Good works done for the right reasons

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Salvation past, present, and future”

Our Bible verse for today: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Good deeds done for the right reason”

As we continue considering the consummation of our salvation, we need to understand what will happen to us at the judgment seat of Christ referred to by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:10. The judgment is for both believers and non-believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Paul described the proceedings for us:

“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built up survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved – but only through fire.”

The first thing that will be determined at the judgment seat of Christ is if a person’s name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. Did you place your faith in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins in this lifetime? If you didn’t, then you are lost and the judgment is over. If you did, then your interview continues and the examination goes deeper.

It is at that point that your life is examined and your conduct evaluated. You are not punished for your sins. Jesus already took care of that for you on the cross. But your words and actions are evaluated by the Lord for their worthiness. Everything that is considered unworthy is tossed aside as worthless. Every thought, word, or deed that brought honor to the Lord is rewarded.

When Paul wrote in verse 15 of 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 that if a work is considered worthless you will “suffer loss,” he means that your efforts in that instance here on earth will have been shown to have been worthless and therefore you lost a potential eternal reward. When he writes that you will still have been “saved through fire,” he means that some people will make it into heaven, but their clothes will be smoking and their hair will be singed. They made it, but not by much.

The point is that there is a direct connection between how we live now and what eternity will be like for us forever. Even as people who have placed their faith in Christ and who are therefore assured of a place in heaven, we will not all be of the same spiritual stature, nor will we all enjoy the same rewards. We will enjoy heaven for all eternity to our full capacity, but our capacities for spiritual appreciation and enjoyment will be different based on how we lived and served in this life.

Good works done for the right reasons will be rewarded.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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