the loss of loved ones directly applied to their words and works, along with seeing their loved ones led away into the fire.

We need to preach and teach a complete approach to the judgment (Ezekiel 3.17-18, 33.7-9, Acts 20.27, 1 Corinthians 4.2). For example would we say the warning in James 3.1 is present tense? The day is coming when everything shall be brought to light (Ecclesiastes 12.14, Romans 2.13-16, 1 Corinthians 4.5). 

Any diluted method of communicating judgment misses the opportunity to present the fair justice of God. The omissions in particular leave the Lost and Saved without all the ingredients to make the right informed decision(s) concerning the Coming Judgment. This is definitely not something we want to over-simplify, as Judgment is one of five key foundational sayings of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6.1 - arche logos christos). 

For the unbeliever, who does not take the action of faith, everything comes to an end in a horrible screeching halt when their life if taken from them forever, while Eternal judgment for the True Believer extends beyond salvation! 

There is much more to the Kingdom of God than salvation.

Part 2: The Past, Present, and Future Judgments for Believers 

For a Christians there are three times of judgment, not to be confused with condemnation (destruction).  Although many who think they are True Believers but are NOT will be condemned!

There is Judgment in the Past for the Sinner who came to Christ in faith. 

This concept is in John 5.19-29 (also John 3 and 1 John 5), because what was done at the cross and resurrection of Jesus is in the past, and when you come to be in Christ, so comes salvation by grace through faith, just like those who had faith prior to Christ’s first coming was counted as righteousness (Genesis 15.6, Romans 1.17). When Jesus made this proclamation in John 5 he was referring to the ultimate outcome of the judgment: death or life taking place in the future. He said Believers won’t be condemned to death. But Jesus was not referring to the detailed accounting of every word and every work each individual shall give at his Tribunal Seat. 

There is also Judgment in the Present for those who are currently in sanctification (or supposed to be in sanctification) as sons and daughters of God. 

1 Corinthians 11.28-32 is an example of this, and is ultimately the path to communion-fellowship with the Father through Christ. Notice in this verse particularly that if you are judged now you will not be condemned with the world; so you will not go on a trial that leads to the second death at the Great White Throne Judgment. But this is a present-active tense instruction to avoid the future condemnation of the lost. Knowing the Greek words that are used in 1 Corinthians 11.31-32 is helpful to understand what is really written. There are key distinctions between the use of words for judgment like krino and diakrino and katakrino. Also see Galatians 6.1-5 and 1 Peter 4.17-18. There’s also a whole passage that deals with this concept in 2 Corinthians 13: Paul exclaims “this is the 3rd time!” Examine yourself to see if you are even in the faith (2 Corinthians 13.5)! This is a present tense warning to scrutinize your-self intently! 

There is also Judgment in the Future at the Judgment (Tribunal) Seat of Christ for Believers in Christ to God. 

You can find this in Romans 14.10-13 and 1 Corinthians 5.9-11, and also in Ecclesiastes 11.9-10, 12.13-14; Matthew 12.36-37; and Matthew 18.21-35 the parable of the unforgiving servant. This seat has been given to Jesus by the Father (John 5.22, 21-30, Matthew 28.18). It’s here Believers will be judged in a different sense than condemnation, which leads to the second death outlined in Revelation 2.11, 20.6, 20.14, 21.8.

Yes it is true that the moment anyone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, God saves him (Acts 16.30-31; Romans 10.9-10). No one deserves to be saved, and no one can ever do anything to merit salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2.8-9; Titus 3.5), and is bestowed fully and freely as the Believer is found in Christ as being righteous by faith (Romans 4.5-8, 2 Corinthians 5.21, Philippians 3.9), but you do have to repent, which is an action (verb) and not just a thought (Matthew 4.17). This is the Good News, by and through the Lord Jesus Christ, upon all who turn toward God by accepting the Son of God whom God sent. But this causes the one walking away from dead works to become a new creation in Christ. Then afterwards, Believers are to seek the good works that were prepared before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 2.10) in sanctification and obedience through Christ (1 Corinthians 1.30 and 1 Peter 1.2, 1 Thessalonian 4.3-4 and 2 Thessalonians 2.13). Because salvation is of grace, when Jesus comes again, every true Believer will be translated into His presence to be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4.17-18). But there are different kinds of Believers: faithful and unfaithful (Matthew 25.14-30 the parable of the talents); spiritual and carnal (1 Corinthians 3.1-13); wise and unwise (Ephesians 5.15-17), and those who should be skilled teachers are needing milk, when we really need meat and the ability to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5.12-14). 

