Tag: himself

Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

Posted on by Will

So then each of us will give account of himself to God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians will have to testify regarding what they have done for God while on this earth.

 

Behind the Words

Paul starts off the current verse with the Greek words ara oun, which basically mean, “So, in conclusion, …” This expression applies to what he will say in this and the following verse.

“Each” is translated from the Greek word hekastos, meaning “each one” or “every one.” It is expressed in the singular, indicating that we will be standing individually before the Judge. Only our individual actions will matter.

The word “give” is didōmi, which means “to deliver up” or “to give over.” And “account” is logos, meaning “a word” or “something said.” Thus, it appears that we will each have to talk about how we spent the life that was given to us.

“Himself” is the reflexive pronoun heautou, indicating that the account given will be that of the one giving the account not of anyone else.

 

Meaning Explained

Let me start off by saying that this verse clearly shows that Paul believed that Jesus Christ is God. You will notice that this verse is still in reference to the judgment seat (bematos) of Christ, and it is clearly Jesus Christ who is sitting on this seat. Also, in John’s gospel account our Lord taught that the Father entrusts all judgment to the Son.

For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)

Yet in this verse, Paul tells us that we will have to give an explanation of our actions to God. Jesus Christ is the Creator, our Savior, our Judge, and our God.

The next thing that Paul has to say regarding our appearance before the bema seat of Christ is that “each one of us will give account concerning himself to God.” That is, when we appear before Christ’s judgment seat, we will have to give an explanation of what we have done for Him. We will not be called upon to give testimony about anyone else, nor will He be calling us as a witness to anyone else’s actions, only our own. Therefore, since God’s focus at the judgment seat of Christ will be on our works done for His glory, our focus in this earthly life needs to be on what we are doing for God, not on what other Christians are or aren’t doing.

Also, notice very carefully that this is a judgment of our works, not our sins. According to 2Corinthians 5:10, which we looked at a couple of verses back, this judgment will be “according to what each person has done.” Our sins, on the other hand, have already been judged. They were judged at the cross when Christ paid the penalty for all our sins with His blood. When we believed God’s promise, like Abraham we were declared righteous. All of our sins – past, present, and future – were judged and paid for; hence, they cannot be the subject of the judgment seat of Christ.

 

Application

Let us all judge our own actions, not the actions of other Christians, so that He will judge them worthy on that day! We would all rather receive rewards than the smell of smoke.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on by Will

And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Truth to Learn

There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God.

 

Behind the Words

“Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

Autos is the Greek word translated “Himself.” This word literally means “self” and is used for emphasis, setting apart “the Lord” from everyone and everything else. In Greek, word order is very important and in the Greek text of this verse, the word autos is the first word, making it emphatic that it is the Lord and no one else who gives us peace.

“Always” and “every” are both translated from forms of the word pas, which contains the idea of oneness and a totality of the whole.

The word “way” is from the Greek word tropō, which literally means “a turn” as one would turn from one path to another. It is used symbolically to refer to “a general manner of life.”

 

 

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching in this letter, Paul now closes with a benediction, as is his custom. The expression “the Lord of peace Himself” is found nowhere else in the New Testament, although Paul uses the expression “the God of peace Himself” in his first letter to the Christian believers in the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Why is it so important for him to refer to the God of peace or the master of peace? You will recall that the purpose of both of these letters was to correct some false teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. Because of this false teaching, the believers in Thessalonica were confused and concerned that they had missed the rapture and were living during the time of God’s great wrath. Now having corrected this teaching, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to stop worrying and, instead, experience peace in their lives. As the God of peace and the master of peace, only He can provide us with this “peace that surpasses all understanding,” as Paul called it in Philippians 4:7.

Notice that God can give us this peace at all times no matter what is occurring in our lives. “But I don’t feel at peace right now,” you may say. If we believe that Jesus Christ is a loving God, the God of peace, and He is our Lord, the one who has supreme authority over every aspect of our lives, then we don’t have to worry. He will provide for us. He will watch over us. He will protect us. He will guide us. And, He will keep all His promises. What is there to worry about?

