When I was young I remember vividly viewing a black-an-white religious tract that depicted the Last Judgement as humans standing before Jesus, in front of a huge screen, while everyone, including the person currently being judged, witnessed all that person's sins that happened during his or her's life. This depiction caused many a sleepless night as I tried to imagine, even at my relative young age, all my transgressions being broadcast for everyone to see!
Thankfully, that scene is nowhere to be found in the Bible. But there was an element of truth to that belief that it took many years for me to come to terms with. Let's take a closer look at what I believe the Bible teaches about this particular judgement from God.
First let's look at one of the scriptures that depict the Great White Throne of Judgement (Note: This is not the same as the Judgement Seat of Jesus), “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
That's a lot to unpack and for now we're only going to focus on what is happening to the believers at the Judgement seat, not the entire scope of all of the judgements of God.
First, I find it interesting that there is only one Book of Life and multiple Books of the Dead. My mind immediately recalled the scripture, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." (Matthew 7:13) This might explain why there is one book of life but many books of the dead, for few will choose the narrow path which is belief in Jesus Christ, and many will choose to reject His offer of forgiveness and continue down the path that leads to eternal judgement.
So I think the Word of God is clear that if your name is not written in the book of life, you will be judged for rejecting God's pathway to forgiveness and will be thrown into the lake of fire. Time doesn't permit us to fully explore this subject in this week's blog but suffice it to say that it is God's desire that none would perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9)
But why, if you have accepted the grace that Jesus offers and have lived a life dedicated to honoring and obeying Him, do you also get judged?
Because all believers, living and dead, will be held accountable for their works here on earth. Sin is not in view at this judgment, as that was paid for by Christ, but only faithfulness in Christian service. Selfish works or those done with wrong motives will be burned up (the “wood, hay, and stubble” of 1 Corinthians 3:12). Works of lasting value to the Lord will survive (the “gold, silver, and precious stones”).
Rewards, which the Bible calls “crowns” (Revelation 3:11) will be given by the One who is “not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him” (Hebrews 6:10).
It is my belief that one of the many purposes of this judgement is to demonstrate in detailed description, the depths of our failings and only then can we truly realize the full comprehension of His extravagant grace.
Let me turn over the rest of this narrative to an article by the late Dr. Charles Stanley on this subject:
"Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ will judge every person who has ever lived (Acts 10:42). Those who refuse His offer of salvation face the white throne judgment (Note: see the scripture above)—the unbelievers’ last stop before an eternity of exile from God’s presence. Then, in 1st Corinthians 4:5, Paul asserts that Jesus will disclose the motives hidden in believers’ hearts. (The Judgement Seat of Jesus) Some people have gotten the misguided idea that all their sins will be displayed for everyone to see, but the Bible in no way supports that notion.
Jesus will reveal the true nature of a believer’s heart to him or her. Every rebellious act, wrong attitude, and cutting word will be reviewed. When the Bible says that Jesus will wipe the tears from our eyes, it is referring to this time (Isaiah 25:8). We’ll be standing in the holy Savior’s presence, grieving over how undeserving we are of His sacrifice. But the sorrow will last only a moment. On its heels comes the tremendous joy of having received forgiveness and of living a life pleasing to Him. Christ’s judgment is not a punishment; it is a reminder that we are pardoned. At last, we will fully realize the depth and breadth of His grace.
Believers need not cower or hang their heads during the judgment. Nor are we to repent—the time for that is past. We will stand before the Lord, clothed in Christ’s righteousness and forgiven of every single sin. And we will at last comprehend how great is the love of our God for us." Dr. Charles Stanley
This also helps to explain Psalm 103: 11-12, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." He does not hold our sins in judgement against us during this event, but is judging us for the life we have or have not lived with the opportunities that He has given us.
Okay, I apologize, here is the final, last word by the late Dr. Billy Graham: "The reason for this judgement is so God can reward us for what we have done for Him. The Bible doesn’t explain in detail what those rewards may be — but it reminds us that we are still accountable to Him for how we live. Our greatest reward, however, will be to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23)."
Amen.
