Judgment Seat of Christ

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." --- (SofS 2:4)
Travis Case, Pastor/Teacher          Northgate Baptist Church          F.E.A.S.T Ministries

Romans 14:7-13, "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way."

Introduction:

A. The Moment Anyone Believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, God saves him.

Acts 16:30-31, "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Romans 10:9-10, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

1. No one Deserves to be saved, and no one can ever do anything to Merit or Earn salvation.

Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

2. Salvation is altogether of Grace.

Ephesians 2:8-10, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Romans 3:24, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

Romans 11:6, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

B. Salvation is bestowed Fully and Freely --- in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ --- upon all who Accept Him and Trust Him Alone as their personal Saviour.

Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

C. Therefore, because salvation is Altogether of Grace --- when the Lord comes again --- Every Christian will be Translated into His presence to be with Him for ever.

I Thessalonians 4:16-17, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

D. However, there are Different Kinds of Christians:

1. The Faithful and the Unfaithful .

Matthew 25:21, "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." --- V. 26-27, "His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury."

2. The Spiritual and the Carnal .

I Corinthians 3:1, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."

3. The Diligent and the Careless.

Ephesians 5:15-17, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

E. What Does It Matter, then, --- as to the kind of Christian we are --- we shall All be caught up to Him Anyway?

F. It Is True, no Christian will ever be judged for his sins --- Where His Soul Will Be In Jeopardy.....

1. The Christian has Already been Judged And Punished --- in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. John 5:24, "Verily , verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

3. Isa 53:4-6, "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. {5} But he <was> wounded for our transgressions, <he was> bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace <was> upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {6} All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."

I. However, Christian, there is a Great Examination Day coming --- God Does Judge His People!

2 Cor. 5:9-11, "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; ..."

Romans 14:10, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

Heb. 10:28-30, "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: {29} Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? {30} For we know him that hath said, Vengeance <belongeth> unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people."

1 Peter 4:17, "For the time <is come> that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if <it> first <begin> at us, what shall the end <be> of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." --- (Good or Bad)

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

Colossians 3:23-25, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Acts 5:1-11, "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things."

1 Corinthians 11:29-34, "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."

1 Corinthians 4:2-5, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

1 John 5:16, "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."

Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

James 3:1, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

James 5:9, "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door."

A. The book of Hebrews was Written To Christians About Christians.

Hebrews 3:1 - 4:11. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. " --- 4:1, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

Heb. 5:12 - 6:12, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." --- 6:1, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Read John 15:1-8) 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

John 15:1-8, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

Hebrews 10:18-31, "Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

B. If a Scripture Clearly Teaches something, we must Not Ignore or try to Explain Away it's plain teaching because of our own Preconceived Ideas.

C. There are Three things you Must Remember:

1. God Can and Will Judge Us Severely Now and Can Continue into the next age Prior To Eternity.

2. Although Many Believers Are In Danger of Judgment from God for Unconfessed and Unrepented sins --- All Judgment for the Believer is Finished (Concluded) when Eternity Begins.

3. Any Record of any Sin by a Believer can be Erased before God by Confession.

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

II. When We Appear Before The Judgment Seat of Christ We shall Appear As We Really Are:

A. Down here we are never seen by each other As We Really Are --- only God can see our hearts.

I Sam 16:7, "... for <the LORD seeth> not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

B. 1 Cor. 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

C. The one thing that counts before God is Reality --- at the Judgment Seat of Christ He will make manifest our Motives.....

III. When We Appear Before The Judgment Seat of Christ --- We Shall Have To Give An Account of Our Own Service.

A. Rom. 14:10-12, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. {11} For it is written, <As> I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. {12} So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

B. The account that we shall give --- is of our Ourselves - not of others --- it will be revealed then:

1. Whether We Have Lived For God's Glory or For Self-Pleasing.

2 Cor. 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: {15} And <that> he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

Rom. 15:1-3, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. {2} Let every one of us please <his> neighbour for <his> good to edification. {3} For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."