 

Application

Worry is nothing more that lack of trust. No matter what your circumstances, God is there beside you and will take care of you. Work hard and trust in Him. If you do, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:16 – Eternal Comfort and Hope

Posted on by Will

Truth to Learn

Our God promises eternal comfort and real hope for Christians.

 

Behind the Words

The word “may” is not actually in this verse, but is part of the verb “comfort” in the following verse. In other words, Paul is saying “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ … comfort you …”

The word translated “himself” is autos, meaning “him, her, or it.” It serves to give emphasis to the person or thing being spoken of. In Greek, word order is used for emphasis and in this case autos is the first word in the sentence. Therefore, Paul is emphasizing “our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.”

 “Having loved us” is from a form of agapē, which specifically refers to “a self-sacrificing love.” It is a verb of action, not just emotion and is most often used to describe the love that God demonstrates. It is expressed here as a singular verb.

Aiōnios is the word translated as “everlasting.” It literally refers to “an age” as a long duration of time. Hence, it is the word used to express that which is perpetual, everlasting, or eternal.

The word “comfort” is translated from paraklēsis, which is made up of para, meaning “beside” and a form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” It is used here to express the encouragement and comfort given by one who has been called alongside as a helper or comforter.

“Hope” is translated from elpis, which represents “hope,” not as just a wish, but as something that is fully expected.

 

Meaning Explained

Having just concluded this portion of his teaching, the Apostle Paul now expresses a prayer of benediction for the Thessalonian Christians. Paul has been teaching about the Day of the Lord in which God, in the person of Jesus Christ, will judge the inhabitants of the earth. Therefore, it is appropriate that he emphasizes the work of God, in the person of Jesus Christ, in giving us comfort and hope. This is the only place in any of Paul’s writings where he mentions God the Son before God the Father when the two are spoken of together.

He specifically identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as separate from the God the Father by the use of the conjunction “and.” However, at the same time, he shows the unity of the Godhead by using singular verbs (“has loved” and “has given”). Note also that the verbs “comfort” and “establish” in the following verse are also expressed in the singular form. Since in Greek, just as in English, the subject and verb of a sentence must agree in number, Paul is making a strong statement here that the Father and the Son are separate persons, but one God.

Now look at what Christians have already been given. The first thing is comfort. Our guide, who walks with us throughout our journey in this life, gives us comfort and encouragement as we travel. However, it is not just for this life, but for all eternity. Our guide, our God, also gives us hope. No matter what happens to us here, we have complete hope, and assurance, that we will spend eternity in a place of peace and comfort where we will eternally praise Him. It is not just a wish or a dream. It is real and we can count on it because God has promised it to us, and what God promises He always delivers.

 

Application

No matter what trial or difficulty you may be undergoing right now, as a Christian you have the guarantee of future peace and comfort in the presence of God. Stop and think about that for a minute or two.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:16 – A Joyful Sound

Posted on by Will

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Truth to Learn

The rapture is a loud event and a time of celebration.

 

Behind the Words

The word “Himself” is translated from autos, meaning “self.” It is used as an intensifier which sets apart the person from everyone and anything else.

“Come down” is from katabainō, composed of kata, meaning “down” and bainō, meaning “to come” or “to go.”

Ouranos is the Greek word translated “heaven.” It is perhaps based on the obsolete word oros, referring to an elevated spot. Jewish tradition holds that there are three heavens, the atmosphere of the earth (the first heaven), the physical universe (the second heaven), and God’s dwelling place or God’s throne room (the third heaven.)

“Shout” is from keleusma, which refers to a loud cry or a shout. In Classical Greek, writers used this word in reference to the loud war cry of soldiers rushing into battle, both to excite their fellow soldiers into action and to frighten the enemies.

