God's judgement doesn't begin with unbelievers but with the family of believers. ‘For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God ?’ (1 Peter 4 : 17 ) ‘For we will all stand before God’s judgement seat … each of us will give an account of himself to God.’ (Romans 14 : 10 – 12 ) So believers too will stand before the judgement seat of Christ, but it is not for condemnation, ‘for there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live according to the Spirit’ ( Romans 8 : 1 ), but to be judged and rewarded accordingly. It will happen before the Millenial rule of Christ, when he takes his seat on the throne together with his Apostles, on the thrones set for them. “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” ( Matthew 19 : 28, Luke 22 : 30) ‘I saw thrones on which were seated those who had authority to judge.’ ( Revelation 20 : 4 )
The three parables we read in Mathew 25 also gives us an insight into the timeline of events. The ‘Parable of the ten Virgins’ ended with the door being shut and the foolish virgins being left behind while the virgins who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the wedding banquet, denoting Rapture. (Matthew 25 : 10 ) Soon after this, Jesus said the ‘Parable of the talents’, wherein he spoke about the judgement of his servants, the Church. “After a long time the master returned to settle accounts with them”. ( Matthew 25 : 19 ) “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” ( Revelation 22 : 12 ) All these passages indicate that the saints will be judged and rewarded at the second coming of Jesus. Paul had this blessed hope when he said : ‘Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’ ( 2 Timothy 4 : 8) Amen.
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