Great Salvation in the Great Tribulation

The Scriptures inform us that this age will climax with a chamber of horrors commonly known as the Tribulation. This seven year period of time will bring an unprecedented time of trouble for the whole world. (Note particularly Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:1; Joel 2:2). There never has been, nor will there ever again, be a time like it.

Tribulation Terror
Most people, even those who are not believers in the Bible, have some knowledge of “armageddon” and realize that the Bible talks about the earth ending with great catastrophes. While the Mayan prediction of the year being 2012 has come and gone, still many movies are made and TV shows created which have end times destruction as a theme. But even these miss what the Bible says.

God’s wrath will be poured out in a most powerful way during those seven years. In giving us the basics of the judgments of God’s wrath, the Apostle John records, in Revelation, that there will be 19 specific judgments. These judgments are said to be “birth pains” indicating that after they begin they will grow worse and worse and closer together as the seven years proceed along. This lets us know several basic points: (1) that the majority of judgments take place in the latter part of the Tribulation, and that (2) the last judgments will be worse than the initial ones. These 19 judgments will devastate the world. Body counts are given for 2 of the 19 judgments (the 4th Seal and the 6th Trumpet). In these two judgments, 50% of the population of the earth dies. But when we look closely at the rest of the judgments, it is quite clear that the death toll far exceed 50%. We are probably not too far off by saying that 80-85% will perish. So if the Tribulation begins with the population of the earth being 7 billion, then those that die under the wrath of God will be around 6 billion. All that in 7 years.

But death will also come at the hand of Satan. Satan will use the Great Harlot (Rev. 17) and the Antichrist (Rev. 13) to shed the blood of millions of God’s people. This incredible loss of human life coupled with unprecedented earthquakes (two of them that move the entire crust of the earth), burning of earth, destruction of the oceans and fresh water sources will make this the worst period in all of human history. It is no wonder that Jesus observed that unless God had limited this time to just 7 years no human being would be left standing (Matt. 24:22).

Tribulation Salvation
In spite of all this mayhem and destruction, judgment is really not the main reason for the Tribulation period. If all God wanted to do was judge evil men and nations, then he could do it in 7 minutes (such as with Sodom and Gomorrah). He would not need 7 years but could get His point across much quicker. But salvation of people is God’s great purpose and that does take some time. The gospel must be proclaimed and men hear it and then chose to respond to Jesus Christ or not.

(1) Saving Israel. In His covenant promises to Abraham (and Abraham’s descendants) God declared that He would bring Israel into the New Covenant, which is the covenant dealing with salvation and the forgiveness of sins. In all the centuries since Jesus came the first time and died on the Cross, as a nation, Israel has never turned to Him. And yet Jesus was abundantly clear when He declared that He would not return to the earth again (the 2nd Coming) until Israel turned to Him in faith (Matt. 23:39). Saving Israel is God’s first and primary order of business in the Tribulation. And He will accomplish this great goal as these Scriptures state with clarity.

“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in: and thus ALL ISRAEL will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.’ ‘And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’” Romans 11:25-27

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people (Israel) and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place.” Daniel 9:24

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you...I will put My spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will be careful to observe my ordinances.” Ezekiel 36:25

Israel begins the Tribulation as an unbelieving nation, but that rapidly begins to change, probably as the 144,000 Jewish evangelists begin to make an impact. Jesus said that about half way through the Tribulation, Israel would begin to be persecuted “on account of My name” (Matt. 24:9). Now Israel has been and continues to be persecuted by the gentile nations, but not because she has identified with the Lord Jesus Christ! The 144,000 (Rev. 7) along with the “two witnesses” (Rev. 11) apparently have a huge impact on the nation of Israel, so that by the end of the Tribulation “all” Israel has come to faith in Christ. With the salvation of Israel, the Great King Jesus can now return. But before He does there are many more that need saving. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 12:3---“in you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”

(2) Saving gentiles. In the Old Testament, it was always God’s plan to reach the gentile nations through Israel. The Israelites were to be a light to the gentiles. Unfortunately they behaved badly and never really were that light bringing the knowledge of the Lord Jehovah to the nations. But that changes dramatically in the Tribulation. They will be a beacon light in that terribly dark period of time. According to Revelation 7:9-14, millions upon millions from every nation will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. It is important to observe that these people (of Rev. 7) were saved during the Tribulation period and not during the ages of the church or some other time. And while they died for their faith, the number of them runs in the millions.

