Questions and Answers | The Judgment Seat
One Scripture tells us God has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west, and He remembers it no more, then another tells us on judgment day we will have to hear our sins recounted. How do these go together?
The first passage you’re thinking of is a combination of Psalm 103:12 (“As far as east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”) and Isaiah 43:25 (“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions...and remembers your sins no more”). Both deal with God’s removal of the guilt and condemnation of our sins (Rom. 8:1).
The second passage relates to the Judgment (or Bema) Seat. One day, we will give an account of our service to the Lord. When our works are tested by fire, some will be like wood, hay, and straw and burn up. If our works are like silver, gold, and precious gems we’ll receive a reward. But even those without rewards will still be saved, “as one escaping through the flames” (1 Cor. 3:11–15). If we’ve experienced God’s forgiveness through Jesus, we should be committed to holiness and service. And even though “we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10), God still promises us rewards.
BY Dr. Michael Rydelnik
Dr. Michael Rydelnik is a professor of Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute and the host of Moody Radio’s Open Line with Michael Rydelnik. He is the author of 50 Most Important Bible Questions inspired by both his radio show and his columns for Today in the Word. Michael served on the translation team of the Holman CSB Bible and contributed to several other books and study Bibles. Michael also appeared in the Lee Stroebel video The Case for Christ. Michael and his wife, Eva, have two adult sons. The Rydelniks live in Chicago, Ill.