THE SAINTS JUDGED.
When the saints are raised, they must give an account of all things
that they have done while they were in the world, of all things
"whether they be good or bad."
1. Of all their bad. But mark, not under the consideration of
vagabond slaves and sinners, but as sons, stewards, and servants of
the Lord Jesus. "We must all stand before the judgment-seat of
Christ;" we saints; "for it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,
every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
It is true, God loveth his people; but yet he loveth not their sins,
nor any thing they do, though with the greatest zeal for him, if it
be contrary to his word. Wherefore, as truly as God will give a
reward to his saints and children, for all that they have indeed
well done, so truly will he at this day distinguish their good and
bad; and when both are manifest by the righteous judgment of God, he
will burn up their bad, with all their labor and travail in it, for
ever. He can tell how to save his people, and yet take vengeance on
their inventions.
That is an observable place, 1 Cor. 3:12-15: "If any man build upon
this foundation, (Christ,) gold, silver, precious-stones, wood, hay,
stubble, every man's work shall be manifest; for the day shall
declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall
try every man's work of what sort it is.
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