God is no respecter of persons and this concept is all over the Scripture. What this means is that there will be no partiality from one man to another; no favoritism. Therefore there must be the result of varying degrees of judgments and rewards, like the least and the greatest (Matthew 5.19). The Bible does not teach a free-for-all and one for all mentality “beyond the free gift of salvation”, nor does Scripture teach a “Do what thou wilt” approach to salvation. Repent was the first word of Jesus’ ministry! And even within the context of one scarcely being saved (1 Peter 4.18), there are those who will throw away salvation because of unbelief (Jude v5, Hebrews 3.18-19). 

We must obey the good news (2 Thessalonians 1.8 and 1 Peter 4.17). Many are called and few are chosen (Matthew 20.16 and Matthew 22.14). So we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2.12-13). 

Surely it matters what kind of disciples we are. 

The subject of judgment cannot be handled as if when the Lord comes again we shall all be caught up without any sort of reckoning! We need to abide in Christ that we may not be ashamed at his coming (1 John 2.28), and incorporate accountability concerning judgment to help others in the faith. 

“Grace, grace, grace alone” is the promotion of Spiritual Socialism! 

The word “alone” is not even in the verse that is so often quoted this way (Ephesians 2.8-9). The God’s Kingdom is not a political and economic social organization that advocates an equally owned creation, and regulated by the community evenly, and especially not outside of God’s commandments. The Kingdom of God is ruled by those who are obedient, and handled their talents correctly (Matthew 25). This is first and foremost why Christ is preeminent (Colossians 1.18) over the church, and second in command only to the Father who is all in all (1 Corinthians 12.6 and 1 Corinthians 15.27-28). 

Holiness is integral. 

So, let’s not mistake being co-heirs as a misplacement of total equality, or that an heir is necessarily a high judge. Is it not written one rules over Ten Cities while another has everything taken away (Matthew 25.28)? What does it mean to have all talent taken away? 

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of every word and to have our individual works tried by fire (Romans 14.10; 2 Corinthians 5.10, 1 Corinthians 3.13-15), and there we may “receive a reward, or rewards” (1 Corinthians 3.14), but some may receive no reward at all except to enter into everlasting life “suffering loss” (1 Corinthians 3.15), but still shall be saved. All of this is according to the kind of Christians one has been! 

Ultimately, sin will not enter heaven on earth (the Great City), as we must be holy to be in the presence of God, thus the Messiah must take everything about us that is not holy and burn it up so that we may enter. This is mercy, but I doubt it will be pleasant or painless. Tears are not wiped away until Revelation 21.4 (Revelation 7.17 is likely a special group – see Revelation 7.14 first).

There is a Great Day of examination coming and you must live and work in the light of that day if you would receive “a full reward” and prevent “suffering loss”. Do you say in your heart arrogantly that you will suffer no loss on such a day? Look within yourself; introspect my beloved. Seek that we don’t lose those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward as it says in 2 John 1.8. 

It makes an eternal difference as to what kind of a Christian you are in this life. No true believer will ever be judged unto condemnation of death for his sins, for the sins of every believer have already been judged and punished in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross as it says in Romans 8.1, but we must walk according to the Spirit as it continues in Romans 8.4. Then you will be resurrected by having the Spirit of Christ by the Spirit of God (Romans 8.9-11, John 14.16, 26, 15.26, 16.7 and 1 John 2.1), and you must be led by the Spirit of God to be a son of God (Romans 8.14). This is the way to overcome mortality (1 Corinthians 15.20-57).

When we appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ we shall appear as we really are.

God will not be mocked. Jesus himself said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment”. So don’t say in your heart that we won’t be judged, or that we are not to render proper judgment, for there are many passages that give a recipe for proper judgment like Matthew 7 and much of the Epistle of James. Be patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws near. The Scripture teaches us how we are to judge, and also who and how we are not to judge, that we may prevail in the testing of fire. We have to learn to discern these different types of judgment, and also to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5.14). 

