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1 Peter 1:17<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay<\/span> here<\/span><\/em> in fear;<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Truth to Learn<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The way we live reflects how we really feel about God.<\/p>\n Behind the Words<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWithout partiality<\/span>\u201d comes from apros\u014dpol\u0113ptos<\/span><\/em>, which is a compound of three words meaning \u201cnot,\u201d \u201cappearance,\u201d and \u201caccept\u201d. Hence, this word means that He does not take a person\u2019s appearance into account, and it has come to mean \u201cimpartially.\u201d<\/p>\n \n The word translated \u201cjudges<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word krin\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which means \u201cto distinguish or decide based on the facts.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cConduct<\/span>\u201d is translated from the verb form of the word anastroph\u0113<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cour manner of living.\u201d It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a call to action.<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Today\u2019s verse seems to talk about a works based salvation since it says that God judges according to every man\u2019s work. Taken in isolation from the numerous Biblical verses that talk about salvation being of grace by faith alone, some people have even said that this verse proves that our salvation is based on works. But what does the verse really mean?<\/p>\n God judges us based on what we do, not to earn righteousness (salvation), but as a result of the righteousness (salvation) that has already been given to us. Our righteousness is imputed (given) to us when we believe (see Romans 4:22-24<\/span><\/strong>).<\/p>\n Now, regarding the works of the unsaved, the description of the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15<\/span><\/strong> makes it very clear that the unsaved will be judged according to their works and then will all be condemned to the lake of fire.<\/p>\n But of the saved, the Apostle Paul said:<\/p>\n For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things<\/span> done<\/span><\/em> in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.<\/span> (2 Corinthians 5:10<\/span><\/strong>)<\/em><\/p>\n This judgment seat of Christ is the bematos<\/span><\/em>, or <\/span>Bema <\/span>seat of Christ. In the first century, the Bema seat was the platform upon which the judge of athletic games sat. It was at this seat that the winners were each given a wreath \u201ccrown\u201d as a reward for their victory. Our Bema seat judgment is for believers (winners) only and occurs after the rapture when we have already become like Christ, hence we are blameless. This is where we will receive rewards for the work we have done for Him. And in 1 Corinthians 3:8-15<\/span><\/strong> we learn that <\/span><\/em>our works will be judged as having been done either for the glory of God or for ourselves. Therefore, Peter admonishes us in today\u2019s verse to pass the time of our wandering here on this earth in fear. Not fear of losing our salvation, but fear that we won\u2019t do everything we can to show God how grateful we are.<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n I have often wondered how a person who is saved by God\u2019s grace can then live the remainder of his or her life focusing on self. When we realize the value of God\u2019s sacrifice to pay the price of our sins, we begin to understand how precious salvation really is. Now, what are we doing to show how much we appreciate His sacrifice? Christ died for us; therefore, we should live for Him!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –<\/p>\n <\/span>If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:![\"signature\"](\"..\/..\/signature.gif\")
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