The Life That Leads To Boldness Before Christ’s Judgment Seat (Part 2)

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. John teaches us, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him” (1 John 2:28-29). One of the prominent doctrines of the New Testament is the teaching of rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12). This is a teaching often ignored or, when taught, it is misrepresented because of the term “judgment.” It means examination. There’s considerable confusion regarding the exact nature of the examination at the judgment seat of Christ. A common misconception which arises is that God will mete out a just retribution for sins in the believer’s life, and some measure of retributive punishment for sins will result. Although it is tremendously serious with eternal ramifications, the judgment seat of Christ is not a place and time when the Lord will mete out punishment for sins committed by the child of God. Rather, it is a place where rewards will be given or lost depending on how one has used his or her life for the Lord. John gives the answer of how not to be ashamed at this coming of Jesus. He says, “abide in Him” (v. 28) which means to “practice righteousness” (v. 29). Don’t mistake the point of verse 29. John is not saying that righteous behavior is the cause or condition of the new birth, but just the opposite. The verb is literally, “has been born of Him.” The meaning is that a righteous life is evidence of the new birth. Because God is righteous, those born of Him will be righteous in the overall pattern of their lives. When we are born of Him, He grants to us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3; see, also, Ephesians 4:24). That new life in us produces godliness, or righteous living (1 John 3:9). Believers know Jesus Christ is righteous. When we see someone who lives a righteous life like Jesus, we can have confidence the person has fellowship with Him. John is building towards a key point, which is that when a person truly walks with God, (mistakes and all) God is working directly through them. John says righteous living is the result of salvation. Good works should naturally result from the person who has become a believer (Ephesians 2:10). This is the lifestyle which produces confidence and not shame at the judgment seat of Christ. A confident person doesn’t feel shame. Such an experience in the presence of God at His review of our lives is an experience to be earnestly desired! Be encouraged!