YHWH Our Father said to the Prophet Samuel that only he as God can see our hearts. “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but YHWH looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16.7). He sees your heart…what’s in there my friends that you must aim to root out before that day of reckoning? He is faithful to forgive, so seek him in his longsuffering and grace in this life. We are best off to judge ourselves now.

Our true character will be exposed to fire in the day of judgment, and that fire is to try the kind of work we have truly rendered to the Lord, and the kinds of words we have spoken. 

Certainly he will not look upon the appearance of our works or words, but deep into the heart shall every motivation be revealed. Instead of skating on the ice of hyper-grace we ought to be in anguish over the calamity of our own souls. We need to seek God fervently through His Christ Jesus that we might find all grace and mercy in that day we stand before him. 

Circumcision of the heart is at the core of the New Covenant, and this is the Father’s method of The Faith in “The Way”. We will be measured by the Laws and Commandments of Our Father God, by and through the Lord Jesus Christ, as to how we chose to follow God's ways. And how can we render proper judgment if you have not first put the truth of God’s Words into perspective? This is surely one reason why James said “Don’t many of you become teachers for they shall receive the stricter judgment” (James 3.1, also see Hebrews 5.12-14 and Matthew 5.19). So we see a variation of judgment that doesn’t fit the all-blanketing free-pass judgment for Believers. How shall a teacher receive the stricter judgment if there is no judgment (James 3.1)? The word here is the neuter noun (krima) of the verb (krino) that is in John 3.17-18 and John 5.22, and an important distinction. 

“To whom much is given much is required” as Jesus says in his parable of the faithful and evil servant in Luke 12.48. The key word here is servant. Jesus is not referring to the one who cannot be labeled as a servant, as noted by Jesus’ response to Peter’s question in Luke 12.41.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then God shall give to each one whatever commendation is due (1 Corinthians 4.5). He will make manifest our motives and reward us accordingly. But in the process some shall suffer loss! 

Again we have degrees of Judgment (1 Corinthians 3.11-15). 

When we appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ we shall have to give an account of ourselves and of our services. Romans 14.12 tells us this. There are no exceptions, for Paul says, “each of us…”; and the account we shall give is of ourselves, individually, and not of others. And all will be revealed then. 

We must judge ourselves now to receive the better resurrection. 

Part 3: The Believer’s Evaluation; Suffering, Losses, and Rewards 

What Will Be Evaluated? 

1. Every deed (Ecclesiastes 12.13-14; 2 Corinthians 5.10)

2. Every word (Matthew 12.36-37, 1 Timothy 1.4-8)

3. How have you used your time (John 9.4; Ephesians 5.16)

4. How have you used your money, possessions, property (Matthew 6.19-21)

5. Have you saved the lost, and helped your sinful brother (2 Cor 5.11, James 5.13-20)

6. Every disagreement/conflict with fellow believers (Romans 14.10-12; James 5.9)

7. Have you been faithful in prayer and giving thanks (Luke 18.1, 1 Thessalonians 5.17-18)?

8. Hypocrisy, and by measure of how we judge (James 2.12-13, I Corinthians 9.26-27)

9. Every good (Ephesians 6.8), and unkind thing (Ephesians 6.9) 

10. Every dark secret hidden, shameful acts and motives (I Corinthians 4.5)

11. Spiritual leaders and teachers have a stricter Judgment (James 3.1; Hebrews 13.17)

12. Those who are taught the word shall be Judged for what they sow (Galatians 6.7)

13. The quality of the foundation of our work (I Corinthians 3.10-15)

(2 Timothy 4.1-2) I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge (krino) the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

As Jesus said “every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment” (Matthew 12.36). Was he only referring to the Pharisees? Again we have the word for judgment krisis, while in verse 37 the word for condemnation is katadikazō. And how is it that some will be justified by their words there in verse 37? So it must be that the word “men” in verse 36 applies to all men?

What works will you have to account for (1 Corinthians 3.13)? When we appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, everything that is worthless and empty will be burned up, and only that which can stand the test of fire will remain. 

