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his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether
good or bad.” I’d like to illustrate it with the judgment seat of
Christ. To many Christians this is a frightening prospect. They
don’t like to think about the judgment seat of Christ. They often
miss God’s heart about the judgment seat of Christ. I know
some Christians who dread of the judgment seat of Christ.
Many books are written about it. I want to pass by the
technical side. I studied the Bema (Judgment) Seat and perhaps
you have, too. I know it’s not about God judging sin. God is
honest and He will not collect the same debt twice. Jesus paid
for all you sins on the cross. You’ll never have to pay again for
that. What is the Judgment Seat of Christ?
1 Corinthians 3:13-15, “…each man’s work will become
evident’ for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed
with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s
work. If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains,
he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he
shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through
fire.” A day is coming when everything will be tested by fire.
The deepest thoughts of my heart will be examined by fire.
Everything I have ever done will be tested by fire; what was
fruit and what was works.
Here’s the point. 100% everything that I have ever done
to dishonor the Lord, to disappoint God, to hurt Jesus, every
sinful thought, everything I’ve left undone, every offense to
God, will someday be burned up. It will be gone. People are
afraid of the Judgment Seat of Christ. I can’t wait. I want that
fire. I want everything that doesn’t please Jesus to be burned
up. That’s the consummation at the end! That’s why all tears
will be wiped away. You don’t have to be afraid of the
Judgment Seat of Christ.
At the Judgment Seat of Christ God will look at you and
say, “There is nothing that displeases me.” I have arrived
because I see Jesus and I’m finally like Him. There’s no more
sin and there’s no more dishonoring God. It’s all ashes; it’s
gone. I’m not afraid of that fire – “Burn baby, burn!” I want
that fire.
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