As we grapple with and embrace God’s incredible grace, we are free to be forgiven, to walk in joy instead of shame and rather than judge others, we can love. What a relief and what a gift!
This is my stance before God – justified freely forever!
SO THAT I can now live a different kind of life. Because I have freely received, I can live in obedience. That’s the point, the reason He saved us, so we are free to live for Him and not for ourselves. And that’s ironically always better for me!
“We must stop using the fact that we cannot earn grace (whether for justification or for sanctification) as an excuse for not energetically seeking to receive grace. Having been found by God, we then become seekers of ever fuller life in him. Grace is opposed to earning, but not to effort.” Dallas Willard
If not, why would He say,
“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)
So, although there are end time judgments that won’t concern us, there is one we need to take note of.
The Judgment Seat of Christ will focus on the believer’s words, works, and faithfulness.
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Cor. 5:9,10
Though we are freely given eternal life, we are responsible for what we do with the life God gives us on earth. How we need His grace for this!
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” Gal. 5:25
“…each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved…” 1 Cor. 3:13-15
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12
“… don’t receive the grace of God in vain”! 2 Cor. 6:1
Picture yourself at the end of your life; insert yourself into your future…what will you wish you’d have been and done?
What will you regret?
What can you do now?
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” John 14:23