Give Account – Living the Word

Romans 14:8-12 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why do thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

‘Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.’ Another proof that Christ died and arose physically (1Cor. 15:1-23).

‘For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ …’ this the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Romans unfulfilled. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where all the saints will be judged after the rapture for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad (2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12).

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, we read of the judgment of believers’ works that will take place after the rapture. Here our works are compared to gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble – some become more pure in the fire and others are completely burned up by fire. Fire will try every man’s works. If it is gold, silver and precious stones they will abide the fire and we will receive a reward for our works. If they are wood, hay, and stubble our works will be burned up, yet we will be saved from loss of our souls. The subjects: believers (14:1-23; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; 2Cor. 5:10). The time: between the rapture and the second coming (Luke 14:14). The place of judgment: in heaven (14:10; 1Cor. 9:24-27; 2Cor. 5:10). The basis of judgment: works, both good and bad (2:6; 14:1-23; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Col. 3:1-25; Matt. 16:27; 2Tim. 4:14). The result: reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one’s soul for any wrongdoings properly confessed and forgiven (1Cor. 3:11-15). This judgment deals with the believer as a servant (14:1-23; 2Cor. 5:10, 11). Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (2:14-16; 14:1-23); conduct to others (14:1-23; Matt. 18:1-35); carnal traits (Romans 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23; Col. 3:1-25) and words (14:1-23; Matt. 12:32-37). Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (1:29-32; 12:1-21; 14:1-23; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33;). Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25). Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (12:1-21; 1Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33).

‘As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God’ this was quoted from Isaiah 45:23.

1Peter 4:5-7 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

‘Account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead …’ this is the 5th New Testament prophecy in 1Peter verses 5-6 are unfulfilled and verse 7 fulfilled. All people will give account to God.

‘For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh’ in order to judge all people justly, the gospel has been given to all alike. Those who are now dead had the gospel preached to them while they were alive, just as those who are now alive are hearing the gospel. It was preached to Abraham (Gal. 3:8) and to Israel (Heb. 4:1-2). Even Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others had the gospel (Heb. 11:1-40). In cases where men have not had the law or the gospel, God will judge them through Him being visible through creation (Rom. 1:20) and on the basis of the light they have had and according to their living up to the conscience (Rom. 2:12-16).

‘But live according to God in the spirit’ all men live according to God in the spirit, proving that the inner man is immortal (3:4). We must serve (worship) God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24) which means our thoughts [generated in our spirit] must at all time be according to what the Word commands in 2Corinthians 10:3-6; Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:2. The truth always refers to the gospel [Jesus is the truth, the way, the life the light, etc. (John 1:1, 4-5, 7-14; 14:6)] which is the literal example Christ gave through His life on earth by which we are commanded to live (1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 2:6).

‘The end of all things is at hand’ Peter uses this term of impending judgment on Israel, which came about ten years later when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed and the priesthood and sacrifices came to an end. God used the same kind of expression to Noah, referring to the flood (Gen. 6:13). For us today to know the end is near, we have the signs of the times as given in Matthew 24; Mark 13 and Luke 21.

‘Be you therefore sober, and watch unto prayer’ four commands in view of all judgment: Be sober (4:7) [Greek: sophroneo] sober in mind, thus referring again to the importance of not having any chemicals in our blood streams that can affect our minds and thus our soberness. Watch unto prayer (4:7) [Greek: nepho] to live soberly – being watchful in prayer is to have a mind focused on conversation with God instead of thinking on impure things (Col. 3:2; Php. 4:8). Above all, have fervent love among yourselves (1Cor. 13:4). Be hospitable without murmuring (4:9; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2).