For example, we should consider our attitude towards one another (Romans 12.10; 14.10; Galatians 6.1; 1 Peter 5.5), because it is written “be reconciled to your brother before you bring your gift to the altar” (Matthew 25.22-24).

I trust we don’t want to kindle a large long fire before the Lord. How humbling will that be? It’s wise to judge ourselves now, in the present, as to protect much in the future. God is faithful and longsuffering to hear a prayer that seeks sanctification, for it is written “Be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1.13-21, Leviticus 11.44, 45; 19.2; 20.7).

In 1 Corinthians 3.12-15 we have two categories of material that bear the testing of fire and purified by the fire, that is gold, silver, precious stones, and the other that is easily burned up because it is worthless is wood, hay, stubble. So the life we live and the way we serve is one of these two kinds, and these shall either stand the test of fire, or they shall be burned up, though we ourselves shall be saved. 

We cannot be misled to believe we will not have to go through the baptism of fire which is part of the foundational words of Christ. John the Baptist said it in his announcement and honoring of the Messiah (Matthew 3.11). Jesus himself labored to warn of deception as a key part of his work here on earth. So we must be obedient and abide in the understanding of these baptisms in this life to avoid suffering loss later, unto reception of the full reward (2 John 1.7-8). 

Don’t forget that Jesus himself said the “unprofitable servant” shall be cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We might do well to prayerfully consider if this is the same place as the one of destruction, or maybe a different place where some might be saved, but somehow still be separated from the glory. Could it be that Outer Darkness is really some suburb in the Millennial Kingdom of God that has been misunderstood? What if one could be saved, because this is a matter of grace and mercy, but still suffer much loss in the Kingdom of God, because God is a Just and Fair Judge? What if some don’t get to go to the wedding because they failed to put on the chaste garment of a humble servant? Can you only begin to imagine? 

Are there layers in the text we have missed? Is there a difference between being cast away and being destroyed due to being cast into the lake of fire? Man shall not live on bread alone but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. If we get our doctrine straight and understand death is death and the second death is in fact permanent death by ultimate destruction, then we might also be able to consider that weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness is a form of suffering among those who may not have been destroyed. Is the outer darkness figurative? It appears as though there is no light in this place of outer darkness, so one might also question if this place which has no light can be the same place that is superhot fiery hot and full of the alighted fire? 

No matter the case here concerning the truth of the variations that are mentioned in Bible, we should not refuse to be obedient while assuming there are no consequences. This is arrogance! 

With all humility we need to carefully examine in comparison verses like 1 Corinthians 3.15 and Luke 9.25. To suffer loss is also translated to be cast away. Maybe we think we know it all and we really don’t. There are varying degrees of judgment we should at least consider.

Certainly when we appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, the ultimate purpose of the judgment will not be to punish unfaithfulness, but to reward faithfulness, yet in the midst there will be suffering loss because of unfaithfulness, for some shall not receive rewards they could have attained, and this judgment is seemingly eternal. So there are two sides to this coin we must entertain, and certainly Jesus entertained it in his parables concerning the kingdom of God, always contrasting, like those without oil in their lamps not being able to enter. The oil here comes from pressure applied to your fruits, for which if you have none worthy, then your lamp shall be empty, and won’t be able to burn continually (Leviticus 24.2-4). We can at least trust that some of Jesus’ parables were speaking to those thinking themselves to be Believers, like the faithful and unfaithful servants and the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 24 and 25).

Some gain more talents while others have their talents taken away, and there are those who have the door shut on them not entering the wedding banquet (Matthew 25), and Jude enlightens to the point that some of us should save with fear hating even the garment that is spotted (verse 23). Who shall we say Jesus and Jude were speaking to? Don’t their own words clarify that they are speaking to those who are called to be servants? Many are called but few are chosen. We must seek God with fear and trembling to work out our own salvation rather than supporting hyper-grace doctrine that tickles our ears and leads to complacency. Do you really want to stand before the Tribunal in the Highest Court ever, having been slothful, or working falsely, or mishandling the word of god, or believing you can do whatever you want without just repercussion? What shall you say if he says “depart from me”? Deception is prevalent beloved. Beware…watch and pray! Hear God’s words and do them.

