Topical Encyclopedia The concept of good works being brought into judgment is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the belief that human actions are subject to divine evaluation. This entry explores the biblical basis for the idea that good works will be assessed by God, drawing from various scriptural passages.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently teaches that God will judge the deeds of every individual. In Ecclesiastes 12:14, it is written, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, encompassing all actions, both visible and concealed. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this principle in Romans 2:6, stating, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" This passage emphasizes the impartiality and fairness of God's judgment, as He evaluates each person's actions without favoritism. The Role of Good Works Good works, as expressions of faith and obedience, play a crucial role in the life of a believer. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse highlights that good works are not only expected but are part of God's divine plan for His people. James 2:17 further elaborates on the relationship between faith and works: "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Here, the necessity of good works as evidence of genuine faith is made clear. While salvation is by grace through faith, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, the authenticity of that faith is demonstrated through good works. Judgment According to Works The Bible presents the judgment of works as a future event where believers and non-believers alike will stand before God. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This passage indicates that believers will be judged for their actions, receiving rewards or loss based on their deeds. Revelation 20:12 provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This scene affirms that all individuals will be judged according to their works, with eternal consequences. Implications for Believers The knowledge that good works will be brought into judgment serves as a motivation for believers to live righteously and to pursue holiness. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This call to action encourages believers to engage in good works as a testimony to God's transformative power in their lives. Furthermore, the anticipation of judgment encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and diligent in their service. Hebrews 6:10 assures, "For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so." This promise of divine remembrance and reward provides comfort and encouragement to those who labor in love and faithfulness. In summary, the biblical teaching that good works shall be brought into judgment highlights the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the accountability all individuals have before God and the eternal significance of their actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 12:14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:10 Library The King on his Judgment Throne On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom ... Here the Author Declares that He Submits all that He Has Written ... Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Question of the Active Life How God Works in the Hearts of Men. Psalm CXLIII. Colossians i. 9, 10 Psalm LX. A Discourse which was in the Presence of Antoninus C??sar Resources What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness Good Works: Called: Good Fruits Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love Good Works: Christ, an Example of Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest Good Works: Justification Unattainable By Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To Good Works: Saints are Full of Good Works: Saints are Zealous of Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain Good Works: Saints: should be Established In Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name Good Works: Wrought by God in Us Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest Works: Good: A Blessing Attends Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Works: Good: God is Glorified By Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest Works: Good: Jesus an Example of Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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