2. How We Have Used Our Time.

Eph. 5:15-17, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, {16} Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. {17} Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord <is>."

3. How We Have Used Our Money, Possessions, And Property.

1 Tim. 6:17-19, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; {18} That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; {19} Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Matt. 6:19-21, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: {20} But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: {21} For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

4. Whether We Have Sought The Salvation of The Lost.

2 Cor. 5:18-20, "And all things <are> of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; {19} To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. {20} Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech <you> by us: we pray <you> in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

5. Whether We Have Been Faithful In Prayer.

Luke 18:1, "And he spake a parable unto them <to this end>, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"

1 Thess. 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."

6. All The Words That We Have Spoken.

Matt. 12:36-37, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. {37} For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

7. Our Attitude Towards Our Brethren.

Rom. 12:10, "<Be> kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another;"

Rom. 14:10, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

1 Tim 5:11-15, "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton (malicious, spiteful, vicious, perverse, unruly, willful) against Christ, they will marry; {12} Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. {13} And withal they learn <to be> idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. {14} I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. {15} For some are already turned aside after Satan."

Mat 25:40, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <it> unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done <it> unto me."

IV. When We Appear Before The Judgment Seat of Christ, Everything Which Is Worthless And Empty Will Be Burned Up And Only That Which Can Stand The Test of Fire Will Remain.

1 Cor. 3:11-15, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. {12} Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; {13} Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. {14} If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. {15} If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

2 John 1:8, "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

Rev 3:11, "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

V. When We Appear Before The Judgment Seat of Christ --- The Purpose of The Judge Will Be To Reward Faithfulness.

A. After the Grecian Games were over, the successful contestants assembled before the "Bema," or the Judges' Stand.

B. This was an elevated seat upon which the umpire sat to pronounce the results and to make the awards.

C. You and I will have to stand before the Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ in order that He may give honor, promotion,and reward where they have been merited.

1 Corinthians 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall [every man] have [praise] of God."

VI. The Results of Appearing Before The Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ:

A. Some Will Hear The Word of Divine Approval --- And Receive Promotions.

1. Matt. 25:21-23, "His lord said unto him, Well done, <thou> good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. {22} He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. {23} His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

2. Rev. 20:4, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and <I saw> the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received <his> mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

B. Many Christians Will Receive Crowns Because of Their Faithful Service.

1. The Only Thing You Can Take To Heaven with you are Souls that you have Witnessed to and Won To Christ --- These are Living Crowns! --- or Crowns of Rejoicing!

1 Thessalonians 2:19, "For what <is> our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? <Are> not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"

Daniel 12:3, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the [stars] for [ever] and [ever].

2. All of God's Crowns Are --- Incorruptible

1 Corinthians 9:25, "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they <do it> to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

3. The Crown of Righteousness --- Life --- Martyr's ---

a. I believe these All refer to the Same Crown!

(1) The Crown of Righteousness is for those who Love His Appearing --- living as though He would come today.

(2) The Crown of Life is also for those who Love Him.

(3) The Martyr's Crown is for those who Love Him Enough To Die For Him.

(4) And, As We Shall See, those who love Him enough to die for Him --- will Love Him Enough To Live For Him.

2 Tim. 4:8, "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 2:10, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast <some> of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

b. Now, if you are Willing To Die for Christ, are you Willing To Live for Him?

Colossians 1:10, "That ye might walk [worthy] of the [Lord] unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

Ephesians 4:1, "I therefore, the prisoner of the [Lord], beseech you that ye walk [worthy] of the vocation wherewith ye are called,"

4. The Crown of Glory --- Pastor's Crown.

1 Peter 5:2-4, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight <thereof>, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; {3} Neither as being lords over <God's> heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. {4} And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

1 Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of [double honour] (honorarium), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

C. Then There Are The Unfaithful Christians:

1. Luke 12:42-48, "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom <his> lord shall make ruler over his household, to give <them their> portion of meat in due season? {43} Blessed <is> that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. {44} Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. {45} But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; {46} The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for <him>, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. {47} And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not <himself>, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many <stripes>. {48} But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few <stripes>. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

a. All the servants are Members of the Master’s Household.

b. All the servants had been Committed With Stewardship --- The issue is Faithfulness in carrying out that stewardship.

c. All the servants were to be Diligent in carrying out their Responsibilities.

d. The Faithful ones are Blessed but the Scriptures portrays the Possibility of Unfaithfulness by the Same Servant --- not some other man’s servant who is an unbeliever.

e. The parable has to do with Rewards According To Works as applicable to the Believer --- Salvation Is Not An Issue in this parable.