(Hebrews 12.14-17) Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there [be] any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

If any man's work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3.14). But make special note that the preceding verse and following verse tell you the method of revealing shall be by fire, consuming all parts of the individual that is unworthy. 

In Matthew 19.28 Jesus said: “You that have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel”. Certainly he was referring to the Kingdom of God in verse 24. 

Who is being judged? Such an interesting concept! Who are these twelve tribes? 

Remember Jesus said he was sent for the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and to the same he sent his disciples forth. Those from the House of Judah and the House of Israel and all the sojourners from the nations who are grafted in should hear those words concerning Israel and the church (ekklesia). There are twelve tribes, plus any sojourner who desires to enter by faith!

Part 4: The Believer’s Losses & Gains

When we appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, it will be too late then to wish we had been more faithful in our living. 

We need to be more zealous in our seeking, more careful in our walking, and most clear in our witness, and more fervent in our teaching and preaching. Then we will walk in the understanding of the Father’s commandments, and Jesus’ instruction, about what is right doctrine and the eternal applications of our beliefs and actions, and the degree which we sought to be separated. 

Will you hear the word of divine approval as outlined in Matthew 25.21-23? 

Will you receive the promotions seen in Luke 19.17-24; Revelation 20.4?

Works and attitudes do affect the degree of reward no matter which side of judgment you land on. All those in Christ will be saved and those who are not in Christ will be lost, but at this point all similarity begins to end. We as a people seem to have this very black and white idea of Glory vs. Fire, but it is Biblically inaccurate. God is just and no respecter of persons, so each shall bear their own works, and all shall be subject to fire. And we can never forget those among us who believe they are saved but aren’t. We must also remember and diligently reach toward those who profess they are not.

• It is with difficulty that the righteous are saved (I Peter 4.17-19)
• What we reap is based on what we sow (Galatians 6.7-9) is this just now, or later too?
• Whether we’re obedient or disobedient servants (Colossians 3.22-25), now, later, both?
• Believers experience both gain and loss (I Corinthians 3.14-15) 
• It’s an unrealistic expectation this won’t be a fearful experience! (2 Corinthians 5.9-11) 
• Believers be diligent to make an abundant entrance into heaven (2 Peter 1.10-11)
• What is outer darkness? Both servants! (Matthew 24.45-51 Good & Evil Servants)
• Cast into the Furnace vs. Outer Darkness (Matthew 13.42) Hmmmm?

What’s a foolish virgin? An unwise believer who didn't believe enough to follow The Way!

• (Matthew 25.1-13 Wise-Foolish Virgins) Oxymoron or Revelation
• Will your talents be given away? (Matthew 25.14-30 Distribution of Talents)
• We will be rewarded according to our deeds (Matthew 16.27, Revelation 22.12)

Losses

1. Shame at His appearing (I John 2.28)
2. Saved but only so by going through fire (1 Corinthians 3.15)
3. The hard reality knowing that many gains could have been yours (I Corinthians 3.15)
4. Depart from me…Some won’t even make it! (Matthew 7.21-23)
5. There are tares (false grain) mixed right in with the wheat! (Matthew 13.24-40)
6. Bad fish are thrown away, cast into furnace (Matthew 13.48-50)
7. Cast away into outer darkness (Matthew 8.12, 22.13, 25.30)
8. The self-appointed, the devil-planted (Matthew 15.10-20) unwashed hearts vs. hands
9. The unforgiving servant shall be treated the same by the Father (Matthew 18.23-35)
10. The Son who Wouldn’t Work in the Vineyard (Matthew 21.28-32)
11. Thrown Out for Not Having the Proper Slave Garment (Matthew 22.1-14)
12. 50% of the Virgins shut out of the wedding banquet (Matthew 25.1-13)
13. Having your bag of gold taken away (Matthew 25.14-30)
14. Watching your loved ones being separated to the left (Matthew 25.33)
15. Your lamping will be measured, and some will have their little bit taken (Mark 4.21-25)
16. A worse place at the table (Luke 14.7-14)

