Weird Ideas: Coming to JudgeSample

When Jesus comes again to judge the living and the dead, it will have a positive side, too. He’ll set things right and bless us according to what we’ve done for him.

When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will stand in one of two ways. Those who are not in Christ will stand before him alone. They will be judged on the basis of their own merit. But those who are in Christ will stand before him as though they are Christ. Christ’s life – Christ’s merits – will count towards them. Why? Because they are in him. Their identity before God is now Christ’s identity.

This means that for every person in Christ, not only has a verdict of “righteous” already come (as we saw in yesterday’s reading, there is no condemnation!), it also means that God will bless us according to what we have done. It’s as though when we are in Christ, God will focus on the positives. No sin will stand against us to condemn us while the good we’ve done will be recognized.

1 Corinthians may give the best explanation for this. Here, Paul compares the work of an “in Christ” person to building materials. Christ is the foundation. As we live for Christ, we build on that foundation. Some build well. They seek to live for Christ and prioritize God’s way. This is like building with gold, silver, or costly stones. The beauty of it will shine forth into eternity.

How will you build? What kind of judgment will Jesus render? May you embrace what Christ has done for you. May you live a life investing in that final end. And may you live confidently in his perfect judgment to come.

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