Some Concluding Thoughts
This short study should remind us that the Lord delights in saving people and is committed to doing that. Judgment is not what He delights in, but rather the regeneration of lost people. The Tribulation, while having terrible judgments, is primarily a time for salvation. God will fulfill His commitment to save Israel, and Israel in turn will be the ones who spread the truth of God which results in so many gentiles coming to know Jesus. (It is likely that with all of the outpouring of the supernatural that there will be no atheists or agnostics during the Tribulation. The issue is whether you will side with Jesus or with Satan/Antichrist).

Today God wants us to share the Good News about Jesus. And perhaps our obedience in this matter, will cause some in the Tribulation to come to Christ. Imagine if you shared the gospel with a person on Wednesday (and there is no response) and then the Rapture takes place on Thursday. The seed we planted could still bear fruit in those days of the Tribulation. God simply loves to save people.

Series: Payday Is Coming

Again, What Good Is Bible Prophecy?

 In our last study, we addressed the very common question of the value of Bible prophecy. Unfortunately, many Christians whether they are in the church or the academic community, believe that biblical prophecy is not very important. They reason that it is too controversial, too unclear or much too irrelevant for life in the present. However, this attitude would come as a real surprise to the early church. For example, when the Apostle Peter wrote his two letters (which are not seen as prophetic epistles), he spoke some 25 times about future events. The writers of the New Testament understood that prophecy was designed to shape the way we view life right now by influencing our choices and priorities.

In our previous study we observed three realities that indicate how important Bible prophecy is in the life of the believer. We noted that Bible prophecy (1) helps us in our struggle with sin, (2) provides a framework for making decision and prioritizing life and (3) gives a needed perspective in times of trial and temptation.

There are several other truths which refute the common idea that prophecy is not all that important for us today.

(4) BIBLICAL PROPHECY PROVIDES HOPE WHICH IS A KEY ELEMENT IN ESTABLISHING A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW.

If there is anyone who ought to live in this world with confidence, it is the child of God (cf. Titus 2:13). If there is anyone who ought not live under the load of defeat, fear and depression, it is the child of God. While none of us are exempt from painful situations in life, we should not live hopeless, negative, defeated lives because we understand where all of life is headed and that we have an amazing future that is ours as believers. “Let us rejoice and be glad” (Rev. 19:7) will be the prevailing sentiment for the redeemed.

This attitude of hope is not wishful thinking because it is grounded in the commitment of God to restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden. Man’s willful disobedience brought about the loss of paradise, of fellowship with God and of the privileged position of ruling the earth. When Adam and Eve sinned, God could have wiped everything out and started over again. (After all, what would He have lost but two people and six days of work!). But instead He promised that there would be restoration and reconciliation through the “seed of the woman.” And at that time He embarked on the path that would bring about the restoration of all things that had been lost.

When we turn to Revelation 20-22 we discover that those three things that were lost will be fully regained because of the Cross and the powerful working of our Creator God. Unhindered fellowship with God, a wonderful paradise and the opportunity of ruling with Messiah will again be the experience of people. Biblical prophecy lets us in on this marvelous ending and gives us the confident expectation which assists us in living well for Christ right now. Biblical prophecy provides us with a clear, comprehensive worldview which in turn generates biblical hope because we are dealing with a God who is faithful to His promises.

(5) BIBLICAL PROPHECY REVEALS THE END OF EVIL AND OF THE UNBELIEVER.

The problem of the presence and apparent success of evil has been a thorny theological and philosophical problem for all of man’s history. Biblical prophecy does not deal with the origin of evil but it does deal with the end of evil. Wickedness will not prevail and evil people will be punished and will not “get away with murder.” It is clear that evil and evildoers will be removed from life that will be lived forever in God’s forever kingdom.


“But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)

“...and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those who names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27)

“And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:11)

As the Scriptures describe the fate of the unbeliever, it is a terrible fate that they face. As we contemplate the eternal end of the unbeliever, it is not good that we become satisfied with our own wonderful futures but that we are motivated by biblical prophecy to share the good news with those who futures are horrible.

“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels....and these will go away into eternal punishment...” (Matt. 25:41, 48)

The Apostle Paul graphically adds to this statement by Jesus.

