D x * . T a l b o t ’s G ì u i e s t i o n B o x
Read the solemn words of Paul in I Corinthians 3:11-15. “ To suffer loss” does not mean to lose our souls, but to forfeit our rewards. If we stand condemned by our works, then the privilege and joy of serving the Lord in some exalted capacity will not be ours. This judgment is to de termine our place and position in coming glory. There will be many believers, who, in the day of Christ’s judgment will have the sorrow of seeing a great deal they thought valuable burned up. All that revolved around self glory, self-importance, and self-ag grandizement will be consumed like wood, hay and stubble. But all that was for God’s glory will abide as do gold, silver and precious stones. Further, this judgment is related to our works in a two-fold way. First of all, the fire will try the quality of our service. A passage like Ephe sians 6:7 reveals what it is that gives quality to our service — “ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Again in Colossians 3:23 we read, “And what soever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” The expression “ as to the Lord” is what 'vil produce the gold, silver and pre cious stones at the judgment seat. Everything apart from the Lord will be consumed as useless by the Judge whose search is minute and thorough. Further, the quality of our work depends upon the power by which it is performed. Much of what we call “ Christian work” is of the flesh. The power driving us is not that of the Holy Spirit. Then, the idea of quantity is asso ciated with our works. In Luke 19: 11-27 we have the parable of the pounds where our Lord makes it clear that He expects us to use our talents to advantage. We are to gain by trading. There are too many lazy Christians who never put themselves out for God. They grumble over the least inconvenience when it comes to sacrifice f o r the greatest of all
causes. Selfishly they hide their talents in a napkin. Again, our words, as well as our works, are to be tried by fire. Did not our Lord declare that every idle word must be accounted for? We all stand condemned. We have made idle prom ises; have taken upon ourselves idle vows, have offered idle prayers. Coming to I Corinthians 4:5, we discover that the inner life is like wise to be tried by fire of what sort it is : “ Therefore judge nothing be fore the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hid den things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” Our inward thoughts, purposes, and plans are to be revealed. Now we are very politic and polite. We may have unchristian thought about another Christian, but we imprison these thoughts w i t h i n our own minds. We do not say all that we think. But, at the judgment seat, our very thoughts are to be exposed. If we would escape condemnation in this direction, here and now we must have a mind fully controlled by the indwelling Spirit. As to quantity, the parable of the pounds as given by the Lord Jesus makes it clear that He expects us to use our talents to fullest advantage. Many Christians seem to think it does not matter what they do with their time, strength and gifts. But it will matter tremendously at the judgment seat of Christ. The gift wrapped in a napkin and hidden away will do no one any good. The Lord has invested everything in us and He should have a fair return. One of the most wonderful aspects of the judgment seat of Christ is its perfect justice. The Lord, not man, will be the Judge, and He will re ward His children as they deserve. He will try the motives of the heart. Let us therefore let Him search our hearts now, that we may not be put to shame in that day.
THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
Q. Please explain what will take place at the judgment seat of Christ. A. At the return of the Lord in the air, His church will be gathered around Him and then will be set up what is known as the “Judgment seat of Christ.” The pronoun “we” in II Corinthians 5:10 makes it clear that Paul embraced himself, the be lievers in Corinth, and the saints of all ages. All who are Christ’s at His coming will stand before the judg ment seat. This judgment is essentially for the believer. No unsaved person will appear at this time. Before the Judge there will stand an assembly of blood-bought saints in order that their service for the Lord may be reviewed and r ewa r d e d or con demned, as the case may be. When we come to this judgment, we shall be in possession of our glo rified, resurrection bodies. We shall not appear before the Judge in order that He may determine whether or not we are saved. The important question of our salvation was settled on earth. This judgment is not alto gether related to sin, but to service. The Word of God is emphatic upon the point that, when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ, our sins are for given. Take, for example, passages such as John 5:24; Acts 13:38, 39; Romans 8:1, wh i ch prove that through our acceptance of Christ as Saviour we are pronounced guitless. We are freely and fully justified. But the question may be asked: If I am saved and all my sin has been blotted out, what is the purpose and function of this judgment seat? Well, let me indicate how this judg ment will operate. First of all, our works, as believ ers, from the first day on to the moment of our r e s u r r e c t i o n at Christ’s return, will pass before the Lord in review.
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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