SUNDAY October 9, 2022 

A Life Well-Pleasing to God 

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
2 Corinthians 5:9-11

Think about salvation for a moment. Can you earn it? No, it is a free gift of God. Understand, you will never be judged for your sin. Your Adamic sin (every person is born with a sinful nature) was judged at the Cross. The blood of Jesus cleansed you from your sin. However, you will be judged for your works.

Once we are saved, our good works become evident. As we grow in Christ, fruitful good deeds flow naturally as a part of our Christian faith. There is a perfect balance between our faith and works. Works show evidence of our salvation. 

When you and I die, we shall stand before the Bema seat of Christ. A record of all our works has been kept: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Everything you have done, you will be judged according to the motivation of your service. 

Your works will be tried by the fire. If they are completely burnt up, as hay or stubble would be in the fire, then even though you have no reward for any of your works, your salvation is still a free gift to you: 

Now if anyone builds on this foundation [Christ] with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; ... it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work ... endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). 

If you do have beautiful works, done with the right motive, they will endure the fire, and you will receive an imperishable crown. 

...we [compete] for an imperishable crown.
~1 Corinthians 9:25~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!