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The Bible makes a distinction between the judgment seat of Christ which is for believers (1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10), and the great white throne judgment at the end of the Millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:11-15), as well as the judgment of the nations which will take place after the Tribulation and just before the Millennial kingdom is set up on the earth (Matt. 25:31-46).
For the believer in Christ Jesus, the judgment seat of Christ is actually an evaluation for the purpose of rewards. His sins will not be mentioned since all sin was judged at the cross.
For the unbeliever who appears at the great white throne judgment, his sins will not be mentioned either since his sins were also judged at the cross. Since Jesus has already paid the penalty for our sins we are not condemned for our sins. The unbeliever will be condemned on the basis of his works. No matter how many good works the unbeliever may do in his life those works are all produced on the basis of his relative and imperfect righteousness. But God cannot accept anything which comes from man's imperfect righteousness. Since God's righteousness is absolute and perfect He requires the same from man. But man's imperfect righteousness can never measure up to the perfect standard of God.
Since the unbeliever never received Christ as Savior he never received the imputation of Jesus' perfect righteousness (Romans chapters 3-5). Therefore, when he appears at the great white throne judgment he will have only his own imperfect righteousness to stand on. So all of his good works will be brought up and shown to be insufficient. And it is by his own works that he will be condemned.
At the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46), the works of the sheep (believers) and the works of the goats (unbelievers) will be mentioned. Because of the lawlessness which will exist during the Tribulation, the love of most people will grow cold as stated in Matthew 24:12. During that time, a person will be shown to be a believer by his works and the unbeliever will be shown by his lack of compassion toward the Jews. The believer will not be saved by his works, but will simply be shown to be a believer by his works. And the sheep will go into the kingdom and the goats will go into the eternal fire according to the passage.
None of us are God, and can say conclusively, but based on scripture, judgement is likely more crucial and critical for those who should know better (i.e. "believers"). It appears that God does not expect as much for those who do not know, or who are in the early stages of learning.
That's not saying he has preferences or prefers some over others. All are equal as persons in his eyes, and all have the ability to come to him. But those supposedly farther along on the path are expected to live accordingly as such.
As is often helpful, look at Jesus and how he conducted himself among the widely varying people he came across. He was sympathetic and helpful towards children, "sinners", and people with evil spirits, but had lots of wrath and strong words against the religious "experts", like the Sadducees and Pharisees.
In today's backwards society though, many bad apples (bogus "Christians") do the opposite of Christ, supporting the religious and the toxic, and bashing unbelievers. They should be calling themselves anti-Christians.
Last edited by Thoreau424; 12-16-2017 at 01:15 PM..
I'm glad we aren't going to reap what we so. It's a good thing because God is so merciful he will save us in spite of what we've done.
OT believer: "If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."
NT believer:
"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,
having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
God of the OT is the same God in the NT ... Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
OT believer: "If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."
NT believer:
"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,
having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
God of the OT is the same God in the NT ... Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
We will ALL reap whatever we sow that we have NOT repented of but we are ALL saved as by fire thanks to Jesus.
Yes, those in Christ are saved. EVEN the things we don't repent of, Jesus saves us from.
Hebrews 10:12-14 "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
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They don't seem to know what reaping what we sow actually means, Trout.
