THE FIVE CROWNS

^“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.” Philippians 3:13-16

There are five specific crowns (stephanos) mentioned in the New Testament. The crowns can more appropriately be called wreaths, or garlands, like the ones worn on the heads of athletic champions. The garlands will be our prizes when it comes time for the Lord to hand out awards to the believers at the Judgment Set. They will be the awards for our walk and faithfulness to God and His Word. They are not available to us now, but we will receive them after Christ's return.

THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (I Corinthians 9: 25)

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

The first crown mentioned is the 'incorruptible' crown. This means it is a crown that will never be destroyed; it will never turn to dust. We will be immortal, and so will this crown. To fully understand what this crown is let’s look at the following scripture:

I Corinthians 9: 19-23: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”

Paul is describing how he worked to win others to the Word of God. It is the type of Christian walk to which we can all aspire.

I Cor. 9: 24: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain [win]."

Here our walk is compared to an athletic endeavor like a footrace. The Lamsa translation of the Peshitta (Aramaic) text reads:

“Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one is victorious? So you must run that you may obtain victory.”

We are urged to run with the intention of winning. We are running a race to win a crown.

 I Cor 9: 25 of the Lamsa translation reads:

“And every man who battles in the contest frees his mind from everything else. And yet they run to win a garland which is perishable; but we to win one which is everlasting.”

A champion athlete is focused on the race at hand. They are not distracted by noises or activities going on around them. If they get distracted they do not run well. Yet, all that an athlete wins is a perishable prize. It will not last forever. The prize for which we compete is everlasting.

I Corinthians 9: 26: “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I , not as one that beateth the air.”

[Lamsa translation: "I therefore so run, not for something that is uncertain; and I so fight, not as one who beats the air;]".

Paul said that he ran for something that is certain. When he was in the boxing ring he fought and made the blows count. He did not 'shadow box', or beat the air.

I Corinthians 9: 27: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

[Lamsa translation: "But I conquer and subdue my body so that, by no chance, when I have preached to others, will I despise myself."]

Paul kept his body in subjection to his mind (renewed mind), so that after he had called others to join in the competition (verses 19 - 23), there was no chance that he would fail in achieving the reward.

The Incorruptible Crown will be available to the committed, focused believers. Those who renew their mind, and practice discipline and self control like a committed athlete are the ones who will receive the award.

SOUL WINNERS CROWN (I Thessalonians 2: 19, 20)

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.”

The crown of rejoicing described here is one example of when we, as believers, will be expected to loudly rejoice or exalt. When Christ comes back and we will all be together, we can let everyone else know about it. Our brothers and sisters that we won for God will make up the crown of rejoicing.

Philippians 3: 20, 21: “ For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

We look forward to the return of Jesus Christ. When he does return, our earthly, mortal bodies will be changed to be like his: immortal and glorious.

Philippians 4: 1: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”

Twice Paul referred to the believers as 'dearly beloved', so we know how he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. Also, they are his 'joy and crown'. Every day we must be thankful for all the believers in the world. On the day of Christ's return, we will get together and wear the crown of rejoicing.

CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (II Timothy 4: 7-8)

“I have fought a good fight [run a great race], I have finished my course, I have kept the faith [thy believing]. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

[Lamsa translation: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept my faith: Henceforth there is preserved for me a crown of righteousness, which my Lord, the righteous judge, will give me at that day; and not to me only but also to all those who have loved his appearing."]

The crown of righteousness makes an athletic reference like the 'incorruptible crown'. Paul says he has fought a good fight -- he didn't give up, lie down, or quit. He finished the race -- he kept believing. Because of this, a crown of righteousness has been reserved for him, and for others who look forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ. 'Righteousness' means that something is just and right. How many times have we read a news story, or seen something on television that made us say, "It just isn't right"? That won't happen even one time once Christ returns. Paul wrote this to the church in order to exhort them (us) to stand for God in light of the hope of His return. If we look forward to our crown of righteousness, we can stand firm and sure right now.

CROWN OF LIFE (James 1: 12)

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Happy is the person that endures (remains after others have left) trials and temptations. For when he is proved, he will receive (manifest) the crown of life (life in all its fullness, complete).

Revelation 2: 10, 11: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

Revelation 3: 10, 11: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

The churches are exhorted to be steadfast in the face of trials and tribulation. When we overcome them, we will receive the crown of life, and will not face the 'second death'. The 'second death' is the final death described in:

Revelation 20: 14, 15: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Because we will receive the 'crown of life', we have eternal life. The lake of fire is reserved for all the evil doers and unbelievers.

