Have you ever considered what awaits us beyond this life? While we often get caught up in the day-to-day concerns of our earthly existence, there's a profound truth we must confront: we all have an unavoidable appointment with eternity.
The Bible speaks clearly about a day of reckoning, a time when each of us will stand before God to give an account of our lives. This isn't meant to instill fear, but rather to awaken us to the reality of our eternal destiny and the importance of how we live now.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminds us: "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" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This verse unveils three crucial aspects of our future:
1. The Unavoidable Summons
Unlike earthly appointments we might reschedule or avoid, this is one meeting we cannot postpone. Whether through death or the return of Christ, every person will face this moment. It's a sobering thought that should prompt us to live with intentionality and purpose.
2. The Infallible Judge
We will stand before Jesus Christ himself, described in Revelation with eyes like blazing fire and a voice like rushing waters. This isn't the gentle Jesus of popular imagination, but the glorified King of Kings. For believers, this isn't a terrifying prospect, but rather a moment of evaluation and potential reward.
3. The Undeniable Conclusion
Knowing this future reality should transform how we live now. Paul says, "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Corinthians 5:11). Our understanding of eternity should fuel our passion for sharing the gospel and living lives that honor God.
But what exactly happens at this "judgment seat of Christ"? Paul gives us a vivid picture in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. He describes our lives as a building, with Jesus Christ as the only true foundation. The materials we use to build – our actions, motivations, and priorities – will be tested by fire. What's truly valuable will endure, while that which is worthless will be burned away.
This isn't about losing our salvation, which is secure in Christ. Rather, it's about the potential for reward or loss based on how faithfully we've lived for God. Some may enter eternity having built with "gold, silver, and precious stones" – lives of lasting impact and eternal value. Others might find much of their life's work reduced to ashes, "escaping through the flames" with little to show for their time on earth.
This future examination should cause us to reflect deeply on how we're living now:
• Are we building on the right foundation – a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ?
• Are we investing our time, talents, and resources in things of eternal value?
• Are we living with an awareness of eternity, or are we overly focused on temporary pleasures and pursuits?
The day of judgment isn't just about individual evaluation. The Bible speaks of two distinct judgments:
1. The Judgment Seat of Christ: For believers, a time of reward and loss.
2. The Great White Throne Judgment: For those who have rejected Christ, a final sentencing to eternal separation from God.
Understanding these realities should fill us with both gratitude and urgency. For those who trust in Christ, there's immense comfort in knowing our eternity is secure. Yet, this should also stir us to compassion for those who don't yet know Him. We have the privilege and responsibility to share the hope of the gospel while there's still time.
Let's not forget the glorious hope that awaits believers. We will be transformed, receiving new bodies fit for eternity. All the struggles and sufferings of this life will fade away in the light of God's presence. The mysteries and unanswered questions that perplex us now will find their resolution.
As we contemplate these eternal truths, let's allow them to shape our priorities and perspective:
1. Live with Eternity in Mind: Make choices that will matter in light of forever, not just for temporary gain or comfort.
2. Invest in What Lasts: Pour yourself into relationships, spiritual growth, and Kingdom work that will have eternal significance.
3. Share the Hope: Let the reality of coming judgment motivate you to compassionately share the good news of Jesus with others.
4. Trust in God's Grace: Remember that our standing before God is based on Christ's finished work, not our own perfection. Live from a place of gratitude, not fear.
5. Pursue Holiness: Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you, building a life that will shine brightly when tested by fire.
The story is told of a wealthy man who, nearing death, tried to negotiate with God to bring his earthly treasures into eternity. God surprisingly agreed, allowing him to bring one suitcase. The man filled it with gold bars. Upon entering heaven, St. Peter inspected the luggage and exclaimed, "You brought pavement?"
This tale reminds us that what we value so highly now may be worthless in eternity. Instead, let's focus on storing up true treasures in heaven – lives lived in loving obedience to God and in service to others.