“...when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thes. 1:7-9)

Paul’s prophetic word on the fate of unbelievers is terrifying. They not only will be sent into eternal fire, but their lives will be ruined eternally (“eternal destruction”). It is the opposite of that quality of life known commonly as “eternal life.” This one passage removes the ridiculous suggestion that anyone will have a good time partying in hell, or any other such nonsense. That which God designed life to be and have by way of meaning and purpose will be gone and gone forever.

The banishment from the presence of the glorified Lord Jesus is the very heart of eternal punishment. The result will be to deprive them of the Lord’s favor and all which gives purpose and joy to life.

It will be like being eternally depressed, where forever life has no meaning to it. And furthermore, they will be “away from the presence of the Lord.” Today even the wicked are recipients of God’s common grace and are therefore blessed. But in the lake of fire, there appears to be a complete separation from any of God’s grace and mercy. Can anything be more terrible than what Paul describes in these verses? These forceful statements about the fate of the unbeliever ought to resonate in the hearts of believers causing us to be more compassionate and more active in giving out the good news.

Believers who are armed with this prophetic knowledge will be encouraged by the demise of evil, even it appears on the daily news that evil is winning the day. In the world to come it is righteousness that reigns.

(6) PROPHECY CONTRIBUTES AN IMPORTANT REMINDER OF GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY.

The prophet Isaiah powerfully declared that God is sovereign over all men and nations (Isaiah 40). No person, no nation or combination of nations can for one second thwart the plans and purposes of God. And while we might be impressed or even intimidated by the authority of those in Washington DC, Moscow, Berlin or Tehran, God is not. Bible prophecy reveals that our sovereign God will bring to pass everything that He said He would do. He is sovereign. And biblical prophecy reinforces that significant reality.

So, again, has biblical prophecy an important place in the life and thinking of the believer? Perhaps the average believer, whether in the pew or the halls of the academy, need to give serious reflection to the Word of God on the strategic role of prophecy in our theology and our living.

What Good Is Bible Prophecy?

In the middle of a conversation about his church and his ministry, a pastor shared with me that he thought that Bible prophecy was not all that relevant to the present day needs of his people and so he stayed away from it in his preaching. He went on to explain that biblical prophecy tends to be “sensational” and, when all is said and done, to be quite confusing to people.

This pastor was one that seemed to have a high view of the scriptures and one that sincerely wanted his people to mature in their walk with Christ. From our conversation it was clear that he wanted his people to be helped in their struggle with the world, flesh and the devil. With that in mind I asked him if he had thought about how Christ and the Apostles employed biblical prophecy in helping believers grow spiritually, suggesting that Jesus and the NT writers sprinkled future events liberally in their teaching. Bible prophecy was used by them to change the way people thought and lived; that the basic purpose of prophecy is to change the way we all live in the present. To his credit, he indicated that he really needed to rethink his view of biblical prophecy.

Here are some of those truths that show us the great value of biblical prophecy and why the prophetic element is found interwoven everywhere in the Bible. Biblical prophecy is not only “relevant” to our lives today but it provides a biblical mindset found in those who pleased God. (See Hebrews 11:9-16).

#1 – Biblical prophecy understood and embraced gives needed help in our struggle against sin. Serious believers are very aware of the “sin that so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1) and wish for victory over sin. When we keep future events fresh in our thinking, that we are going to see Christ and appear before His judgment seat, we are apt to not allow sin to take up residence in our lives. We can say “no” to sin much easier. This was the point the Apostle John made.

“And now little children abide in Him (keep in fellowship), so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming...And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 2:28; 3:3)

It is when we cease thinking that Jesus could appear at any moment and bring to pass the end times as described in the Bible, that we get careless in the way we live. Remember Jesus’ powerful statement that it is the evil slave who says “my Lord delays his coming” (Matt. 24:48). The believer’s struggle against sin will never stop in this life, but that believer is fortified in the inner person by the truths of what may soon take place.