“Archangel” is from archangelos, which is composed of archon, meaning “chief” and angelos, meaning “a messenger.”

Salpinx is the Greek word translated “trumpet.” It can refer to the instrument specifically, or to the sound the trumpet makes.

The word translated “rise” is anistēmi, which we saw in verse fourteen in reference to our Lord’s resurrection. It means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse, along with the next one, gives a very succinct description of the rapture of the church. The first thing we learn here is that the Lord (Jesus Christ) will descend from heaven. In verse fourteen we learned that He will be bringing those who “sleep in Jesus” with him when He comes. The next thing that we learn is that He will come with a loud shout, a shout of celebration and enticement, to stir up His saints. This loud cry will be “with the voice of an archangel.” This can be interpreted one of two ways: either a chief among the angels will be the one shouting, or our Lord will shout with a voice like an archangel. Since Jesus is referred to as The Angel of God throughout the Old Testament, He Himself could be the archangel spoken of. And, this loud cry is accompanied by the trumpet of God.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 there is another description of the rapture. In that verse we are told that it will occur at “the last trumpet.” Because of this, some Christians believe that this is the same as the last of the seven trumpet judgments spoken of in Revelation 11:15. They believe that this seventh trumpet occurs near the middle of the tribulation period; therefore, the rapture will occur “mid-trib.” However, the trumpet sound in today’s verse is “a call to action and celebration” whereas the trumpet sound in Revelation 11:15 is a pronouncement of judgment and woe. Also, a close study of Revelation shows that the seven trumpets occur toward the end of the tribulation, not in the middle. Remember, just because two things are described in a similar manner does not mean they are the same thing.

Once this shout is made and the trumpet blast is sounded, those who are “asleep in Jesus” will be raised up. That is, their bodies will be raised up as perfect, undefiled, eternal bodies and those who have come with Christ will be united with their new perfect bodies.

 

Application

When we hear the trumpet call at the time of the rapture, we will be filled with joy and we will be changed. Rejoice my friends, for the time of celebration is very near.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:11 – Our Constant Guide

Posted on by Will

Now may our God and Father Himself, and Jesus our Lord, direct our way unto you.

Truth to Learn

God is involved in the details of the life of every Christian.

 

Behind the Words

The word “now” is from the particle de, which can be used to indicate a continuance of a thought (and, also, namely, now) or a contrasting of, or a transition between, two thoughts (but, on the other hand). In today’s verse it is continuing a thought.

“Himself” is translated from autos, which is used for emphasis to set the subject apart from everyone else.

The word translated “direct” is from the Greek verb kateuthunō. This is a compound word made up of kata, meaning “down” but used here as an intensifier and euthunō, which means “to straighten or flatten,” and by implication “to guide or direct.” Thus, kateuthunō means “to guide someone directly toward a specific goal.” The verb is expressed here in the singular, not the plural.

Hodos is the word translated “way.” It refers to “a pathway, a road, or a street.” Metaphorically, it refers to a journey or a course toward something.

 

Meaning Explained

In this chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul has been explaining why he sent Timothy to minister personally to the Christians in Thessalonica. He has previously expressed his own strong affection for them and his desire to personally be with them. Not having heard from them in a while, he was concerned that their faith may have waivered in the face of the opposition and tribulation that not only the Thessalonians, but also Paul and his companions had been experiencing.

However, having received a report from Timothy that the Thessalonian believers had remained strong in their faith and love, he repeats his desire to personally return to them. In the previous two verses we learned of Paul’s strong and persistent prayer life. We even noted that to Paul prayer had become something that he didn’t have to consciously remind himself to do. To him, praying was just as natural and automatic as breathing. In today’s verse we see an example of this. In the midst of his telling about his incessant prayers for the Thessalonians, Paul expresses his own prayer to God.