 CROWN OF GLORY (I Peter 5: 1-4)

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

Peter writes this to the elders of the church, so we see the crown of glory will be available to leaders in the church. They are supposed to feed the 'flock' the undiluted and perfect Word of God, not for money or any personal gain, but willingly and out of love. They are not 'overlords' of the other believers, but should lead by example. If they do this, Peter says, when Christ (the chief Shepherd) returns they will receive a crown of glory that never fades away. It is everlasting, and the color and brilliance will abide forever.

The five crowns will be part of our reward we receive after the return of Christ. The Word of God tells us some things about the crowns, but not everything. A big part of the reward will be the surprise of finding out everything about our new life, and the privileges and responsibilities that go with it. For now, we can do the best we can for God, and look forward to the Hope, the return of Christ.

EL TRIBUNAL DE CRISTO

“Porque es necesario que todos nosotros comparezcamos ante el tribunal de Cristo, para que cada uno reciba según lo que haya hecho mientras estaba en el cuerpo, sea bueno o sea malo.”

                                                                II Corintios 5:10

Según la Biblia, hay un día que viene cuando el mismo Jesucristo volverá del cielo, y levantara los que han muerto en Él de entre los muertos, y cambiará a aquellos creyentes que están viviendo en su imagen. Él reunirá a todos estos santos redimidos y se los llevara a su hogar celestial, donde permanecerá para siempre con Él en un estado de absoluta felicidad y la perfección absoluta. La Biblia habla de este evento en varios lugares, llamado "La Esperanza Bienaventurada del creyente.

Muchos sostienen la opinión de que tan pronto como el rapto suceda, los santos van a ir al Cielo, donde se les entregará un halo, un arpa y un par de alas. Luego pasarán la eternidad con Dios. Sin embargo, antes de llegar a disfrutar de todo lo que el cielo tiene para ofrecer, tendremos que aparecen, uno por uno, ante Dios para dar cuenta de las obras hechas en estos cuerpos terrenales.

Ya que vamos a enfrentar a Jesús en el juicio, y como nos vaya depende totalmente de cómo nos comportamos aquí, nos haría a todos bien pasar unos minutos mirar el tribunal de Cristo (Bema). Es importante que entendamos lo que es, lo que va a suceder allí y cómo podemos prepararnos para el día en que nos encontraremos a Jesús cara a cara.

¿QUIÉN VA A PARTICPAR?

¡Este será un juicio para los creyentes solamente! No habrá pecadores allí.  Ellos se enfrentarán a Dios en el Gran Trono Blanco (Apocalipsis 20:11-15).

A. SERÁ UNIVERSAL

Cada creyente sea grande o pequeño se presentará ante el trono de Cristo, y dar cuenta a Dios por las obras hechas en el cuerpo. Algunos piensan que sólo serán los predicadores y los obreros cristianos. Sin embargo, todos  apareceremos y daremos una cuenta delante de Dios (Rom. 14:12).

B. SERA INEVITABLE

Muchos creyentes viven sus vidas como si ellos piensan que nunca tendrán que responder por lo que hacen. En verdad, cada creyente está destinado para aparecer en este tribunal. No habrá ningún lugar para esconderse y correr a ninguna parte. Cuando su nombre se llama, usted estará delante de Jesús y se enfrentará a las obras hechas aquí en la tierra.

C. SERA INNEGABLE

No habrá defensa permitida antes de este tribunal. Cada obra será expuesta y se contabilizarán en frente de todos los santos de Dios. Debemos entender que Dios en el Cielo lleva un registro perfecto (Mat. 12:36). Dios lo ve todo, lo oye todo y lo sabe todo (Hebreos 4:13, Prov. 15:3). Nada se puede ocultar de Él o de Su juicio.

D. PARA MUCHOS, SERÁ IMPENSABLE

Esas cosas que se hicieron en secreto y tan cuidadosamente ocultado y escondido será expuesto en toda su fealdad (Lucas 12:3).

¿CUÁL ES EL PROPÓSITO? Las cuestiones no serán los siguientes:

1. Salvación:

Esto se arreglos en el momento de la conversión.

2. El Pecado:

El pecado fue atendido en el Calvario. Cuando Jesús murió, él murió por el pecado del mundo (II Cor. 5:21).

Los que aparecen aquí no serán juzgados para la salvación o sobre la base de sus pecados. Los que aparecen aquí ya están salvos. La Biblia, sin embargo, nos da una pequeña introducción de los que participarán aquí.