#2 – Biblical prophecy provides a framework for the believer to prioritize life better and to make better decisions. If we knew that the ABC company was going to go out of business in six months we likely wouldn’t take a job with them. Bob and Mary would probably not have bought an old house and spent the last year remodeling it, if they had known it was going to burn to the ground the day after they finished their project. Bible prophecy can play such a life changing role today. When believers become convinced of the truthfulness of these prophetic portions dealing with our accountability and reward and end time events, they will prioritize life differently. They most likely will make better decisions and order their lives in a much more biblical way. The reality of future things sheds significant light on the important issues of life and gives us a framework for evaluating what is most important. Those who live with an awareness of what lies ahead in the plan of God think differently regarding the use of their time, money and resources. The goals and purposes of life are altered by a conviction about future realities. Again, note the Apostle Peter’s exhortation when he says “what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” in view of future events (2 Peter 3:11). Understanding and believing what biblical prophecy declares makes an impact on the way we do life now. The Apostle Paul made it clear (as in 1 Cor. 9) that he said “no” to himself and ordered his life differently than many others because he had an eye on the glory that was ahead for believers.

(3) BIBLICAL PROPHECY PROVIDES A VALUABLE MINDSET IN TIMES OF TRIAL AND TEMPTATION.

The fact that believers are faced with some burdensome and painful trials in this life is not a new revelation. We know that God has not exempted believers from the sudden death of a loved one or the arrival of a debilitating disease or the appearance of great financial loss. And even if such “major tragedies” do not enter the believer’s life, the child of God still experiences scores of “minor” pressures, griefs, disappointments and setbacks. James, and others, observed that believers can respond well or they can respond poorly to these painful times in life. In order for trials to be successfully endured, James says that the believer must possess God’s wisdom, which is seeing life from God’s perspective. An integral part of God’s perspective is the future that lies ahead. This is how Jesus faced the trial of His crucifixion. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus “for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). Jesus looked beyond those six hours on the cross to that time in His glorious kingdom when He would be with those that He would redeem and restore. The believer who is focused on this world will likely not do well in trials when things go terribly wrong in this world. Without a working knowledge of things to come, he will have to fall back on the “stiff upper lip” approach or to wishful thinking. The truth is that our best life is not now. But the believer who anticipates the glorious age to come will be better positioned to deal well with the pain and disappointments that accompany trials in this world. After speaking about the universality of trials and the need for God’s wisdom, James references the future (James 1:12). The “crown of life”, also mentioned in Revelation 2:10, does seem to focus on the future reward given to the believer who loves the Lord so much that he does not resent what the Lord has allowed into his life. An incentive for enduring in trials is the understanding that there is future reward for the enduring believer.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

As James’ letter comes to a close, it returns to the matter of the trials of life and the need to patiently endure like Job and the prophets of old. And here James again appeals to the future to give strength to his friends.

“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord....You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.” (James 5:7-9)

What believers need in times of trial and difficulty is not positive thinking, but prophetic thinking!

So, does Bible prophecy do us any good? One cannot but answer “yes, yes, yes” when the scriptures are carefully read. These are but three truths we want to observe about the importance of prophecy. Next month we want to continue with this subject which is so vital to the church today and so helpful to believers who live in the world system.

Pondering Payday: Some Summary Thoughts, Part 2

It has been accurately said that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a 100 meter sprint. Actually it seems that it is more like a marathon with an obstacle course added! But as hard and as difficult as the Christian life can often be in this unrighteous world, when we remember the finish line we are encouraged to keep on keeping on. When we are finally with the Savior that will make it all worthwhile. Seeing Him in His majestic glory will be an unbelievable moment for all of us. And making our appearance before Him at His Judgment Seat will be an amazing and enlightening moment for sure.

In our last study we began the process of summarizing some of the main points that were made over the past months in this series of studies. Six points were shared in the last study and six more will be shared in this one.

#7 – Failures in life, when repented of, do not eliminate the possibility of significant reward at the Judgment Seat.

What serious believer is there who is not chagrined by some past sin and failure in his or her life. But the believer is to take heart by looking at men who sinned (like David and Peter) and yet will be rewarded greatly. Since all believers have experienced failure in their lives, we are not to become despondent and give up. Repentance of the sin, followed by living diligently for the Lord Jesus, can bring about great reward. As long as we are alive on this earth, the promise in the Scriptures of entering His rest (reward) remains (Heb. 4:1).

#8 – The Judgment Seat of Christ is a necessary event.

