Saints, Sanctification, and the Judgment Seat

(This article is a spinoff from Saints, Souls, All Hallow’s Eve; Druids, Christians, What Should We Believe?)

The moment you said yes to Jesus, you were set apart as belonging to God. You were consecrated (marked) and transformed by the Holy Spirit and placed securely in Christ. And you are holy.

What? You bet, you rascal. You are as righteous as you ever will be, because righteousness was not something you earned. It was a gift from Christ—HIS righteous life for your sinful one.

"And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10)

Your current and permanent, legal status and standing in Christ stamps you holy before God. It’s a done deal. However, while on earth, you will remain a work in progress with the goal of steadily showing in the natural what you have been given in the spiritual.

All that holiness and righteousness given to you by Christ is making its way into your mind, will, and emotions as a patient, but sure work of the Holy Spirit. It’s called sanctification.

By the way, since the article on All Saints and All Souls that led to this spinoff mentions purgatory, I have to say that I don’t believe in the classical definition of a frightening place of purging. I understand its concept—that some of us who are saved on our deathbeds need to catch up to the sanctification of a Mother Teresa by enduring many more tests and tribulations. That way, we enter Heaven on the same level. But here’s my take:

I’m convinced the Judgment Seat of Christ is nothing like I was told as a child: all of Heaven stands there while a big screen is lowered and EVERYTHING you ever said or did—in public and in secret—will be replayed to your shame and dismay. Then, Christ forgives you, pulls all that junk out, everyone claps, and you are given your reward, based on whatever good remains in your soul.

Everyone’s sanctification process is unique because it’s a work of grace based on how well we cooperate; yet that doesn’t ban us from going immediately into the presence of God when we die. Still, in that place—whatever it is—believers wait for reunion with their bodies, their completed glorification, and rewards.

In other words, they’re in a holding place—albeit, a glorious one—while they learn what they were unable to learn here. They’re growing in knowledge and understanding, and the gifts and calling that God placed in them without repentance are being utilized fully.

Originally, Roman Catholic doctrine states that purgatory is a place of purging for sins for someone who is not good enough to go to Heaven, but not bad enough to go to Hell.

I’m sorry, but I became good enough on the merits of Christ the day I believed by faith in His finished work for me on the Cross. That “goodness” that was given to me in exchange for my lack of it has remained intact and complete for over thirty years, and it will carry me right up to the feet of Jesus with judicial confidence. Why? It is HIS goodness in the eyes of the Father that became a gift--justifying me fully, eternally in the eyes of God.

God will never reverse his legal decree over me—never. And Jesus ratified (made legal and final) that decision by sprinkling His blood on the Mercy Seat of God for me.

I believe those who have gone before us have already received their personal judgments before an audience of one-Jesus. Notwithstanding, they won’t receive their rewards until after they are reunited with their bodies, the unrighteous are judged, and the restoration of all things occur.

In that personal judgment--which to me is far more sobering that being before a large audience--it’s just you and Jesus. In His presence, excuses and blames are silenced. You will be looking into the eyes of Truth Himself, who has always known your deepest thoughts, motivations, and reasonings for every word, every deed.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done.

The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.(1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

The Greek word for work in this passage is Ergon. When fully understood, it denotes the following: “not a single act, but accumulated labor of what a man is and how he acts, one’s moral conduct.” Wow. It is not the deed itself isolated before Christ, but the intents of the heart regarding its performance.

So I stand before him, arms full of all that I did with my gift of Salvation while on earth. The Christian I was with my last breath will be the Christian that stands before the Lord--no prior purgatory to tidy up before I see Him.

I offer him the bundle of my life on earth, and He places its contents in His brilliant fire. The truth of who I am will emerge as the dross is burned and the nuggets of gold, silver, and jewels—the essence and evidence of HIS character—are all that remain.

