Topical Bible: Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment

◄ Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment ►

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The concept of good works being brought into judgment is a significant theme in the Bible, emphasizing the accountability of individuals for their actions. This theme underscores the belief that God, as the righteous judge, will evaluate the deeds of every person, rewarding those who have done good according to His standards.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that God will judge the works of all people. 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 highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, which includes not only visible actions but also hidden motives and intentions.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this principle in Romans 2:6-7: "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life" . Here, Paul emphasizes that perseverance in good works is a path to eternal life, indicating that such deeds are not only noticed by God but are also rewarded.

The Role of Good Works

Good works, in the biblical context, are actions that align with God's will and reflect His character. They are expressions of faith and obedience, demonstrating a believer's commitment to living according to God's commandments. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "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 passage suggests that good works are an integral part of the Christian life, prepared by God for believers to walk in.

Judgment and Reward

The judgment of good works is not merely about accountability but also about reward. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul states, "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 verse indicates that believers will be rewarded for their good deeds, receiving what is due to them based on their actions.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates this principle. The servants who wisely invested their talents were commended and rewarded by their master, symbolizing the rewards that await those who faithfully steward their God-given resources and opportunities.

The Balance of Faith and Works

While good works are essential, the Bible also teaches that they are not the basis for salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . However, genuine faith naturally produces good works, as James 2:26 declares, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" .

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that good works will be brought into judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects God's righteousness. It encourages believers to pursue good deeds, knowing that they will be evaluated and rewarded by God, the righteous judge.

Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 5:10
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 has done, whether it be good or bad.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King on his Judgment Throne
... into the fire.' The productive source of good works is not in ... the other side of the
truth is brought into prominence, that ... to do all as unto Jesus, will be full ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the king on his judgment.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... he cannot of his own nature aim at good either in ... When it is said, then, that the
will of the ... the iniquities consequent upon it, are called the works of Satan ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
... the Schoolmen here endeavor to escape will not disentangle ... They say that good works
are not of such ... are committed are compensated by works of supererogation. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 the beginning of.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... I only say, that if our life is brought to the ... as accuser; the external show of good
works, the only ... but this the judgment of God will immediately overthrow ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... others, work them now for Thine own good, and it will serve Thee a good purpose ... Christ's
accusers had seen with their own eyes the mighty works wrought by ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom ...
... out of that inward oil he hath done good works, and yet in that judgment even his
good conscience trembleth ... King sitteth on the throne, who will glory that ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xliii on the words.htm

Psalm CXLIII.
... When the sinner has come into the depth of sins, he will show contempt. ... By good works. ...
wilt do aught of thyself, whereby thou mayest earn to be brought to the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliii.htm

Psalm XXXVII.
... Therefore He will not only "bring forth thy righteousness as ... Let good works "continue;"
[862] let prayer "continue." For "men ... Exercise thou thyself in works. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

Its Source
... Strikingly is this brought out in that word "being ... not His own Son." "Not by works
of righteousness ... was His own sovereign favour and good will which actuated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/6 its source.htm

'Let Him Alone'
... plate and the salt on another, what good will the salt be ... you will know the difference,
and will not be ... Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/let him alone.htm