Gains

1. Verbal affirmation from the Lord Jesus our Beloved Brother, "well done good and faithful      servant" (Matthew 25.21, Luke 19.17, Revelation 3.11, 22.12)
2. Becoming Born Eternal, Overcoming Death & the Grave (John 3.15-18, 1 John 5.4, 1 Corinthians 15.55-57, Revelation 2.7, 11, 21, 26)
3. Victory over the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 15.2)
4. 5 Crowns, or 1 growing in varying magnitude (1 Corinthians 9.25; 1 Thessalonians 2.19; James 1.12; 2 Timothy 4.8; 1 Peter 5.4) – Imagine one ever-growing crown with shapes, size, and jewels added, as each crown reflects the obedient portions of your life
5. Becoming a Pillar in the Temple, and Going Out No More (Revelation 3.12)
6. The Name of God and the Great City and a new name written on you (Revelation 3.12)
7. Administrative positions in the kingdom (Matthew 25.21, 23; Revelation 20.4; Luke      19.11; Matthew 19.27-30) – Imagine last and first role reversals.
8. More intimate fellowship with Christ (Revelation 2.17, Revelation 3.12).  As on earth, Christ had the 70, the 12, and the inner 3, so is the governmental hierarchy in the Kingdom of God. Will you be a Tree-of-Life Trimmer or the Governor of California?  
9. Treasures in heaven accumulated! (Matthew 6.20)
10. A better seat at the table (Luke 14.7-14)
11. Your prayers held as incense (Revelation 8.3-4)
12. Eat from the Tree of Life (Revelation 2.7)
13. Eat of the Hidden Manna (Revelation 2.17)
14. Given a White Stone and a New Name (Revelation 2.17)
15. Power over the Nations (Revelation 2.26)
16. Rulers Over Cities (Luke 19.17-19, 22.29-30, Revelation 2.26)
17. Clothed in White Raiment (Revelation 3.5)
18. Your Name in the Book of Life, not Blotted Out (Revelation 3.5)
19. Jesus will Confess Your Name before the Father and His Angels (Revelation 3.5)
20. Some Sit with Jesus on His Throne (Matthew 19.28, 24.45-47, 25.21-23, Revelation 3.21)
21. Inherit Things as Co-heir with Jesus Christ (Galatians 4.7, 1 Peter 1.4, Revelation 8.17)

There are crown(s)** waiting, but we must overcome to attain any of them.  

1. Imperishable Crown for mastering discipline (1 Corinthians 9.25)
2.  The Crown of Life for enduring trials (James 1.12, Revelation 2.10)
3. Crown of Rejoicing; soul-winning, discipleship (1 Thessalonians 2.19-20, Philippians 4.1)
4. A Crown of Glory for feeding flock not seeking gain; with wisdom (1 Pet 5.2-4, Pro 4.9)
5. The Crown of Righteousness for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4.8)
  Other References: Revelation 3.11; Isaiah 28.1 and 3 (the Crown of Pride)

**The idea of multiple crowns may be best understood as a picture of one diadem that is rewarded according to an individual’s faith; all elements being fashioned into a single crown, beginning with the Crown of Life, whom all who love him shall receive.

All of this is possible only because of Jesus Crown of Thorns (Matthew 27.29; Mark. 15.17; John. 19.2, 5), and his many other crowns (Revelation 19.12). And in the end we may likely all be casting crowns to the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 4.10-11, note v8 for LGA) so that the Father will be recognized as the all in all (1 Corinthians 15.28).

At that moment, when we stand in front of the Messiah, who judges by the truth of His God and Our God as he put it in John 20.17, and my God as he puts it four times in Revelation 3.12, will we be seen as a true Philadelphian? 

Our opportunity of walking in the spirit and sharing truth with family and friends and the rest of the lost world shall be no more; my god my god my god my god. In that moment all that we spoke of and worked for that we thought was important, that was not important, shall come with suffering loss. Reach within and judge yourself this day and every day you have left, and then reach out that you may participate in helping pulling others out of the error of their ways. 

This is revival. 

Now is the time to hear and look and see and question and consider before it’s too late. I would love to believe that I will not be judged for anything I have done, especially in my walk as a New Creation in Christ, but then I fear I would be rejecting the continuity of the just nature of the High Court of the Kingdom of God and all that the Scripture teaches. 

We cannot forget to always keep in the forefront of our mind those Jesus warned he would send off to departure, or the foolish virgins, or the unfaithful servants. What was he warning them about? Is grace is to be treated with filth? 