Nevertheless, during this holy removal of all that is not like Christ, I will fix my eyes—not on what’s burning—but on my merciful Redeemer. It is only the love in His eyes that will steady me. Even here, NO condemnation, shame, guilt, or wrath will envelop me. You see, all of that was poured out long before on My Savior, who bore those things to the Cross and canceled their ability to shackle me ever again. Those sorrows were never my portion to experience as a child of God…on earth or at my judgment.

“So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

How can we find joy in our judgments before Christ? With each piece of unproductive, unprofitable stubble, we finally become--in reality--like Him. With what is left, our rewards are determined.

No one can be sure, but I believe those rewards are positions of responsibility and assignments on a cleansed earth and throughout the cosmos. The parable of the minas in Luke 19:11-27 shows us a set Kingdom Principle—not just a moral story:

And because Jesus was nearing Jerusalem, he told a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away.

“A nobleman living in a certain province was called away to the distant capital of the empire to be crowned king of his province. Before he left he called together ten assistants and gave them each $2,000 to invest while he was gone.

But some of his people hated him and sent him their declaration of independence, stating that they had rebelled and would not acknowledge him as their king.

“Upon his return he called in the men to whom he had given the money, to find out what they had done with it, and what their profits were.

“The first man reported a tremendous gain—ten times as much as the original amount!

“‘Fine!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good man. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, and as your reward, you shall be governor of ten cities.’

“The next man also reported a splendid gain—five times the original amount.

“‘All right!’ his master said. ‘You can be governor over five cities.’

“But the third man brought back only the money he had started with. ‘I’ve kept it safe,’ he said, ‘because I was afraid you would demand my profits, for you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and even confiscating the crops that others plant.

You vile and wicked slave,’ the king roared. ‘Hard, am I? That’s exactly how I’ll be toward you! If you knew so much about me and how tough I am, then why didn’t you deposit the money in the bank so that I could at least get some interest on it?’"

“Then turning to the others standing by he ordered, ‘Take the money away from him and give it to the man who earned the most.’"

“‘But, sir,’ they said, ‘he has enough already!’ '

"Yes," the king replied, "but it is always true that those who have, get more, and those who have little, soon lose even that."

Here’s what I learned within this passage:

1) Jesus is already King, but one day His crown and rule will be visible on earth and throughout the universe.

2) In the meantime, He calls together His servants (believers), and gives them gifts, abilities, talents, etc., to be multiplied (expanded) during his absence.

3) Many people in the earth today do not want Jesus to rule over them. They quite vocally reject and trash His Lordship. The attitudes and actions of such rebels affect believers, as it did the third servant in our story. (He feared his Master, but I believe the servant was more afraid of the people.)

While the King is away and his return appears delayed, believers grow slack in their character and conduct. When around the unsaved, they are intimidated to speak for their Sovereign or show any strong commitment to Him for fear of being labeled a prude or religious fanatic.

4) When He returns triumphant (meaning either individually for us in death or at his visible return to earth at the end of the ages), the first thing he will do is call us to accountability for what we did with His gifts.

5) Those who multiplied their blessings and put them to good use for the Master will be given added responsibilities—positions of trusted oversight that are based on how fruitful we became with the seeds we received.

This has NOTHING to do with the quantity of our deeds or how many people were impacted by them. No, that’s not it at all. We’re talking about the fruit of the Spirit born daily in the routines of life—the character of Christ—that motivates us to take a risk; that causes us to be bold out of a consuming love for Him and share what we’ve been given with hurting and hungry people.

When thinking of gifts, what comes to mind for most Christians is singing or preaching abilities—noted authors, teachers, and those at the helm of big ministries. But we cannot overlook the gifts of honesty, patience, hospitality, kindness, compassion, humility…and the greatest of all—love. (The God-kind of love that disarms and disconcerts rebels)

6) The one who hides his gift out of the fear of man loses not only the gift itself, but is not given a working reward. Yes, he’s left alive, but without an assignment of service that involves stewardship of Kingdom things.

