“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV).
When we think about the judgment seat of Christ and the fact that God will evaluate what we’ve done, it’s easy to be filled with fear. We, as believers, are often subject to attacks that make us keenly aware of our shortcomings. The accuser replays our history, convincing our minds to dwell on what we should have done differently. He provokes us to focus on ourselves and wallow in guilt and shame instead of keeping our eyes on Christ, the champion of our faith. When we lose our focus this way, we can become convinced that these shortcomings, flaws, and outright sins will be the subject of God’s evaluation of us.
But this view of God—that He’s vengefully cataloging our failures, and will punish us in one way or another—is from the accuser, not from God. God understands the limitations of humanity. Psalm 103:14 says, “He remembers that we are dust.” He depicts Himself to us as a Good Father, delighting in us (Zephaniah 3:17) and giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-10).
I’d like to encourage you with a few examples from Scripture that we don’t serve a God who capitalizes on our flaws and failures, but One who views us through the rose-colored lens of His lavish grace and love toward His children.
Hebrews 11 contains the famous “faith hall of fame.” Let’s recall a few of the characters mentioned in that chapter:
Abraham protected himself instead of his wife, endangering her life by introducing her as his sister and allowing her to be taken into another man’s harem not only once, but twice (Genesis 12 and 20). God’s evaluation of Abraham: “When called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, he obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
Sarah laughed when God said she’d have a son in her old age (Genesis 18:12—she was 90. I think I’d laugh too). God’s evaluation of Sarah: “She considered him faithful who had made the promise” (Hebrews 11:11).
Rahab was known for being a prostitute (even in Hebrews 11:31). God’s evaluation of Rahab: “because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient” (Hebrews 11:31)
Gideon made God confirm over and over that He would defeat the enemy through him (make the fleece wet and the ground dry—now make the ground wet and the fleece dry) (Judges 6).
Barak agreed to go to war only if the woman (Deborah) would go with him (Judges 4:8).
Jephthah sacrificed his daughter after God gave him a victory over the enemy (Judges 9).
David violated Bathsheba, then murdered her husband in an attempt to cover it up (2 Samuel 11).
God’s evaluation of them (with others): “Through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised.” (Hebrews 11:33). “The world was not worthy of them.” (Hebrews 11:38)
Can the same be said of us?
Will God think the world was unworthy of us (Hebrews 11:38), and not be ashamed to be called our God (Hebrews 11:16) – despite all of our (known and unknown) faults and sins?
Is it possible that we could be not just saved but pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:5)?
Hebrews 11 implies a resounding “Yes!” God praises these flawed people for their faith. Because they believe God exists and rewards those who seek Him, they are commended as pleasing God (Hebrews 11:5-6). God’s evaluation of these Old Testament believers is exceedingly gracious. And that grace extends to us.
This post was written for Free Grace International, and first appeared there.