2. Matt. 25:14-30, "For <the kingdom of heaven is> as a man travelling into a far country, <who> called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. {15} And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. {16} Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made <them> other five talents. {17} And likewise he that <had received> two, he also gained other two. {18} But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. {19} After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. {20} And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. {21} His lord said unto him, Well done, <thou> good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. {22} He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. {23} His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. {24} Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed: {25} And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, <there> thou hast <that is> thine. {26} His lord answered and said unto him, <Thou> wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed: {27} Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and <then> at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. {28} Take therefore the talent from him, and give <it> unto him which hath ten talents. {29} For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. {30} And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

a. Are Unbelievers give Spiritual Gifts along with the Responsibility to use them for God’s glory until Jesus comes again. --- No!

b. Does the Scriptures recognize Unbelievers as Servants of Christ. --- No!

c. The "Reckoning" (V. 19) has reference to the Judgment Seat of Christ --- All Three Servants are dealt with at this "Reckoning" --- Do Unbelievers Appear At The Judgment Seat of Christ? --- No!

d. This parable pictures Rulership In The Coming Kingdom of God based upon Current Faithfulness.

e. The "Outer Darkness" signifies a position Outside of the Lord’s Glorious Kingdom. --- "Portion with the unbelievers" --- Being ruled over .....

f. The "Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth" signifies Severe Regret and Self-Blame for a Lack of Faithfulness

3. "...even what he has will be taken away."

Rev. 3:11, "Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."

4. This judgment upon Christians has no reference to the Split Rapture --- Purgatory --- Hell --- Etc..

a. Now, Just What Is This Judgment Upon Christians?

b. Study this with the Millennium Reign of Christ in mind

D. When We Appear Before The Judgment Seat of Christ --- It Will Be Too Late Then To: --- Wish That We Had Been More Faithful, - More Zealous - or More Careful - In Our Work And Witness.

1 John 2:28, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."

VII. Remember, God’s Forgiveness Is Complete!

A. Our Confession can Restore the Fellowship that Our Sins have Broken with a Holy God --- and also Cleanse Every Stain caused by the defilement of our sin.

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

B. We Must Forgive Others Before God Will Forgive Us!

Luke 6:37, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

Matthew 5:23-24, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

Matthew 6:12, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Mark 11:25-26, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 18:21-35, "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. "

a. The Unforgiving Servant had already been Forgiven --- Released From His Debt.

b. Yet, the Lord handed him over to the Tormentors .....

c. As Christians, our Judicial Forgiveness has been accomplished for us Eternally by Christ Redemption on the Cross.

d. However, Sin, on our part, will Break Fellowship With God --- and bring His Judgment upon us.

e. We Must Show Mercy Now In Order For God To Show Mercy To Us At The Judgment Seat of Christ!

James 2:13, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."

Luke 6:38, "... with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Using the same measure, by which you forgive others, God will forgive you!

Conclusion:

Now, The Big Question, Will Rewards & Loss of Rewards Last Throughout Eternity?

Revelation 21:1-2, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. {2} And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Revelation 22:1-2, "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. {2} In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, <was there> the tree of life, which bare twelve <manner of> fruits, <and> yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree <were> for the healing of the nations."

Daniel 12:3, "And they that be wise shall [shine] as the [brightness] of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

Revelation 21:24-27, "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. {25} And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. {26} And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. {27} And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither <whatsoever> worketh abomination, or <maketh> a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

If You Are Not Saved, Nothing Else Matters