We need to hear Paul’s words that he was concerned about needing to keep his body in subjection (1 Corinthians 9.27). We need to hear Jude’s words who warned that God destroyed those whom he saved out of Egypt who afterwards did not believe (Jude v5). Do you not know that there is a war going on around you in the spiritual realm that you cannot see?  Have you put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6.12-17)? 

External forces are doing everything to distract you from being more sanctified in your walk in the way of Christ. And to what end? What is the reason? Why are we being deceived? Why are we being divided?

So often I hear people say “Why does it matter” and “What does this have to do with my salvation” or “Is this a salvation issue”?

Certainly brothers and sisters, though God the Father sees us as righteous because of the voluntary self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have no license to sin…but we have. It is with fearful expectation that we can imagine much of what we have done shall be burned up—so Praise God for the fire that we might enter in his presence after and through Jesus Christ. 

Give thanks to God for the fire that burns our works and our words but does not burn our person! But to say that this won’t cause us suffering when we stand before the Preeminent Messiah whom all authority has been given is a false perspective. 

The Almighty God of Order shall not be mocked, nor his appointed judge. He is longsuffering to forgive and remember our sins no more, but we must repent and confess and diligently seek sanctification. If we say we have no need to repent and that all will enter joyfully and unscathed despite our words and works on judgment day, then I fear that is very much a salvation issue for others at minimum, as well as an issue in us if we believe our hearts must not be circumcised. For this sin of entitlement alone, the world looks upon us as the cause for them to blaspheme God because we are too often way too proud and self-serving. We must repent and walk in fear of God that the world around us might know we serve a Holy God.

We must learn to quit being superficial in our interpretation of the Bible and take a deep dive into reality. It is painful, but better to suffer loss here and now rather than that day to come. We must know that doctrines that put touchy feely butterflies in our stomachs shall not yield the kind of fruits that God Our Holy Father and his Holy Son Jesus Christ are looking for. We must be pruned to bring forth good fruit. We must walk, and preach, and teach, and seek in such a way that we impress our fellows of mankind, sometimes with compassion on those struggling with understanding and discerning spiritual distinctions, and sometimes saving with fear and pulling them out of the fire! We must always be focused on the cause of Christ. 

That is the key difference in salvation: will you be yourself thrown into the fire that is the ultimate judgment, through the eternal condemning of your soul to destruction that is by fire, or will it just be your bad works and bad words that will be subject to fiery destruction that you yourselves shall be saved? We must worship God in spirit and truth.

If we are to seek the rewards of crowns and the positions in which we shall serve in the Kingdom of God, we must do it with dignity and holiness and integrity understanding the severity of punishment that awaits those who have not yet been saved, handling the word of truth in all honesty. What we are not to do is proclaim every reward unto ourselves as if we are so entitled, lest we set ourselves up as the first whom Christ then said shall be the last! 

What does that mean? Apparently there is a first and a last and a least in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 20.16). Have you ever thought of that and how it pertains to your eternal identity? Do you live in the hopeful expectation that you will waltz through the door of Christ having never sought holiness. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16.18)!

Just because you won’t be judged by your works as to whether you will or won’t receive everlasting life, doesn’t mean your works and words will not be judged by fire, and have an eternal impact. Many Christians today no longer fear God due to a lost sense of accountability, and severe sense of entitlement, mixed with mostly nothing but false teaching all throughout the church. 

The bad attitude in the church is “Jesus isn’t going to have anything negative to say at all, so don’t judge!”  It's like a hybrid Rodney King and Lonnie Frisbee running around telling the church how to falsely behave while instructing people not to worry about how Christians behave. INSANITY!

What about the fire in his eyes (Revelation 1.14 and 19.12)? 

The place where we are to meet with God is through the appointed man Jesus Christ, Lord have mercy, because he is the Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2.5), the Son of God. So it would be best to engage in the game of life and eternal life based on the terms Christ taught and preached, because he is our sinless Messiah.

If you’re in doubt, error on the side of caution, and seek him that he will make you holy.

Salvation is by Grace but Rewards is by Works! This is Over Simplified Doctrine!