Don’t fear your personal judgment, Christian. You are saved. You are safe. However, ask the Holy Spirit to do a deeper work in your life…getting to the truth about who you really are in the “inward parts” as David cried in Psalm 51:6. If Heaven were your only goal, God would have taken you the moment you were saved. But you stayed in order to bear fruit, more fruit, and fruit that remains:

Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing. If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned. But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father.”(John 15: 5-8)

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you" (John 15:16).

Simple abiding guarantees the production of fruit and an effective prayer life. The Holy Spirit will show you how to make the right kind of investments with what you’ve been given for long-term value—fruit that will remain and keep on bearing--even after you’re gone.

Taking Up My Cross: What It Is, What It's Not

How many times have you heard the phrase, “Well, it’s just my cross to bear”…usually accompanied by a resigning bitterness or claim to martyrdom. Perhaps you’ve said it, too. I have.

The Apostle Peter keeps us humble when he reminds us in his first letter-- chapter 4 verse 12--that we are not to think our fiery trials as strange things happening only to us. For the word, “strange”, let’s substitute unique. We’re not singled out by God--either to be picked on or deemed special enough to suffer. Suffering (identifying with Christ’s self-denial) is every Christian’s calling.

Being willing to fellowship (experience) this suffering in your own life qualifies you to share in the power of His Resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

Let’s look at Jesus’ words:

"And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38 (ASV)

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 ASV)

"And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34-35 ASV)

“And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 ASV)

“Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 12:47 ASV)

Putting these passages together, we find:

1) It is not Jesus’ Cross we take up, but our own.
2) Taking up our cross is indeed, self-denial.
3) We are to take it up with the purpose of conforming to Jesus.
4) It is a daily discipline.
5) It is optional—only for those who want to be a disciple rather than just a follower.
6) Any confessing believer who doesn’t, however, is not “worthy” (Greek-deserving) of Jesus.

Note: Jesus said to take up your cross and follow. Many of us will take up a cross, only to complain. We don't focus on Jesus and move forward to follow, as commanded. We are not suppose to steady our gaze on the problem, but Christ. We are never to stagnate into bitterness, but move from glory to glory in spite of our cross.

Since we each have unique situations and circumstances that involve cross-bearing, our focus should not be on WHAT we carry as much as HOW we bear it. The Apostle Paul warned in II Corinthians 10:12 that it is unwise to compare ourselves to other Christians.

Bearing one’s own cross IS NOT:

1) The consequences of sin
2) The consequences of God’s chastisement

A married woman once told me in a counseling session that she believed her falling into adulterous affairs were just just part of the cross she had to bear in life. "I'm weak", she said. "The Lord knows I can't help it."

No! You don’t “bear” sin--you repent of it, and then cooperate with the Holy Spirit in disentangling your mind, emotions, and behavior patterns from its effects. You allow Him to peel back the layers and address the root of what has 'twisted' (the meaning of iniquity) the expression of your sexuality into something God never intended.

Conversely, any Christian who is currently reaping what they have sown needs to quit misleading people with the "cross phrase" and just repent for the seeds they planted. God will be merciful! There is no glory, says the Scriptures, in being buffeted for our sins (I Peter 2:20).

What is a genuine cross to bear? It is being compelled beyond the pain of self-denial towards a greater purpose than our personal happiness or comfort!

Jesus struggled in the Garden of Gethsemane…not with WHAT He had to do, but HOW the Father chose for redemption to be accomplished. The Gospel of Luke records that this battle to surrender His will to the Father’s was so intense that His sweat became as drops of blood! (Luke 22:44)

In the end, Jesus was able to say: “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Cross-bearers are nevertheless Christians!

The WAY you bear your cross through sickness, grief, lack, loss, estranged relationships, a difficult marriage, slander and persecution conforms you to the image of Christ. It will be your gift to Him when faith becomes sight. (I Peter 1:7)

In addition, your cross-bearing can influence others for Christ better than your strengths.

When I was still in broadcasting, a Christian co-worker said she was embarrassed for others to know her husband had left; she was faced with mounting debts and raising two kids alone. She considered it a bad testimony.