Because of the nature of God and because all creatures are accountable to Him, judgment is mandatory. All creature, angels or men, must give an account for how they have or have not adhered to the moral law of God. This is also true of believers. While believers are redeemed individuals they too face judgment. As the Apostle Peter clearly puts it, judgment must begin “with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17) and then proceed to everyone else. It must be clear to all of creation that the Lord is just and righteous as well as being loving and good. How one has lived cannot be overlooked or swept under the heavenly carpet. The Judgment Seat is that particular judgment where believers from the church age give an account for their lives.

#9 – The relationship at the Judgment Seat of sin, grace, mercy and justice is not fully comprehensible to us.

From the teachings of the Lord Jesus and the Apostles, it is apparent that sin will impact the events of the Judgment Seat. It is also clear that the justice of the Lord will be blended together with His mercy (the withholding of deserved punishment) along with His grace (the giving of unmerited favor). Only the Lord, as He deals with His children, will righteously put together the perfect mix of these various elements. It is somewhat of a mystery to us how these will be blended together, along with other matters such as how the length of a person life will be factored in (the believer who has known Christ for 80 years versus the one who was saved on his death bed). The complexity of these things is clearly above the pay grade of we mere mortals. But definitely not that of the righteous judge of the earth.

#10 – The Lord is generous and desires to greatly reward His children.

We know that the Lord delights in giving good gifts to His children, as that is part of His nature. He is not stingy nor is He reluctant to give generously to believers. He does not have a limited supply of rewards that need to be rationed out to His people. That which limits His generosity is not His nature but rather the unfaithfulness of believers. Even the trials of life are designed to make it possible for Him to reward His children in a greater way. He is the creator of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17) and it is His desire to lavish these upon His own children.

#11 – Believers need to carefully evaluate their lives “today” to see if they are truly trusting and obeying.

This emphasis upon “today” being the appropriate time for laboring and evaluating is an emphasis of the book of Hebrews. Believers really cannot afford to live in a condition of spiritual delusion, nor can they afford to put off to a future day serious reflection about their own walk with Christ. It is important to immediately face these critical matters and seek the insight of the Holy Spirit in coming to understand where we really are spiritually. It is vital to decide to live fully and completely for the Lord Jesus now, and then to daily build on that decision in the power and guidance of the Spirit.

#12 – All toil, suffering and sacrifice will be more than worth it when we see our Lord Jesus.

As we noted at the beginning of this study, being a faithful follower of Jesus in this present evil world is not at all easy. It requires all diligence (to quote Peter), alertness and sobriety. Being “in” the world but not “of” the world is the requirement (note John 17:11-16). Christians are seen as aliens, strangers and those who citizenship is in heaven (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11). All of this makes the task of being a faithful child of God a difficult one since Satan who is seen as the god of this world is actively opposed to such living.

The believer has impressive resources in the Scriptures, the Spirit and the saints. There is little doubt that when we see the Lord Jesus, any and all suffering and sacrifice will be immediately seen as worth it. In the words of that faithful, diligent man, the Apostle Paul....

“the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

“momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Or to put it in less inspired terms but ones that are still accurate: “only one life, it will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

May this coming payday be one that we eagerly look forward to!

(A fuller study of this subject can be found in Dr. Benware’s book, “The Believer’s Payday” and can be found at Paulbenware.com)

Pondering Payday: Some Summary Thoughts, Part 1

Words have failed each of us at one time or another: as we try and express how we feel about a situation, or in trying to describe something like a majestic sunset. When we talk of the great payday for believers, the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ, and the awesomeness of that event and the amazing consequences of that event, words are extremely inadequate. The words of the Apostle Paul probably cover the matter for us when he says,

Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor. 2:9)

And while our words surely cannot adequately describe this significant event, we have used many words over the past months in an attempt to discuss fully this great day for believers. It would seem helpful, at this point, to make sure certain key points will be fixed in our thinking. We offer these twelve truths (six this time and six next time) that relate to “payday” for our continued contemplation.

#1 – The original purposes of God related to fellowship and rulership will be restored in the future kingdom of God.

The future kingdom of God (Rev. 20-22) is best understood by looking at God’s original intentions in the creation account (Gen. 1-3). The restoration of fellowship through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross is fairly well understood by most believers, but the restoration of rulership through the Son of Man is often overlooked. Rulership in the coming kingdom is a matter of focus at the Judgment Seat of Christ and beyond. Servants who endure in this life will rule in the next one. (2 Tim. 2:11-13). This emphasis on ruling and reigning with Christ is a theme found in the N.T. and is an issue that will be featured at the Judgment Seat.