Puede ayudarnos a entender un poco acerca de lo que el tribunal era en realidad. En los días de Pablo, en cada ciudad había un lugar llamado el tribunal. Era de esta plataforma, por lo general en el centro de la ciudad que se hacían anuncios, sentencias dictadas y se repartían recompensas. Todas las proclamaciones públicas provenían de este tribunal. Por lo tanto, no debemos pensar que sólo era un lugar de temor y temblor. Era también un lugar de recompensa y bendición. ¡El Tribunal de Cristo no es diferente!

A. HABRÁ RECOMPENSAS: La Biblia habla de coronas que se darán a los que se los ganan.

1. La Corona Incorruptible: Otorgado por la fidelidad al Señor (I Cor 9:25.)

2. La Corona de la Vida: Para aquellas personas que sufrieron y venció la tentación.

3. La corona de gozo: Esta es la corona para el ganador de almas. (I Tes 2:19).

4. La Corona de Justicia: Este será dada a aquellos que anticipan y vivir a la luz de su regreso

     (II Tim. 4:8).

5. La Corona de la Gloria: Esto se le dará a los fieles ministros que se dan a sí mismos para atender y

                                           alimentar el rebaño de Dios (I Pedro 5:4).

Tenemos que entender que cada acto hecho en el nombre de Jesús será bendecido y recompensado. Los hombres no pueden ver el valor de su servicio, pero ten por seguro que Jesús toma nota perfecta y que Él te recompensará justamente por su sacrificio para él. (Marcos 9:41, Mat. 25:34-40).

Dios aplicar el fuego de su juicio a nuestras obras y las que se hicieron por Él y para Su gloria pasará la prueba y seremos recompensados ​​en consecuencia.

B. HABRÁ REPRENDE

1. Todos los motivos, métodos, actitudes y actividades pasará por debajo del microscopio del juicio justo de Dios y será llevado a la luz.

2. El proceso que Dios va a usar se puede encontrar en II Corintios 3:10-15:

a. Oro, plata, piedras preciosas, representan aquello que es valioso y permanente, hermoso y difícil de conseguir. Requiere sacrificio para adquirir estas cosas.

b. Madera, heno y hojarasca, éstas representan lo que es temporal, feo, barato y fácil de obtener. Qué diferencia hay en las cosas que honran a Dios y las cosas que honran a los hombres

c. Haber muchos que vendrán antes de Jesús esperando una gran recompensa, pero en lugar recibirá gran reprimenda. Ellos serán testigos de todo lo que perece ante sus propios ojos. No afectará su salvación, sino que afectará a las recompensas que recibirán.

C. HABRA COSECHA

Gálatas 6:7-8 se realiza plenamente en la vida de cada creyente en ese día. Usted ve, hay cosas que creemos que son escondidos, y cubiertos, pero Dios sabe todo acerca de ellos, y él se arrastra todas las cosas secretas a la luz. Muchos creyentes han ofendido a otros y nunca lo hacen corregido, han tomado cosas y nunca han hecho restitución, han mentido  y nunca han dejar las cosas claras, etc Dios lo sabe todo y los traerá a la luz en el tribunal.

D. HABRA REVELACIÓN

¡Cuando llegamos allí, todos los pretextos se le quitará! Finalmente se verá por lo que realmente son. Aquí abajo, somos capaces de engañar a los ojos de la gente. Muchas veces la gente tiene una imagen de nosotros que es falsa y engañosa a lo que realmente somos. Sin embargo, cuando estamos delante de Jesús, se verá en toda nuestra fealdad. Vamos a estar expuestos.

¿CÓMO COMO NOS PODEMOS PREPARAR?

A. DEBE SER SALVOS

En primer lugar, usted debe estar seguro de que va a aparecer allí. Con lo mal que este juicio puede ser, no será nada en comparación con estar de pie ante Dios en el Juicio del Gran Trono Blanco y escuchar lo que lo envíe al infierno. Si eso está resuelto, entonces tu mayor preparación es practicar el auto-juicio (I Cor. 11:31). No estoy hablando de juzgar a tu hermano. Su principal preocupación es mirar a su propia vida y corazón. Hay varias áreas en las que necesitamos practicar este juicio propio.

B. EN NUESTROS MOTIVOS

¿Por qué hacemos lo que hacemos? La Biblia nos dice que hay un solo motivo válido para hacer lo que hacemos en la vida (I Cor. 10:31). Todo debería ser hecho para la gloria de Dios. ¡Si lo que sea que está haciendo no se puede hacer para su gloria, entonces se queman en el juicio!

