The resurrection of the body Cont.

( 5) When believers receive their new bodies, they put on immortality ( 1 Cor 15: 53). Scripture indicates at least three purposes for this: ( a) so that believers may become all that God intended for humans at creation ( cf: 1 Cor 2: 9); ( b) so that believers may come to know God, in the full way He wants them to know Him ( John 1- 7: 3); ( c) so that God may express His love to His children as He desires ( John 3: 1’ 6; Eph 2: 7; 1 ‘ John 4: 8”‘: 1 6).

( 6) The faithful, who are still alive at Christ’s return for His followers will experience the same bodily transformation as those who have died in Christ prior to the day of resurrection ( 1 Cor 15: 51- 53). They will be given new bodies identical to the ones given to those raised from the dead at that time. They will never experience physical death ( see article on The Rapture).

( 7) Jesus speaks of a resurrection of life for the believer and a resurrection of judgment for the wicked ( John 5: 28- 29).

( 9) The Judgment Of Believers: An overview

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,” ( Jn 5: 22)

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” ( Rom 14: 12)

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” ( 1 Cor 3: 12- 15)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” ( 2 Cor 5: 10)

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” ( 2Tim 4: 8)

The Bible teaches that believers will someday have to give an account at “the judgment seat of Christ.” Concerning the judgment of believers, the following facts should be kept in mind:

( 1) All Christians will be subject to judgment; there will be no exception ( Rom 14: 12; 1 Cor 3: 12- 15; 2 Cor 5: 10; see Eccl 12: 14).

( 2) This judgment will occur when Christ returns for His church ( see John 14: 3; 1 Thes 4: 14- 17).

( 3) The judge is Christ ( John 5: 22; 2 Tim 4: 8).

( 4) The Bible speaks of the believer’s judgment as something solemn and serious, especially since it includes the possibility of damage or “loss” ( 1 Cor 3: 15; 2 John 8), of being ashamed before Him “at His coming” ( 1 John 2: 28) and of burning up one’s whole life’s work ( 1 Cor 3: 13- 15). The believer’s judgment, however, will not involve a declaration of condemnation by God.

( 5) Everything will be made manifest. The word “appear” ( Gk phane , 2 Cor 5: 10) means “to be revealed openly or publicly.” God will examine and openly reveal, in its true reality. ( a) our secret acts ( Mark 4: 22; Rom 2: 16), ( b) our character ( Rom 2: 5- 11), ( c) our words ( Mat 12: 36- 37), ( d) our good deeds ( Eph 6: 8), ( e) our attitudes ( Mat 5: 22), ( f) our motives ( 1 Cor 4: 5), ( g) our lack of love ( Col 3: 18 4: 1), and ( h) our work and ministry ( 1 Cor 3: 13).

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