Lesson 495

(Lesson 495)(12-23-12) 2 Corinthians 5:10-21, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

This is one of the most important lessons, pertaining to Christian behavior that is to be found in the entire New Testament. The true intent of this lesson has often been distorted and erroneously taught by many "Christian" isms.

There are many today who believe that this lesson implies that once a person is saved and has given him/herself over to the eternal sanctification of Jesus Christ, that one must live a perfect life, a life above sin, or face the loss of their salvation. That notion however, is patently false. That premise has NO scriptural foundation and is tersely refuted by 1John 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
Within this lesson itself, Paul says, "all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ" Since all we do has already been reconciled to God there is no need for future reconciliation.

Herein, Paul, in essence, tells us we are bought with, and paid for by, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and now belong to the Father. Therefore, we will not participate in the "final judgment". We will, however, present ourselves before the "judgment seat of Christ", just as Paul said in the first portion of this lesson, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
I won't venture to guess what is meant by the usage of the phrase "good or bad". I do know that the bad won't be eternal damnation. That punishment is reserved explicitly for those who reject the grace of God altogether.

As Christians, out of love for God and a finite devotion to the spreading of His divine word, we are to live lives that appear as beacons toward the saving grace of God. If we fail to live up to that standard, we will indeed face the wrath of the Son while remaining exempt from the eternal damnation assured to those who reject eternal redemption through Jesus Christ.~