C. EN NUESTROS MÉTODOS

¿Cómo hacemos las cosas que hacemos? La Biblia nos enseña que debemos ser como luces brillantes en la oscuridad (Mateo 5:16). Si el mundo no puede ver a Cristo en lo que estamos haciendo, entonces podemos estar seguros de que va a quemar delante de él. Debemos tener en cuenta todo lo que hacemos y preguntarnos

1. ¿Es esta agradable a Dios?

2. ¿Qué tipo de mensaje se está enviando?

3. ¿Cuando digo eso, o ir allí, o usar esto, lo que estoy haciendo  que declaración esta dando acerca de Jesús y de su Iglesia?

D. EN NUESTRA FORMA DE VIDA

Cada actividad debe ser colocada al lado de la Palabra de Dios. Debemos entender que la Palabra de Dios es como una línea de plumada. Si estamos en desacuerdo con este libro, entonces vamos a experimentar la pérdida en el juicio. Si estamos de acuerdo con él, entonces podemos esperar recompensas cuando llegamos allí.

E. Todo se reduce a esto, estamos llamados a vivir la mejor vida para la gloria de Dios lo que es humanamente posible. Si lo hacemos, entonces no tenemos por qué temer a conocer a nuestro Salvador en el tribunal. Después de todo, si vivimos para el Señor, entonces seremos recompensados ​​y no reprendidos!

Si se enfrentaría hoy en juicio ante Jesús, ¿cuál sería el resultado? ¿Quieres ver todas tus obras y acciones subir en humo? ¿Lo oirás reprenderte por la forma en que vivía? O escucharlo decir: "Bueno, hecho siervo bueno y fiel. Entra tú al gozo de tu Señor ". ¿Qué puede esperar allí? Si no es lo que quieres, ahora es el momento de hacer los cambios que sean necesarios.

THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

  “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”   II Corinthians 5:10

According to the Bible, there is a day coming when Jesus Christ Himself will return from Heaven, and will raise those who have died in Him from the dead, and will change those believers who are living into His image. He will gather all these redeemed saints together and will take them back to His heavenly home, where they will abide forever with Him in a state of absolute joy and utter perfection. The Bible speaks of this event, called the “Blessed hope of the believer in several places.

Many hold the opinion that as soon as the rapture takes place; the saints are going to go to Heaven where they will be issued a halo, a harp and a pair of wings. Then they will spend eternity with God. However, before we get to enjoy all that heaven has to offer, we will have to appear, one by one, before God to give an account of the deeds done in these earthly bodies.

Since we are going to face Jesus in judgment, and since how well that goes depends entirely on how we behave here, it would do us all good to spend a few minutes looking at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema). It is important that we understand what it is, what will happen there and how we can prepare ourselves for that day when we will meet Jesus face to face.

WHO WILL PARTICPATE?

This will be a judgment for believers only! There will be no sinners here. They will face God at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15).

A. IT WILL BE UNIVERSAL

Every believer whether great or small will appear before the throne of Christ and will give account to Him for the deeds done in this body. Some think it will just be the preachers and the Christian workers. However, we will all appear and gave an account before God (Rom. 14:12).

B. IT WILL BE UNAVOIDABLE

Many believers live their lives as if they think they will never have to answer for what they do. In truth, every believer is slated to appear at this judgment seat. There will be nowhere to hide and nowhere to run. When your name is called, you will stand before Jesus and you will face the deeds done here on earth.

C. IT WILL BE UNDENIABLE

There will be no defense allowed before this judgment seat. Every deed will be exposed and will be accounted for in front of all the saints of God. We must understand that God in Heaven keeps perfect records (Matt. 12:36). God sees it all, hears it all, and knows it all (Heb. 4:13, Prov. 15:3). Nothing can be hidden from Him or His judgment.

D. FOR MANY, IT WILL BE UNTHINKABLE

Those things that were done in secret and so carefully concealed and hidden away will be exposed in all their ugliness (Luke 12:3).

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE? The issues will not be:

1. Salvation:

       

This was taken care of at the moment of conversion.

2. Sin:

Sin was taken care of at Calvary. When Jesus died, He died for the sin of the world (II Cor. 5:21).

Those who appear here will not be judged for salvation or on the basis of their sins. Those who appear here are already saved. The Bible does, however, give us a little insight into who will participate here.