For this Apostle to the Gentiles, teaching and prayer were so intertwined that we can even learn about his doctrinal beliefs from the content of this prayer. He expresses this prayer to “our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus.” Even though he expresses his prayer to two of the three persons of the Godhead (plural subject), he uses the singular form of the verb kateuthunō (to direct or guide). In this we see that Paul considers these two persons of the Godhead as one being. We also see here that Paul believed that God was intimately involved in his everyday life.

 

Application

Some Christians today do not believe, or do not realize, that God is involved in the details of their everyday lives. They may believe that He is involved in the affairs of mankind as a whole, but not in their own personal lives. Throughout the Bible we see God’s direct involvement in individuals who recognize His sovereignty. Let Him in, my friend, and He will guide your footsteps each and every day.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:18 – When Wisdom is Foolish

Posted on by Will

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

Truth to Learn

Use your gifts with wisdom, but not worldly wisdom.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “deceive” is exapataō. This word is made up of ex, used as an intensifier and apataō, meaning “to seduce” or “to deceive.” Thus, exapataō means “to completely deceive.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command, not just a suggestion. This is indicated in English by the use of the word “Let.”

“Himself” is translated from the third person pronoun heautou, meaning “himself, herself, or itself.” Paul could have used the middle case (subject acting on itself) of the verb exapataō, but added this word instead, to emphasize self-deception.

“Among” is from the Greek preposition en, meaning “in” or “inside.” It is an indication that Paul is talking about someone inside the church, as opposed to an outsider.

Dokeō is the word translated “seems.” It refers to the subjective mental estimate or opinion regarding something.

The word translated “age” is aiōn, which refers to a period of time. If he had been referring to people or society, he would have used the word kosmos (world system). By using aiōn, he is specifically referring to the current time in which we are living, as opposed to the “age to come.”

Meaning Explained

Keep in mind that Paul has been talking about the divisions that had occurred in the church in Corinth. These divisions had been caused by various groups within the church claiming to follow one leader in the church to the exclusion of others. This may have been the result of certain teachers having the reputation of, or self-proclaimed possession of, great wisdom. Throughout the second chapter of this letter, Paul taught specifically regarding the “wisdom of this world” as opposed to the “foolishness of the gospel.” He said of himself and the other apostles:

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)

Paul’s comments in today’s verse and the two that follow are directed specifically at those leaders of the Corinthian church who believed themselves to be wiser or more gifted than others. Paul is not saying that education, training, and experience are not good or desirable for church leaders. He is not speaking against the possession of such things; rather, he is speaking directly to those who have become proud of such possession and who somehow believe they are better than others who don’t.

Application

All Christians have gifts which have been given to them for the work of building up the church. Let us use those gifts in a humble manner, giving all the glory to the one who has given us these gifts, for only He is worthy. 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on by Will

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Truth to Learn

There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God.

Behind the Words

“Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

Autos is the Greek word translated “Himself.” This word literally means “self” and is used for emphasis, setting apart “the Lord” from everyone and everything else. In Greek, word order is very important and in the Greek text of this verse, the word autos is the first word, making it emphatic that it is the Lord and no one else who gives us peace.

“Always” and “every” are both translated from forms of the word pas, which contains the idea of oneness and a totality of the whole.

The word “way” is from the Greek word tropō, which literally means “a turn” as one would turn from one path to another. It is used symbolically to refer to “a general manner of life.”

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching in this letter, Paul now closes with a benediction, as is his custom. The expression “the Lord of peace Himself” is found nowhere else in the New Testament, although Paul uses the expression “the God of peace Himself” in his first letter to the Christian believers in the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Why is it so important for him to refer to the God of peace or the master of peace? You will recall that the purpose of both of these letters was to correct some false teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. Because of this false teaching, the believers in Thessalonica were confused and concerned that they had missed the rapture and were living during the time of God’s great wrath. Now having corrected this teaching, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to stop worrying and, instead, experience peace in their lives. As the God of peace and the master of peace, only He can provide us with this “peace that surpasses all understanding,” as Paul called it in Philippians 4:7.