#2 – Salvation is a free gift of God that once received cannot be lost, but rewards can be lost.

The New Testament distinction between rewards that are earned by good works and salvation, which is a gift from God with no human works involved, is one that must be maintained. Salvation is always viewed as a gift freely given by God based on the cross. This salvation is guarded and made secure by all three persons of the Godhead. Man does not earn salvation, nor can he lose it. Believers may, however, lose reward depending on whether their works are “good or bad.”

#3 – Sin does not effect our position as children of God but it can affect our present fellowship as well as our future rewarding.

All sin was fully paid for on the cross by the Lord Jesus. His work of redemption was absolutely complete. This includes sins we may commit today or in the future. While our sins as believers will not remove us from our position as God’s children, we are aware that they do have consequences. These sins, if not confessed, will not only hurt present fellowship, but they will also impact rewarding at the Judgment Seat. So it is unwise and unbiblical to say that since Christ paid for all of our sins, they will not affect what transpires at the Judgment Seat.

#4 – Rewards are presented as a legitimate and a primary motivation for living the Christian life, but are not the only motivation.

Too many Christians view rewards negatively, suggesting that they are a poor motivation for serving Christ. It is vital to remember that rewards are presented by Jesus and the Apostles as an important motivation for Christian living. The Apostle Paul informs us that he was motivated by rewards, by the fear of God, by a love for Christ and by the real needs of people. It is improper to suggest that rewards are an inferior motivation. If so, then Jesus and the Apostles got it wrong.

 #5 – The criteria used at the Judgment Seat consists of the standard of Scripture, our faithfulness and our motivation.

We are not left in the dark as to the standard of evaluation that the Lord will use. The Word of God is central to this evaluation, because in it is revealed the will of God that a believer is to follow. Obedience to the commands and principles of the Word is at the core of our evaluation. Faithfulness is another key criterion, as each believer will be evaluated by what was given to him by the Master. The issue is being faithful, not being famous. Our motivations will also be part of our evaluation. The question will be why we did what we did as we lived for and served the Lord Jesus.

#6 – Believers who live carnally and selfishly have something to be concerned about.

The Judgment Seat is an event where faithful servants are rewarded by the King. But it is also a place where the unfaithful child of God will be confronted by the Master. Not everyone will hear “well done, good servant.” Unfortunately, some will hear “you worthless slave.” Believers who live in self-indulgence and who have not taken seriously living for and serving Jesus Christ face significant loss at the Judgment Seat. Furthermore, the Scriptures inform us that their time at the Judgment Seat will likely be one of shame and grief. Also, there will be ramifications of this in the future kingdom of God. These believers may presently wish to ignore this issue in their lives now but they will not be able to do so in the future.

As we conclude these summary thoughts, we again should reinforce the central truth of the New Testament that our future rewards and status are largely determined by our present living. Whether it is something we deem minor like “the cup of cold water” given to someone in need or that which is seen as highly important like sharing the gospel or teaching the Word, the Lord Jesus is well aware of what we do or don’t do. It should be our goal to live well for Him all the time, avoid the darkness of this world system and be diligent to “abide” (remain in fellowship) with Him. A great day is coming.

Six more summary thoughts will be given next time. (A copy of Dr. Benware’s book, “The Believers Payday” is available at Paulbenware.com.)

Payday is Coming - Sin, Grace, and Reward: A Case Study

Our subject these past months has been on the Judgment Seat of Christ, an event which is yet future. No one has yet appeared there and had the experience of receiving or of losing reward. It is precisely because future things have not yet taken place yet that causes us some uncertainties. When speaking of this future event, it seems strange, therefore, to talk about a “case study.” This would be impossible if it were not for the fact that in the Scriptures the Lord gives us a small amount of information about the future of several individuals. By looking at these men who have lived their lives and then at some Scriptures that point to their futures, we can pick up some ideas about the coming payday. We must not allow Satan to paralyze us in our service for Christ by our past sins and failures. There remains for every believer today to receive from Jesus the commendation of “well done, good servant”, as well as the rich rewards He has for such believers.

Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ
Peter was a regenerate man who was first a disciple of John the Baptist prior to following the Lord Jesus Christ. About half way through Jesus’ earthly ministry, Peter was selected from the large pool of disciples to be an apostle of Christ and this brought to him many wonderful privileges and responsibilities. Peter did indeed give up everything to following Christ (Matt. 19:27). However, inspite of his many privileges and opportunities, and even his devotion to Jesus, he still experienced sin and failure.