As you go about your day, remember that unavoidable appointment on your eternal calendar. Let it inspire you to live fully, love deeply, and invest wisely in light of forever. For "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The Bible speaks clearly about a day of reckoning, a time when each of us will stand before God to give an account of our lives. This isn't meant to instill fear, but rather to awaken us to the reality of our eternal destiny and the importance of how we live now.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminds us: "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" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This verse unveils three crucial aspects of our future:
1. The Unavoidable Summons
Unlike earthly appointments we might reschedule or avoid, this is one meeting we cannot postpone. Whether through death or the return of Christ, every person will face this moment. It's a sobering thought that should prompt us to live with intentionality and purpose.
2. The Infallible Judge
We will stand before Jesus Christ himself, described in Revelation with eyes like blazing fire and a voice like rushing waters. This isn't the gentle Jesus of popular imagination, but the glorified King of Kings. For believers, this isn't a terrifying prospect, but rather a moment of evaluation and potential reward.
3. The Undeniable Conclusion
Knowing this future reality should transform how we live now. Paul says, "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Corinthians 5:11). Our understanding of eternity should fuel our passion for sharing the gospel and living lives that honor God.
But what exactly happens at this "judgment seat of Christ"? Paul gives us a vivid picture in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. He describes our lives as a building, with Jesus Christ as the only true foundation. The materials we use to build – our actions, motivations, and priorities – will be tested by fire. What's truly valuable will endure, while that which is worthless will be burned away.
This isn't about losing our salvation, which is secure in Christ. Rather, it's about the potential for reward or loss based on how faithfully we've lived for God. Some may enter eternity having built with "gold, silver, and precious stones" – lives of lasting impact and eternal value. Others might find much of their life's work reduced to ashes, "escaping through the flames" with little to show for their time on earth.
This future examination should cause us to reflect deeply on how we're living now:
• Are we building on the right foundation – a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ?
• Are we investing our time, talents, and resources in things of eternal value?
• Are we living with an awareness of eternity, or are we overly focused on temporary pleasures and pursuits?
The day of judgment isn't just about individual evaluation. The Bible speaks of two distinct judgments:
1. The Judgment Seat of Christ: For believers, a time of reward and loss.
2. The Great White Throne Judgment: For those who have rejected Christ, a final sentencing to eternal separation from God.
Understanding these realities should fill us with both gratitude and urgency. For those who trust in Christ, there's immense comfort in knowing our eternity is secure. Yet, this should also stir us to compassion for those who don't yet know Him. We have the privilege and responsibility to share the hope of the gospel while there's still time.
Let's not forget the glorious hope that awaits believers. We will be transformed, receiving new bodies fit for eternity. All the struggles and sufferings of this life will fade away in the light of God's presence. The mysteries and unanswered questions that perplex us now will find their resolution.
As we contemplate these eternal truths, let's allow them to shape our priorities and perspective:
1. Live with Eternity in Mind: Make choices that will matter in light of forever, not just for temporary gain or comfort.
2. Invest in What Lasts: Pour yourself into relationships, spiritual growth, and Kingdom work that will have eternal significance.
3. Share the Hope: Let the reality of coming judgment motivate you to compassionately share the good news of Jesus with others.
4. Trust in God's Grace: Remember that our standing before God is based on Christ's finished work, not our own perfection. Live from a place of gratitude, not fear.
5. Pursue Holiness: Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you, building a life that will shine brightly when tested by fire.
The story is told of a wealthy man who, nearing death, tried to negotiate with God to bring his earthly treasures into eternity. God surprisingly agreed, allowing him to bring one suitcase. The man filled it with gold bars. Upon entering heaven, St. Peter inspected the luggage and exclaimed, "You brought pavement?"
This tale reminds us that what we value so highly now may be worthless in eternity. Instead, let's focus on storing up true treasures in heaven – lives lived in loving obedience to God and in service to others.
As you go about your day, remember that unavoidable appointment on your eternal calendar. Let it inspire you to live fully, love deeply, and invest wisely in light of forever. For "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Pastor Phil Morgan
Posted in 2 Corinthians: Onward We Stumble
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