Accountability in Eternity

There is a day of reckoning coming for all.

After this life is over, judgment comes.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:Hebrews 9:27

The Great White Throne Judgment is for unbelievers only.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 20:11-15

The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers only.

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.2 Corinthians 5:10

Our judgment day will not determine our salvation, what we do with Jesus does that before we die.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Romans 8:1

Jesus will bring everything to light for evaluation.

Our character, motives, thoughts, words and works will be evaluated.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.1 Corinthians 3:12-15

The purpose is reward, not punishment.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.1 Corinthians 4:5

Believers will experience loss while still being saved.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.1 Corinthians 3:15

Our rewards are not for us, but to be offered to Jesus in an act of worship.

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Revelation 4:10-11

We should prepare now for our day of accounting.

We must build our lives on Christ alone.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 3:11

We should invest in what has eternal value.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:Matthew 6:19-20

We live for what matters.

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.Proverbs 11:4

We show Jesus to this world.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.2 Corinthians 4:5-7

We pour into those God has given us the opportunity to influence.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.Proverbs 12:4

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.Proverbs 19:14

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.Proverbs 20:7

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.Proverbs 13:22

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.Proverbs 22:6

Evaluate your schedule to see if it reflects eternal priorities.

Use your time, talents and treasure for God’s glory.

Fill your mind with knowledge that matters eternally.

“I will answer to God for this one day” should encourage us, not cause us to be fearful.

Live every day to hear your Father say, “Well done.”