Peter’s Sins and Failures

Undoubtedly the most infamous time of failure and sin in Peter’s life occurred at the time of the arrest and trials of Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter (along with others) failed to watch and pray and support the Lord in His time of trouble. Peter was among those who fled when the Roman soldiers and Jewish temple police arrested Jesus. A little later that evening, Peter went so far as to deny having any relationship with Jesus. His denials were accompanied by cursing and swearing. And this came from one who just hours before had forcefully declared unswerving loyalty to the Lord.

The Scriptures record some other negatives about Peter. He misused his tongue when he rebuked the Lord (Matt. 16:23) and when he was involved in self-promotion involving his place in Messiah’s kingdom (Luke 22:24). In fact, on a number of occasions his pride and arrogance were seen (Luke 9:46). And then, there was the time when his fear of men caused him to demonstrate a terrible hypocrisy which nearly split the church at Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14). These sins of hypocrisy and divisiveness could have had lasting effects on the entire church if it had not been for the faithful rebuke by the Apostle Paul.

Peter was guilty of pride, hypocrisy, divisiveness, disloyalty to Christ, multiple misuses of the tongue, fearing men and who knows what else could be added to this list. Could such a man receive great reward at the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ?

Peter’s Repentance
After his string of failures that culminated in his denials of Christ, Peter went out and “wept bitterly.” (Matt. 26:75). While tears are not conclusive evidence of genuine repentance, in Peter’s case they do reflect a broken-hearted man and a repentance that was real. Jesus had said earlier that Peter would fail but that he would “turn again” (Luke 22:32) which is an accurate picture of repentance. And furthermore, Jesus’ response to Peter after His resurrection shows that Peter’s repentance was indeed genuine. (Luke 24:34; John 21:15-19). Peter was truly repentant and his actions generally in the Book of Acts reveal this as well.

Peter’s Reward
In response to Peter’s questions about rewards (Matt. 19:28), the Lord promised that the Twelve (including Peter) would sit on twelve thrones in Messiah’s kingdom and would rule over the twelve tribes. In that section, Jesus is referring to the time of His return to earth when He will fulfill the Davidic covenant and rule on David’s throne. It is then that the Apostle Peter will rule alongside of King Jesus.

Peter will have ruling authority over one of Israel’s tribes in Messiah Jesus’ kingdom and will no doubt receive the Lord’s commendation of “well done, good servant.” The Lord Jesus also told Peter (Luke 22:30) that he would eat and drink with the King at His table, which is a picture of close fellowship.

We learn a vital lesson from Peter’s life that even with much failure there can be much reward. Sin and failure does not rule out the possibility of significant reward. The key was Peter’s heartfelt repentance for his sin and his following through to serve Christ faithfully. His various sins and failures did not automatically put him in the category of the “worthless slave” (Luke 19:22).

Peter’s Example for Us
So believer, even if embarrassing failure is true of you, crying out to the Lord Jesus in repentance not only cleanses from sin but frees you to faithfully and energetically serve Him. And in that there is great reward. We all can easily think of sin and failure that has been true in our lives. Peter’s example for us is that we can still faithfully serve the Savior and experience great reward in that future day.

Some Problems About 'Payday"

#1 – What about those servants who are cast into outer darkness?

There are several places where the Lord Jesus spoke ominously about the fate of unfaithful servants. He said that these servants would be “cut in pieces” and go to a place where there would “weeping” and the “gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:48-51). He further declared that the worthless slave would be cast “into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:24-30). Serious statements, to be sure!

There have been some scholars, who believe in the eternal security of the believer in Christ, who also hold that these evil servants are Christians who will suffer the fate of being excluded from the Messianic kingdom. They argue that these unfaithful Christians will pay dearly for their sinful living for that thousand year period. They will experience some pretty terrible times. But is this the only possible explanation for those of us who hold to the eternal security of the believer? I think not.