It may help us to understand a little about what the judgment seat actually was. In Paul’s day, in every city there was a place called the Bema, or judgment seat. It was from this raised platform, usually in the center of town that announcements were made, judgments rendered and commendations handed out. All public proclamations came from this bema seat. So, we mustn’t think that it was only a place for fear and trembling. It was also a place of reward and blessing. Christ’s judgment seat is no different!

A. THERE WILL BE REWARDS: The Bible speaks of crowns that will be given to those who earn them.

1. The Incorruptible Crown: Awarded for faithfulness to the Lord (I Cor. 9:25)

2. The Crown of Life: For those persons who endured and overcame temptation.

3. The Crown of Rejoicing: This is the soul winners crown (I Tes. 2:19).

4. The Crown of Righteousness: This will be given to those who anticipate and live in the light

                                                                    of His return (II Tim. 4:8).

5. The Crown of Glory: This will be given to the faithful ministers who give themselves to lead

                                                and feed the flock of God (I Peter 5:4).

We need to understand that every deed done in the name of Jesus will be blessed and rewarded. Men may not see the value of your service, but rest assured that Jesus takes perfect note and that He will reward you fairly for your sacrifice for Him. (Mark 9:41, Matt. 25:34-40).

God will apply the fire of His judgment to our works and those that were done for Him and for His glory alone will pass the test and we will be rewarded accordingly.

B. THERE WILL BE REBUKES

1. All the motives, methods, attitudes and activities will pass beneath the microscope of God’s just judgment and will be brought to light.

2. The process that God will use can be found in II Corinthians 3:10-15:

a. Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, these represent that which is valuable, permanent, beautiful and hard to come by. It requires sacrifice to acquire these things.

b. Wood, Hay and Stubble, these represent that which is temporary, ugly, cheap and easy to obtain. What a difference there is in the things that honor God and the things which honor men

c. There is going to be many who will come before Jesus expecting great rewards, but will instead receive great rebuke. They will witness everything as it perishes before their very eyes. It will not affect their salvation, but it will affect the rewards they will receive.

C. THERE WILL BE REAPING

  

Galatians 6:7-8 will be fully realized in the life of every believer on that day. You see, there are things that we think are hidden, and covered up, but God knows all about them and He will drag all those secret things into the open. Many believers have wronged others and never make it right, have taken things and never made restitution, lied and never set the record straight, etc. God knows about it all and will bring it to light at the Judgment Seat.

D. THERE WILL BE REVELATION

When we arrive there, all pretenses will be taken away! We will finally be seen for what we really are. Down here, we are able to pull the wool over people’s eyes. Many times people will have an image of us that is false and misleading to who we really are. However, when we stand before Jesus, we will be seen in all our ugliness. We will be exposed.

HOW CAN A WE PREPARE?

A. MUST BE SAVED

First, you must be sure that you will appear there. As bad as this judgment may be, it will be nothing compared to standing before God at the Great White Throne Judgment and hearing him send you to Hell. If that is settled, then your greatest preparation is to practice self-judgment (I Cor. 11:31). I am not talking about judging your brother. Your primary concern is to look at your own life and heart. There are several areas where we need to practice this self-judgment.

B. IN OUR MOTIVES

Why do we do what we do? The Bible tells us there is only one valid motive for doing what we do in life (I Cor. 10:31). Everything should be done for the glory of God. If whatever it is you are doing cannot be done for His glory, then it will burn up in the judgment!

C. IN OUR METHODS

How do we do the things we do? The Bible teaches us that we are to be like lights shining forth into the darkness (Mat. 5:16). If the world cannot see Christ in what we are doing, then we can be sure it will burn up before Him. We should look at everything we do and ask ourselves:

1. Is this pleasing to God.

2. What kind of message is this sending out?

3. When I say that, or go there, or wear this, what statement am I making about Jesus and His Church?

D. IN OUR MANNER OF LIFE

Every activity must be laid alongside the Word of God. We must understand that the Word of God is like a plum line. If we are out of line with this Book, then we will experience loss at the judgment. If we are in line with it, then we can expect rewards when we arrive there.

E. It all comes down to this, we are called to live the best life for God’s glory that is humanly possible. If we do, then we need not fear meeting our Saviour at the Judgment Seat. After all, if we are living for the Lord, then we will be rewarded and not rebuked!

If you were to face Jesus today in the judgment, what would be the outcome? Would you see all your works and deeds go up in smoke? Would you hear Him have to rebuke the way you lived? Or would you hear Him say, “Well, done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou it to the joy of thy Lord”. What can you expect there? If it isn’t what you want, now is the time to make the changes that are necessary.