I told her it could be her BEST witnessing yet! Unbelievers need to know that Christians are not immune from similar problems because we all live in a fallen world where people are free to exercise their wills for good or bad—including Christians.

However, HOW we handle a crisis as Christians should be different; we will our suffering to be joyful because it has a redemptive purpose--even if we don’t have the first clue as to what God is accomplishing through our situation.

The essence of authentic cross-bearing is dying to self in big and little ways. We often find it less troubling to give up time or allow for occasional interruptions in our daily plans. At other times, we all enter our own Gethsemane (place of pressing) alone to surrender our dreams, relationships, comforts, and even our safety.

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (I Peter 4:19)

I can help bear your burdens, but not your cross. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ…” (Galatians 6:2)

Yet, in just a few verses later, the Apostle Paul says, “For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Verse 5)

This definitely appears contradictory at first, but the key is in the translation of the word burden.

In verse 2, the Greek word baros is used. It means “weight”. The heaviness of your cross is my concern, and I should look for ways to continually strengthen and encourage you.

Phortion is the Greek word used in verse 5. It represents an "invoice, task, or service". Since God gives the task, no one should attempt to lessen or remove another’s cross.

In Gethsemane, it’s difficult to see the gift we’ve been given. Our faith in the goodness of God is severely tested, much like that of Jeremiah’s:

“Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you indeed be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail and are uncertain?"

“Therefore thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah]: If you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister…

“…and if you separate the precious from the vile [cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness], you shall be My mouthpiece…” (Jeremiah 15:18-19 Amplified)

In my Christian life, the two commands in the above passages have helped me stay the course when I could see only the storm, not the hand of God:

Give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair. Cleanse your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness.

God delivers us from some things--out of others. “Why” may remain in His sovereign knowledge during our earthly lives. If we do get a glimpse into His ways for us, it is often AFTER we have passed through the troubling event.

For instance, my friend Nancy prayed for her infant son who had a heart defect. His life expectancy was bleak. God healed him to the amazement of the doctors. He is in his thirties today and doing fine!

Years later, Nancy was ill and the doctors wanted to do surgery. Again, she prayed for healing, but grew worse with the passing of time. She finally arranged for the surgery, trusting herself to God’s will in the situation.

After being prepped, Nancy was waiting to be wheeled into the OR. Another surgery patient was on the gurney next to her. The elderly man heard Nancy quietly praying.

“Are you a Christian?” he asked.

“Yes,” answered Nancy, turning to look at the man.

“I…I ain’t right with God, ma’am. I don’t even know how to make it right.”

My friend led him to the Lord—right there. Later, Nancy discovered that he died on the operating table. You see, God still healed her…His way. And God’s ways address issues far beyond what’s going on in our little world.

Cross-bearing is optional. We can always refuse the opportunity; thereby refusing the gift and the power we possess to turn it into a blessing for others. We can selfishly refuse and grow embittered over our circumstances.

“Though He (Jesus) was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)

The Greek word Manthano, rendered in English as "learned", more accurately suggests that Jesus “mastered” obedience. Yes…Jesus, the Son of God had to do this!

Although He was fully God and fully man, the Son voluntarily limited all advantages of being God when He assumed human flesh to live in our world. He did this in order to serve the redemptive will of the Father as a perfect substitute for sinful humanity.

We, too, must master obedience through cross-bearing. Jesus did not assert His rights as God during His earthly mission, and neither should we demand our rights to any special privileges and blessings as we continue His ministry.

How does God view our cross bearing?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service.” (Romans 12:1)

No one likes his or her cross. The Bible records that Jesus endured His Cross because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Humanity was that joy! We loomed larger in His vision than the pain and shame of His Cross.

Now, this same passage in Hebrews exhorts us to reciprocate…and keep our eyes on “Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith”. Now…HE is our joy!

The cross we once desperately petitioned God to remove can actually become an indwelling joy (much deeper than happiness)…enabling us to endure until God’s purpose is accomplished.