In interpreting these words of the Lord Jesus there are several key interpretive points that we must be aware of. First, these two references are both found in Jesus’ “Olivet Discourse”, His great prophetic teaching. A key observation is that this discourse was addressing Israel and not the church. The disciples had asked Jesus questions related to Israel’s future and that is what Jesus is answering. Aside from the one statement in Matthew 16 (“I will build My church”), there has been no teaching on the church. The disciples really would have known nothing about the church and so their questions were not about the church. It is essential that we understand the word “you” in the Olivet Discourse. The word “you”, beginning in Matthew 23:33, is referring to Israel. Sometimes the “you” is Israel represented by the religious leaders of Jesus’ day; sometimes it is Israel as represented by apostles; and other times it is “you” (Israel) represented by a past generation or by a future generation. But in each case “you” is looking at the nation of Israel.

A second key interpretive point has to do with the uniqueness of the nation of Israel. Israel is the only nation in the history of nations that is in a covenant relationship with God. No one else can make that claim. All Israelites are part of the Abrahamic Covenant and the covenants that flow from that key biblical covenant (Romans 9:1-5). Believing Israelites and unbelieving Israelites are included as parties to the Abrahamic Covenant. So even if an Israelite was an unbeliever, he would still be a “covenant man”, as strange as that might sound to us. Remember, Israel is unique.

Third, it must be remembered that Israel is said to be a “servant of the Lord.” Isaiah developed this idea of the “servant of the Lord” which, of course, reached its climax in the Messiah as the great “servant.” But the nation of Israel was also viewed as the “servant of the Lord” (e.g. Isaiah 41:8-10; 42:18-22). And it is clear from the Isaiah 42 passage that even in unbelief and unrighteousness they were seen as the “servant of the Lord.” So believing Israelites and unbelieving Israelites were “servants.”

Fourth, in coming to the words of the Lord Jesus we must understand that He is talking to Israel and that within Israel (“servants”) there are both believers and unbelievers.

The servants who are cast into outer darkness, as well as experiencing some other terrible things, were unbelievers. They were never saved people. They were Israelites who were unsaved, but uniquely they were related by Covenant to the Lord. So we conclude that these are not Christians in the church who either lose their salvation or lose participation in the Messianic kingdom of Jesus. The context is about Israel.

#2 – Are rewards eternal or do they “evaporate” after some time?

There is some evidence that what takes place at Christ’s judgment seat will have eternal consequences. First, we should recall that when Jesus returns at His “Second Coming”, He will establish the eternal kingdom of God. (It has two distinct phases of the millennium and then that of eternity). The kingdom of God is eternal and this would suggest that the rewards will be eternal (since they are related to God’s kingdom). Second, the Apostle Paul specifically declared that his suffering for Christ in this life will produce “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). In part, the present sufferings do not compare because the resulting rewards are eternal. Third, the writer of Hebrews seems to support the eternalness of rewards when he states: although the present heavens and earth will be “shaken”, the kingdom we receive will not be shaken (Heb. 12:25-29). The “shaking” refers to the destruction of the old heavens and earth, and he contrasts that with the truth that our kingdom will not be destroyed. Leading up to this statement, the writer has put forth great effort to encourage believers to be faithful and to endure because of the rewards in this coming kingdom. Fourth, there will be differences among people in the eternal phase of the kingdom of God. There will be kings of nations in the eternal phase of the future, forever kingdom of God (Rev. 21:24). The fact is that not everyone will be a king. So, while it is not possible to answer this question with absolutely certainty, it does seem that the scriptures point in the direction of the eternality of rewards.

#3 – Will my failures as a Christian make it impossible to receive rewards from the Lord?

This question was dealt with to some extent in a previous article. The answer is “no”. The scriptures (as in Heb. 4:1) hold out hope to us. So even if we have at times been unfaithful or even committed a really “big” sin, we can still be rewarded. King David is a clear example. David not only committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he was really a murderer as well. Also, David failed to some extent as a parent, and he had a temper, and he showed some amazing unbelief at times. Yet, in spite of all this, he confessed his sins. He came clean with the Lord and humbled himself before Him. As a result, Ezekiel 37:24-27 informs us that David will have an exalted place in the future kingdom.

Peter failed the Lord and denied he even knew Him. And yet, he repented and will sit on one of the twelve thrones in the Messianic kingdom (Matt. 19:28). Failure does not remove us from the possibility of receiving rich rewards.

So while we must never become casual about sin and unfaithfulness, we must not become depressed and hopelessly face the future because of sin. Repentance, coupled with forsaking of sin, makes great reward possible.