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p340 * * * It is important to bear in mind that, whatever* may be the display and power of grace, the principles of righteousness are in no way set aside, but, on the contrary, maintained thereby. The day will declare that God renders to each according to his works. Life eternal He will give to those who, by patient continuance of good work, seek for glory, honour, and incorruptibility. He will give this, I say; because here eternal life is viewed on the side of glory, not as a present thing, as St. John does; and hence it appears as the issue of a holy, fruit-bearing course. On the other hand, to such as are contentious and disobedient to the truth, but who obey unrighteousness, there shall be indignation and wrath, tribulation and distress, on every soul of man that worketh evil, etc. (compare John 5:29; Galatians 6:8) Mark the two-fold truth. "Each of us shall give account of himself to God." Yet shall the believer not come into judgment (John 5:24) - not into condemnation merely, but judgment. Doubtless, in the unbeliever's case to give account of himself will be, in effect, both judgment and condemnation. But neither is true of the believer. Nevertheless it is certain that the believer will be manifested (not judged) before the judgment-seat of Christ. All must be manifested there, in fact, whether saint or sinner; that each may receive the things done in (or by) the body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or evil. Even for the believer, all his ways are far from being the fruit of righteousness by Jesus Christ. As for the labourer, there might be work done with sorry materials, and this will have its consequences in glory, though the person is supposed to be saved.

{*'I much wish to know your thoughts on the following passages "Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honour and incorruptibility, eternal life, etc. etc., but glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile." (Rom. 2:6-11, 16)

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:12)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether good or BAD." (2 Cor. 5:9, 10)

"But he that doeth WRONG shall receive for the WRONG which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons." (Col. 3:25)

'Note the last passages in reference to "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, "and Hebrews 10:17.'}

It is just the same principle in the last passage, as indeed in a crowd of others. 1 John 1:9 does not modify, much less contradict, this. It is involved in repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Nor does Hebrews 10:17 clash either, as some might think. No sin is remembered as a question of pardon; nothing is forgotten as a question of divine vindication and retribution. We shall know as we are known, and God be magnified in all His ways.

[53253E]

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With the prayerful desire that the Lord Jesus Christ will use this God-given ministry in this form for His glory and the blessing of many in these last days before His coming. © Les Hodgett .