Driven by Eternity With John BevereSample

Confidence at the Judgment Seat

It’s shocking how many people base their lives on what is not eternal. They build their lives on everything from complete falsehoods to partial truths, but anything less than the full truth is a setup for disaster.

Jesus made it very clear in John 12:48–49: Everyone will face judgment one day, including Christians. No one is exempt. This day is fixed by God and it will surely come for both the Christian and the non-Christian.

The basis for God’s judgment is equally fixed. No human can bring their own standard to that day. No one can say, “I tried my best to live a good life.” It will do no good to claim that Jesus’ mercy as Savior prevented you from also knowing Him as Judge.

Moreover, the term of God’s judgment is firmly decided. It is eternal (Hebrews 6:12). His verdict is final and there is no appeals court. No higher authority can challenge God’s eternal ruling. There is no second chance. All the choices and decisions from your life will then be final—eternally final.

Does it shake you to know these things? By God’s mercy, we can face these truths with confidence.

Look at John 12:48–49. These verses tell us the basis of God’s judgment. It’s no secret, God’s own words that He has already spoken will judge us on that day. It is simply a question of whether we have taken care to examine God’s entire Word, and not just part of it, to see what God commands. We demonstrate His love by carefully following the precepts He has clearly laid out for us, living them by the grace He gives us.

The topic of God’s judgment may not be pleasant for many people. But while we approach it with reverent fear, we do so with confidence. Many students fear their final exam, knowing they are unprepared. But those students who have been diligent to know what their teacher requires will approach that day with confidence.

We cannot discuss eternity without discussing God’s judgment, for His judgment is what decides the fate of our eternity. Do not be shaken. As you continue to study eternal judgments, God’s Word will show you everything you need to become confident for that day.