I directed a charitable golf tournament Monday, and as I interacted with the golfers, I came upon three fellows talking about the “afterlife.” One said, “I’m a believer, but I dread the Great White Throne Judgment.” I was just thinking about how many believers may have that same dread.
True Believers
There is a huge difference between being one who believes in the historic Jesus and one who trusts Jesus as personal Savior and Lord. The true believer’s hope is not an “I hope so” experience; it is an “I know so” confidence. The believer has assurance.
I’ve told people for years that it is not what one knows that counts; it is Who you know. That is the only reason I’m going to Heaven! True believers know Jesus in full pardon of their sins.
The Blessing of Justification
I may very well be “preaching to the choir,” but it is important to realize the tremendous blessing of justification. To be justified, a sinner who truly believes in Christ as Savior is moved from the state of condemnation (unrighteous) to a state of grace (made righteous). God imputes (attributes) the righteousness of Jesus Christ to the spiritual account of the sinner who becomes a true believer.
Paul wrote to the Romans what David had written thousands of years earlier, “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them” (Rom. 4:7-8 NIV). That is why the true believer can say that he or she has been justified by faith in Christ. The individual can say, “It is ‘just if I’d’ never sinned!”
No More Condemnation
With that man I mentioned earlier, I shared this assuring Scripture. Again, Paul was addressing the Gentile people of Rome: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ” (Rom. 8:1). That means true believers will never stand before the Great White Throne Judgment. It is not for believers; it is only for unbelievers. Believers will stand before the Bema (reward). It is called the Judgment (evaluation — not condemnation) Seat of Christ.
Salvation Does Not “Kick In” at Death
The reason so many dread the Great White Throne Judgment is because they believe that salvation of the soul only takes place at death. That is false! If there is now no more condemnation as a true believer, then the believer’s salvation begins at the day of faith in Jesus.
Jesus told Nicodemus, “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18).
The Believer’s Assurance
Believer, you have blessed assurance! The day you placed your faith and trust in Jesus, at that moment you received everlasting (never ending) life. You will never stand before the Great White Throne to be judged for your sins. Your sins have been eternally forgiven. That’s the believer’s assurance. Rejoice that it is not what you know, but Who you know!
