Grace, Works, Judgement Seat of Christ:
Grace – favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who
receives it and in spite of what that person deserves. Although the grace of God is
always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted (Rom, 6:1-2). Grace is
only enjoyed within the Covenant – the gift if given by God, and the gilt is received
by people through repentance and faith (Amos 5:15). The grace of God was
supremely revealed and given in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Bringing it to
humankind for salvation (Titus 2:11). By His death and resurrection, Jesus restored
the broken fellowship between God and His people, both Jew and Gentile. The only
way of salvation for any person is “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts
15:11).
We are saved by grace, (Eph 2:8-10). Salvation is a free gift, however, we are
created in Christ Jesus to good works.
Paul makes it abundantly clear that salvation is not something that can be earned; it
can be received only as a gift of grace (Rom 4:4). Grace, however, must be
accompanied by faith; a prison must trust in the mercy and favor of God, even while
it is undeserved (Rom 4:16, Gal 2:16). The grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ is
applied to human beings for their salvation by the Holy Spirit, who is called ‘the Spirit
of grace’ (Heb 10:29). The Spirit is the One who binds Christ to His people so that
they receive forgiveness, adoption to sonship, and newness of life, as well as every
spiritual gift or grace (Eph 4:7).
We work for rewards given at the judgment seat of Christ (James 2:14-26). James is
talking to believers. Once we are saved, we are created in Christ Jesus to good
works. Only believers will be judged at the judgement seat of Christ (Rom 14:10-13,
II Cor 5:10). We are laborers with God (I Cor 3:9-15, Rev 11:17-18). The Bible tells
us what pure religion is (James 1:25, 27).
Look at the works Jesus did: Jesus Christ’s work was given to Him by His Father.
His task was to accomplish redemption for us on the Cross. (John 4:34, 5:36, 6:27-
29, 9:3-4, 17:4). Jesus told us in John 14:10-12 “we will do these works and greater
works than these”. We are told in I Pet 2:12 “they may by your good works, which
they should behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Jesus came to destroy the
works of the devil (John 3:8, I John 3:5-11). Jesus tells us in Mark 16:17-18 that our
part in the equation is to believe.
Works – acts or deeds. God’s works are praised often in the Book of Psalms (Ps 33:
4, 92:5, 104:24), and Christ’s works are thoroughly discussed in the Gospel of John
(John 10:25-38). Human works are either good or bad, and these two categories
are often mentioned together (Rom 13:3, 12, Heb 6:1, 10). Christians are taught to
display good works (Matt 5:16, Rev 3:2-8). Although works of the law are good in
themselves, they do not bring salvation (Rom 4:2, Gal 2:16). Romans 4:2 (Abraham
not justified by works) and James 2:21 (Abraham justified by works) are not
contradictory but complementary. Works were the evidence of Abraham’s faith
(James 2:14-26).
Paul tells us how in Col 3:1-10, 12-17, in II Tim 3:16-17, and in Heb 13:15-17.
Jesus tells us in Matt 12:33-37 we will give an account of every idle word in the day
of judgement. Jesus tells us how He will separate nations in Matt 25:31-46). Note it’
s according to their works.