Notice that God can give us this peace at all times no matter what is occurring in our lives. “But I don’t feel at peace right now,” you may say. If we believe that Jesus Christ is a loving God, the God of peace, and He is our Lord, the one who has supreme authority over every aspect of our lives, then we don’t have to worry. He will provide for us. He will watch over us. He will protect us. He will guide us. And, He will keep all His promises. What is there to worry about?

Application

Worry is nothing more that lack of trust. No matter what your circumstances, God is there beside you and will take care of you. Work hard and trust in Him. If you do, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:16 – Eternal Comfort and Hope

Posted on by Will

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,

Truth to Learn

Our God promises eternal comfort and real hope for Christians.

Behind the Words

The word translated “himself” is autos, meaning “him, her, or it.” It serves to give emphasis to the person or thing being spoken of. In Greek, word order is used for emphasis and in this case autos is the first word in the sentence. Therefore, Paul is emphasizing “our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.”

“Has loved us” is from a form of agapē, which specifically refers to “a self-sacrificing love.” It is a verb of action, not just emotion and is most often used to describe the love that God demonstrates. It is expressed here as a singular verb.

Aiōnios is the word translated as “everlasting.” It literally refers to “an age” as a long duration of time. Hence, it is the word used to express that which is perpetual, everlasting, or eternal.

The word “consolation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is made up of para, meaning “beside” and a form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” It is used here to express the encouragement and comfort given by one who has been called alongside as a helper or comforter.

“Hope” is translated from elpis, which represents “hope,” not as just a wish, but as something that is fully expected.

Meaning Explained

Having just concluded this portion of his teaching, the Apostle Paul now expresses a prayer of benediction for the Thessalonian Christians. Paul has been teaching about the Day of the Lord in which God, in the person of Jesus Christ, will judge the inhabitants of the earth. Therefore, it is appropriate that he emphasizes the work of God, in the person of Jesus Christ, in giving us comfort and hope. This is the only place in any of Paul’s writings where he mentions God the Son before God the Father when the two are spoken of together.

He specifically identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as separate from the God the Father by the use of the conjunction “and.” However, at the same time, he shows the unity of the Godhead by using singular verbs (“has loved” and “has given”). Note also that the verbs “comfort” and “establish” in the following verse are also expressed in the singular form. Since in Greek, just as in English, the subject and verb of a sentence must agree in number, Paul is making a strong statement here that the Father and the Son are separate persons, but one God.

Now look at what Christians have already been given. The first thing is consolation. Our guide, who walks with us throughout our journey in this life, gives us comfort and encouragement as we travel. However, it is not just for this life, but for all eternity. Our guide, our God, also gives us hope. No matter what happens to us here, we have complete hope, and assurance, that we will spend eternity in a place of peace and comfort where we will eternally praise Him. It is not just a wish or a dream. It is real and we can count on it because God has promised it to us, and what God promises He always delivers.

Application

No matter what trial or difficulty you may be undergoing right now, as a Christian you have the guarantee of future peace and comfort in the presence of God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 4:16 – A Joyful Sound

Posted on by Will

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Truth to Learn

The rapture is a loud event and a time of celebration.

Behind the Words

The word “Himself” is translated from autos, meaning “self.” It is used as an intensifier which sets apart the person from everyone and anything else.

“Descend” is from katabainō, composed of kata, meaning “down” and bainō, meaning “to come” or “to go.”

Ouranos is the Greek word translated “heaven.” It is perhaps based on the obsolete word oros, referring to an elevated spot. Jewish tradition holds that there are three heavens, the atmosphere of the earth, the physical universe, and God’s dwelling place or God’s throne room.

“Shout” is from keleusma, which refers to the loud war cry of soldiers rushing into battle, both to excite their fellow soldiers into action and to frighten the enemies.

“Archangel” is from archangelos, which is composed of archon, meaning “chief” and angelos, meaning “a messenger.”

