The Judgment Seat

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
2 Corinthians 5:10

Standing Before Christ

There are many things that motivate us as Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Possibly one of the most important is the fact that one day we all will give an account of our life to Christ.  We will not have to report what we did or did not do because Jesus knows all things.  Neither will there be any reasons to give excuses for our life here on Earth.  As the Scripture says, we will receive what is due for what we did while we were in our mortal bodies.

Paul was motivated by this truth and desired to please God with all his might.  The idea of standing before Christ gave him an expected urgency to obey the small still voice of God.  The Holy Spirit guides us to do the will of God.  That is why Paul says that it is important be controlled by the Spirit of God and no other thing or person.  Paul’s ministry was pleasing to the Lord.  He was not perfect but he strived to live everyday for the Lord.  His actions and words were living proof that Jesus was His master and Lord.

The promise that we receive as true Believers in Christ is found in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  The blood sacrifice of Jesus paid for our sin once and for all to give us eternal life in Heaven but we will still stand before Christ to receive our just reward for the things done good and bad.

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for dying on the cross for me and my sins.  Give me strength to live courageously for You as I strive to please only You.