[ ] 9/26/1999 #257

IN HIS PRESENCE

Revelation 22:10-13

INTRODUCTION: Billy Graham was interviewed by Diane Sawyer. She asked him how he would like to be remembered. Sadness came across his face and he said, "I would like to hear the Lord say to me, 'Well done, Thou good and faithful servant,' but I don't think He will."

“ For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matt. 16:27)

I. SAVED BY GRACE

A. WORKSEXCLUDED.(Matt. 7:21-23; Eph. 2:9; 2Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5)

B. WAY OF SALVATION. (saved by grace; Eph. 2:5, 8)

1.Grace of God. (Rom. 3:23-25; Eph. 2:5, 8; Titus 3:7)

2. Gift of God. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8)

II. SIGNIFICANCE OF WORKS

A. JUDGMENT OF THE SAVED.

1. Place of judgment.

For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Rom. 14:10)

2. Purpose of judgment. (determine reward or loss, 1 Cor. 3:14-15)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10)

B. JUDGMENT OF THE SINNER.

1. Place of judgment. (Great White Throne, Rev. 20:11-15)

2. Purpose of judgment. (judged every man according to their works)

3. Punishment at judgment. (cast into the lake of fire)

“And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:47-48)

III. SUMMONS FOR JUDGMENT

A. APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27)

B. APPEARANCE BEFORE CHRIST,

1. Saved will appear at Judgment seat of Christ.

2. Lost will appear before the Great White throne of Christ.

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. Every person will some day stand in the presence of Christ to be judged. Both the saved and the lost will be judged according to their works.

2. The saved will enter heaven and the lost will be cast into the lake of fire. A person’s relationship with Jesus determines the place of his eternal existence. Have you received Him today?

“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son ofman cometh.” (Matt. 24:44)