Salpinx is the Greek word translated “trumpet.” It can refer to the instrument specifically, or to the sound the trumpet makes.

The word translated “rise” is anastēmi, which we saw in verse fourteen in reference to our Lord’s resurrection. It means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, along with the next one, gives a very succinct description of the rapture of the church. The first thing we learn here is that the Lord (Jesus Christ) will descend from heaven. In verse fourteen we learned that He will be bringing those who “sleep in Jesus” with him when He comes. The next thing that we learn is that He will come with a loud shout, a shout of celebration, to stir up His saints. This loud war cry will be “with the voice of an archangel.” This can be interpreted one of two ways: either a chief among the angels will be the one shouting, or our Lord will shout with a voice like an archangel. Since Jesus is referred to as The Angel of God throughout the Old Testament, He Himself could be the archangel spoken of. And, this battle cry is accompanied by the trumpet of God.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 there is another description of the rapture. In that verse we are told that it will occur at “the last trumpet.” Because of this, some Christians believe that this is the same as the last of the seven trumpet judgments spoken of in Revelation 11:15. They believe that this seventh trumpet occurs near the middle of the tribulation period; therefore, the rapture will occur “mid-trib.” However, the trumpet sound in today’s verse is “a call to action and celebration” whereas the trumpet sound in Revelation 11:15 is a pronouncement of judgment and woe. Also, a close study of Revelation shows that the seven trumpets occur toward the end of the tribulation, not in the middle. Just because two things are described in a similar manner does not mean they are the same thing.

Application

When we hear the trumpet call at the time of the rapture, we will be filled with joy and we will be changed. Rejoice my friends, for the time of celebration is very near.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

Posted on by Will

Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians will have to testify regarding what they have done for God while on this earth.

Behind the Words

Paul starts off the current verse with the Greek words ara oun, which basically mean, “So, in conclusion, …” This expression applies to what he will say in this and the following verse.

“Each” is translated from the Greek word hekastos, meaning “each one” or “every one.” It is expressed in the singular, indicating that we will be standing individually before the Judge. Only our individual actions will matter.

The word “give” is didōmi, which means “to deliver up” or “to give over.” And “account” is logos, meaning “a word” or “something said.” Thus, it appears that we will each have to talk about how we spent the life that was given to us.

“Himself” is the reflexive pronoun heautou, indicating that the account given will be that of the one giving the account not of anyone else.

Meaning Explained

Let me start off by saying that this verse clearly shows that Paul believed that Jesus Christ is God. You will notice that this verse is still in reference to the judgment seat (bematos) of Christ, and it is clearly Jesus Christ who is sitting on this seat. Also, in John’s gospel account our Lord taught that the Father entrusts all judgment to the Son.

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

Yet in this verse, Paul tells us that we will have to give an explanation of our actions to God. Jesus Christ is the Creator, our Savior, our Judge, and our God.

The next thing that Paul has to say regarding our appearance before the bema seat of Christ is that “each one of us will give account concerning himself to God.” That is, when we appear before Christ’s judgment seat, we will have to give an explanation of what we have done for Him. We will not be called upon to give testimony about anyone else, nor will He be calling us as a witness to anyone else’s actions, only our own. Therefore, since God’s focus at the judgment seat of Christ will be on our works done for His glory, our focus in this earthly life needs to be on what we are doing for God, not on what other Christians are or aren’t doing.

Also, notice very carefully that this is a judgment of our works, not our sins. According to 2Corinthians 5:10, which we looked at a couple of verses back, this judgment will be “according to what each person has done.” Our sins, on the other hand, have already been judged. They were judged at the cross when Christ paid the penalty for all our sins with His blood. When we believed God’s promise, like Abraham we were declared righteous. All of our sins – past, present, and future – were judged and paid for; hence, they cannot be the subject of the judgment seat of Christ.

Application

Let us all judge our own actions, not the actions of other Christians, so that He will judge them worthy on that day! We would all rather receive rewards than the smell of smoke.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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