I believe that many of us may be running so fast and hard that we tend to forget the big picture that our God has called us to live by, and this lack of perspective may lead many of us who are “followers of Jesus” to a false priority lists instead of embracing our Savior’s “to do” list on how to live.
We have so many things that pull at us on a daily basis that we must fight with our hearts and minds to maintain an intense focus on God’s point of view. There are two thoughts that must continue to grip the Body of Christ daily … and each has huge implications on all people.
First, everyone who has ever lived, or will live, will live forever. There is no annihilation. All people will live for eternity.
Second, what a person does with Jesus Christ will determine where they live forever.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6
What a person does with Christ matters. They can believe and have everlasting life or not believe and “the wrath of God remains on them.” (John 3:36) That decision determines which of two destinies and judgments awaits for a person.
The Bible shows us that there is a judgment for unbelievers—the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20—and one for believers—a review of our lives on earth.
The Great White Throne Judgment will conclude the same way for all unbelievers …
"Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:15
There are no second chances. There is only one life, one death, and one judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
But believers face a different kind of judgment. This is not a determination of our eternal destiny in heaven or hell.
This is a review of how we lived and walked with Christ while on earth. This is called the Bema or the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is where Jesus will evaluate the “quality” of our lives for Him and give rewards to His faithful followers.
For those Christians who wasted their Christian life, this will be a time of deep sadness, shame, and grieving (1 John 2:26). But for those who lived well for Christ, It is a time of great joy.
Both kinds of believers are saved and eternal life is assured, but many will grieve in their hearts over their lives.
"Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
In the end, these two different judgments lead to two different destinations: heaven or hell.
It’s up to us to make the most of our lives now so that we can experience joy and others can experience heaven when we get to the other side.