Tag: Judgement

The Judgment Seat and the Value of Our Works

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul teaches that every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be repaid for what was done in life, whether good or bad. This does not mean Christians will face God’s punishment. Scripture is clear that Jesus took the full penalty for sin through his death, bearing the judgment we deserved. Consider Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

The word “bad” in this passage comes from a term meaning useless or without value. At this future judgment, worthless deeds, those with no eternal importance, will be set aside. These are not sinful acts, but activities that hold no lasting spiritual impact.

What will remain are the righteous works God has produced in us. These will form the basis of our eternal reward. This truth calls believers to focus on what matters for eternity, investing time and effort in works that honour Christ rather than in things that will pass away.

…each one’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 one’s work. If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.

1 Corinthians 3:13–14

What the Bible Says About Believers and Judgement

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JEFF TURNER

Some people wonder if Christians will face judgement after they die, and some even suggest this might involve something like purgatory. However, the Bible does not support the idea of purgatory. It is not mentioned anywhere in Scripture. Instead, when people die, they go either to be with God or to a place of suffering, as shown in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). There is no in-between state where souls are purified before entering heaven.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 explains that believers will be judged, but not for their sins. Those have already been forgiven through Jesus’ death. Instead, this judgement is about what each person has done for God’s kingdom. Paul says that some works will last, like gold or silver, while others will be burned up, like wood or straw. This burning doesn’t mean punishment, but a loss of reward. The believer will still be saved, but their worthless works, those without lasting spiritual value, will not count for anything in eternity.

Each believer will appear before Christ to receive what is due for their deeds.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

What It Really Means Not to Judge

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JEFF TURNER

Many people, especially those outside the Christian faith, turn to Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” when they feel challenged about sin. But this verse is often misunderstood. Jesus was not saying that believers should never make judgments. Instead, He was warning against taking the place of God by acting as if we have final authority over others.

Just a few verses later, in the same chapter, Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or to throw pearls before pigs. To follow that instruction, a person has to make a judgment. I’m speaking of a judgement that involves spiritual understanding. This shows that some level of discernment is necessary when handling sacred things, especially the message of the gospel.

The warning in Matthew 7:1 is really about pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was speaking against the religious leaders of the time who were treating others harshly, as if they had God’s insight and power. While Christians are called to evaluate right from wrong, they must remember that only God can make the final judgment, because only He sees everything clearly.

Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

The Eternal Choice Between Mercy and Judgement

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AMY TURNER

The Bible speaks clearly about the reality of eternal life and judgement. In Revelation 20:15, it says that anyone whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire represents hell, a place of final separation from God. The passage reminds us that every person faces one of two final destinations: either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.

Importantly, this choice is not based on human achievement or personal worthiness. No one can earn their way to heaven by good deeds or accomplishments. Instead, entry into heaven comes only through God’s grace and mercy, offered freely to those who accept it. It is given to those who recognise their need and trust in the gift of life through Jesus Christ.

The message is simple yet serious: heaven is a place for those who have received mercy, not for those who rely on their own strength.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

The Eternal Choice Between Our Deeds and Christ’s Sacrifice

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AMY TURNER

One day, every person — regardless of status or background — will stand before God to be judged. The Bible speaks of this in Revelation 20:12. We’re told how the dead will stand before a great throne while books are opened, recording what each person has done in life. These records will be the basis for judgment.

Another book will also be opened: the Book of Life. According to Revelation 20:15, anyone whose name is not found in this book will face separation from God in the lake of fire. This is a serious decision everyone must consider.

Each person has two options. They can either face judgment based on their own actions, recorded in the books, or rely on what Jesus Christ has done through his suffering and death. This choice determines whether one’s name is in the Book of Life.

Will you trust in your own deeds, or in the sacrifice of Christ on your behalf? The decision shapes your eternal future.

The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

John 3:36