What's Next
What’s Next 2 Cor. 5:10 EBC 3/1/09
Last week I preached on sometimes I just feel like moving on up to the Heaven side. Well, we should know what’s in store after we have moved on up.
Heaven will be a place of peace unsurpassed joy and complete contentment. But, there will also be a time when we will appear before the Lord Jesus Christ, one at a time, to give an account of the deeds done in this body.
Since we are going to face Jesus and since how well that goes depends on what we do down here- I think it important that we spend a few minutes thinking about it. Some preacher said, “I want you to understand what it is, what will happen there and how you can prepare yourself for that hour when you will meet Jesus face to face”.
I. The Participants- this is a judgment for believers only. There will be no lost here. Their judgment will come later
A. It will be universal- “All”- Every believers small and great will appear before Jesus to give an account.
1. Some think it will be just for preachers and Christian workers – but we all will appear.
2. Rom. 14:12-
B. It will be unavoidable- “must”. Many live their lives as if they will never have to give any type of account to God for the way they are living. Many proclaim Christ but have no interest in serving Him.
1. At the judgment there will be nowhere to hide- no place to run- when your name is called you will stand—all alone. You will have no one to blame your actions on
C. It will be undeniable- we must understand the God of Heaven keeps perfect records. Our every deed will be exposed- no earth you think you got by with something- in Heaven you will realize you didn’t.
II. The Purpose
A. The issues will not be:
1. Salvation- this issue has already been taken care of. Nothing can change the state of a believers soul.
2. Sin- Sin was taken care of at Calvary.
B. The issues will be:
1. There will be rewards or Crowns given. It may help us to understand a little bit about what the judgment seat actually was. In Paul's day, in every city there was a place called the Bema, or judgment seat. It was from this raised platform, usually in the center of town, that announcements were made, judgments rendered and commendations handed out. All public proclamations came from this Bema seat. So, we mustn't think that it was only a place for fear and trembling. Certainly some were rebuked when they came here, but others were rewarded and blessed. Christ's seat of judgment is no different.
a. These crowns are imperishable- they will never go away. In these Olympic type games the winners got wreaths- which over time faded away. God says our crowns are going to be imperishable. 1 Cor. 9:25
b. Some of the crowns are:
1. Crown of life- James 1:12- the person who endures and overcomes temptation
2. Crown of righteousness- 2 Tim. 4:8- the person who lives a life in light of His return.
3. Crown of exultation- 1 Thess 2:19-
4. Crown of Glory- 1 Peter 5:4- reserved for faithful ministers who lead and feed the flock of God.
5. God will apply the fire that judges the work. For those that pass the test we will be rewarded accordingly.
2.There will be rebukes- all motives, attitudes and activities will pass under God’s microscope.
a. Process God will use- 1 Cor. 3:12- there will be many who will be expecting to receive great rewards but will instead receive great rebuke. Lot is a picture of someone who allowed loose living to take all rewards.
III. The Preparation
A. In our motives- 1 Cor. 10:31
B. In our Manner of life- Matt 5:16- our every action in life needs to be measured by the word