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.
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.
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