What am I looking for as a recompense to sanctity?

What am I looking for as a recompense to sanctity?

First of all is there a way to know just what there will be at the judgment seat of God?  And if I am to be judged as in a court of human law, will I have an advocate to speak for me?

The anxiety that we can build within our minds regarding what is can cripple the very essence of our souls when we will answer for our actions.

As far as judging others instead of ourselves; “Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.  Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.”  (Mt. 12: 19 - 21).  When standing before Christ we will be judged on our own trials of life and how each of us handled the needs of others with compassion.

From Isaiah it is written as Jesus spoke of in Nazareth; “he was sent to announce a year of favor from the Lord, and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn; to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, to give them oil of gladness in place of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit.  They will be called oaks of justice, planted by the Lord to show his glory.”  (Is. 61: 2 - 3).  This is the most important unspoken advocacy for us when confronted by Christ at our  judgment.

Paul tells us;  “For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.”  (2 Cor. 5: 10).  This is known as judgment in two senses; one in condemnation for the evil, and the second in rewards for the good we have done for others.  In a sense, this will be our advocate, speaking not with words but with compassion on those in need.  

“The one who sat on the throne said, behold, I make all things new.  Then he said, write down these words for they are trustworthy and true.  He said to me, They are accomplished.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water.  The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.  But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”  (Rev. 21: 5 - 8).  

A condition of discipleship which in itself will be the only proof of our attending to the need of others;  “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?  For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and he will repay everyone according to his conduct.  Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”  (Mt. 16: 24 - 28).   Refers to the period following  the resurrection.  We must be ready to inherit the kingdom with proof of our cross !

Ralph B. Hathaway