Top 5 Passages Religious “Anti-Grace” People Love (Part 6)

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Part 6 of 6

(part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5)

5- 2 Corinthians 5:10 

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

At first glance, this passage might appear to be stating that like it is with Santa so to it is with God, you better “watch out” and “think twice,” because you may be in danger of some severe discipline and consequences if you don’t behave nice. Fortunately, that is not the true meaning of this passage.

Thankfully, for the Christian, what this passage is referring to is not our salvation, but our rewards in heaven. Second, what’s at stake in this passage are “rewards,” not punishment. Where some Christians may want to use this passage to influence you into living a “do good” life out of fear and a desire to get the best out of heaven that is offered, that is not the message of this passage.

In fact, we already know that without faith, nothing we do can please the Lord. Any of our striving efforts that try to appease God, justify ourselves, or earn His favor are not going to be rewarded. The only behavors that are “good” and that please the Lord are actiongs that come from a foundation of rest as you trust in His goodness for your Godliness. It is this trust that enables us to fully and accurately understand who we are and what we have in Him, and thus allows God to do “good” through us. For the Christian, the true essence of the judgement seat of Christ is that God rewards us for the work He actually does in and through us . He does the work, through our faith, and He credits it to our rewards-account in heaven. Now that is Grace!

(part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5)

1 Comment

  1. Pam

    Really enjoyed this series. I needed to be reminded of the essence of grace. Section 4 and 6 really spoke to me specifically tonight. To be reminded that grace cannot be earned and the need to let God work through me is a goal I want to strive for daily…..so thankful for grace for I am so inadequate in my humanness. These passages also remind me of the teachings of the church with regard to the law. I am so thankful that in my heart I know the difference between following the law and living in grace. Thanks for sharing these assuring and encouraging passages! God Bless you and your family.

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