1. Extreme Example A: This is a Grandiose Awards Ceremony where there is no suffering at all. A huge party with no idea of sin or repercussions, and there will be a magnificent crowd cheering for all the wondrous feats of Christians with no shame whatsoever. Crowns galore for everyone…etc. High fives and glory days! 

2. Extreme Example B: Intense sorrow and terrible horror where every man’s sins are examined with a fine-tooth comb, which shall be displayed openly on a big-screen television for all to see; some will be punished for a time, even a long time, purgatory so-to-speak, before they are allowed to enter the Kingdom, while others go in straight away.

The truth is more likely in the middle somewhere.  If properly balanced in the general context, this will be a very personal experience, beginning even exactly at his appearing as some will be ashamed. 

Christ will be merciful and gracious in some ways, but just by his very presence we shall know all that is sinful and shameful, probably without him even having to explaining it. The very presence of his glory will reveal everything that is hidden, made manifest in the spirit. There will be great fear and awe of majesty, honor and respect unlike anything any of us have ever displayed on earth. It will be clearly known that he comes both in Judgment and Wrath. 

There will be extreme fulfilling joy either immediately, or during, or sometime following. Some will experience more sorrow than others. The examination of our words and works will be a very serious matter, and each one will have to stand in the reflection of their own life in accordance with what measure of obedience they lived, looking into the spiritual mirror of the Laws of God in Christ. 

Everything that was spoken and done in the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes and pride of life will burn up as each of us pass through a spiritually fueled fire-filled baptism. There is some scriptural evidence that suggests that this burning baptism could come out of the eyes of Jesus into and through our eyes, or that the glory that has been bestowed upon him from the Father (John 17.5) shall in retrospect burn in the windows of our souls like it did on Sinai (Exodus 24.17, Revelation 1.14, 2.18, 19.12). 

Some will not withstand the testing of fire as well as others, some scarcely being saved. 

Can you imagine this purging as he looks into your eyes with love burning up everything within you that is not holy so that you can enter the holy of holies? Once all of that which is sinful has been attributed to our individual accounts, and has been burned up, then we will be purified and allowed to enter. This is not a place like purgatory, but a personal spiritual experience. 

Until the moment each has gone through this individual examination, the Father shall continue to choose to see us as holy through the lens of the work of Jesus Christ, so that we may not be lost while Christ purifies us with fire. Thank God the Father that Our Lord Jesus Christ will burn up whatever is not holy so that we may be able to enter into the place of God’s Glory. 

Entrance shall then accompany reward, wherein some will enter abundantly while others just barely arrive. It is in the rewards that there is much variance beyond salvation. This is likely the more public event where everyone is collectively present, and the final picture of the Tribunal Seat that Paul in particular was painting.

There “may” also be a couple more variations we have not considered so well, like “outer darkness” and “casting away” verses “being thrown into the lake of fire”? So concerning words and works, we need to do a better job with confronting the tares among us, or hating even the spotted garment of our brother and sisters in valiant attempts to spare them from the fire. 

So many times I have heard it said that the word BEMA (Strong's G968) used to refer to the Judgment seat of Christ is only something that references awards in terms of the Olympic Games; the picture of Jesus Rewarding Gladiators in full view at the coliseum. But that is a traditional philosophy of men, not the illustration dyed in Christ’s blood in the Bible.

A BEMA is the place where Pilate sat trading Barabbas for Jesus Christ in Matthew 27.19 and John 19.13. The BEMA was a place where the inheritance skipped a generation in Acts 7.5. Herod sat on a BEMA in Acts 12.21, and Paul was brought before the BEMA by the Jews in Achaia in Acts 18.12, but was spared. Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue was beaten by the Greeks before this same BEMA in Acts 18.17. Paul was again brought before Festus at a BEMA in Acts 25.6, and Paul appealed to Caesar’s BEMA in Acts 25.10 when Festus asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem concerning the accusations against him by the high priest and the Jews. 

How shall we honestly then say that Paul only had it in his mind when he wrote of the BEMA in Romans 14.10 and 2 Corinthians 5.10, that the BEMA of Jesus Christ is only likened to the Olympic Games? Let’s stop using one verse like. Don’t you think it’s kind of odd how often that one verse 1 Corinthians 9.24 is used out of context, when the picture being drawn by the hand of God is of only one runner winning?  Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. 

The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4.17)!