Eternal Judgment: Believers' Rewards and Unbelievers' Condemnation

In our study of Hebrews 6:1-8, we delve into the profound topic of eternal judgment, which is divided into two parts: the judgment of believers for rewards and the judgment of unbelievers for condemnation. The judgment of believers, often referred to as the Bema Seat judgment, is not about salvation but about rewards based on faithfulness and motives. This judgment occurs between the rapture and the Lord's second return, as believers are given authority over cities during the millennium based on their faithfulness. The judgment of unbelievers, known as the Great White Throne judgment, occurs at the end of the millennium, where all unbelievers are judged and condemned.

The judgment of believers focuses on several key areas: motives, secrets, idle words, works of mercy, holiness, and faithfulness. God will reveal the hidden motives of our hearts, and our actions will be judged not just by what we do but why we do it. Secrets, including unrepented sins and thoughts, will be brought to light. Every idle word spoken will be accounted for, emphasizing the importance of our speech. Works of mercy, particularly towards fellow believers, are crucial, as they reflect our love for Christ. Holiness is not optional; it is a requirement, and we will be judged accordingly. Lastly, faithfulness in what God has entrusted to us, whether little or much, is paramount.

Rewards for believers include authority over cities during the millennium, crowns of righteousness, and the joy of the Lord's approval. These rewards are not the primary motivation for our actions but are a testament to God's faithfulness. The Great White Throne judgment, on the other hand, is a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences for those who reject Christ. It is a judgment based on works, serving as evidence of one's unbelief. God's desire is for all to be saved, and the reality of hell is a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Motives and Actions: God will judge not only our actions but the motives behind them. Our deeds must be done with a pure heart, free from selfish ambition or desire for recognition. This calls for introspection and a sincere heart in all we do. [09:06]
• 2. Secrets and Repentance: Unrepented sins and hidden thoughts will be revealed in judgment. It is crucial to bring these before God, seeking forgiveness and transformation. This highlights the importance of living transparently before God. [11:12]
• 3. The Power of Words: Every idle word spoken will be judged, emphasizing the weight of our speech. Our words should edify and build others up, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. [12:59]
• 4. Works of Mercy: Our responsibility to care for fellow believers is paramount. Acts of mercy towards them are acts of service to Christ Himself, underscoring the importance of community and support within the body of Christ. [18:36]
• 5. Faithfulness in Little and Much: God requires faithfulness in whatever He has entrusted to us, whether great or small. Our faithfulness in the little things reflects our readiness for greater responsibilities in His kingdom. [27:00]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - Introduction to Eternal Judgment
• [00:25] - Reading Hebrews 6:1-8
• [01:26] - Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers
• [02:23] - Timing of Believers' Judgment
• [03:27] - Great White Throne Judgment
• [04:07] - Unbelievers in the Millennium
• [05:32] - Satan's Release and Final Rebellion
• [06:26] - Principles of Judgment
• [07:19] - Judgment of Believers' Motives
• [10:56] - Judgment of Secrets
• [12:45] - Judgment of Idle Words
• [16:00] - Works of Mercy
• [23:56] - Holiness and Faithfulness
• [30:15] - Rewards for Believers
• [41:09] - Great White Throne Judgment Details
• [54:34] - Conclusion and Hymn Reflection

1. According to Hebrews 6:1-8, what are the foundational principles of Christ that believers are encouraged to move beyond? How does this relate to the concept of eternal judgment? [00:25]
2. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, what does Paul say will be revealed when the Lord comes, and how does this relate to the judgment of believers? [08:10]
3. What does Matthew 12:36 say about the words we speak, and how does this relate to the judgment of idle words mentioned in the sermon? [12:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the timing of the judgment of believers in relation to the rapture and the Lord's second return? [02:50]

1. How does the sermon explain the difference between the Bema Seat judgment for believers and the Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers? What implications does this have for how believers live their lives? [01:41]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of motives behind our actions, and how does this align with the biblical teaching in 1 Corinthians 4:5? [09:06]
3. How does the sermon interpret the significance of idle words in Matthew 12:36, and what does this reveal about the power of our speech? [12:59]
4. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of works of mercy towards fellow believers, and how does this reflect our relationship with Christ? [18:36]

1. Reflect on your motives for the actions you take in your daily life. Are there areas where you might be seeking recognition or acting out of selfish ambition? How can you align your motives more closely with a pure heart? [09:06]
2. Consider any unrepented sins or hidden thoughts in your life. What steps can you take to bring these before God and seek forgiveness and transformation? [11:12]
3. Think about the words you speak daily. Are there idle words or speech patterns that you need to change to better reflect the love and truth of Christ? How can you be more intentional with your words this week? [12:59]
4. Identify a fellow believer in your community who might be in need of support or acts of mercy. How can you serve them this week as an act of service to Christ Himself? [18:36]
5. Reflect on the responsibilities God has entrusted to you, whether great or small. How can you demonstrate faithfulness in these areas, and what steps can you take to prepare for greater responsibilities in His kingdom? [27:00]
6. How does the reality of the Great White Throne judgment impact your view of evangelism and sharing the gospel with others? What practical steps can you take to share your faith with someone this week? [41:09]
7. Consider the rewards mentioned for believers, such as authority over cities and crowns of righteousness. How can these rewards motivate you to live a life of faithfulness and holiness, even if they are not the primary motivation for your actions? [30:15]