The Old Testament is full of examples of the role of works in the life of the follower of God. Any Bible teacher who claims that the Old Testament does not involve works does not have a sufficient grasp of God’s word. Even the New Testament repeatedly references the Old Testament “works of the law.” Consider, for example, multiple references contained in the following verse:

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The law is works! However, this does not mean that the works of the law could eternally justify even one soul under the Old or New Testaments. If the works of the law were sufficient to eternally justify a sinner, the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice would have been unnecessary. There would be no need for Him to have died in our place for our sin if man could be justified in any way apart from Christ’s sacrifice.

Israel’s problem was not a lack of works, but a lack of faith. They sought to be justified by the works of the law without faith. In fact, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their failure to keep the weightier matters of the law. The Pharisees wanted to do works to be seen by others, rather than out of the appropriate heart attitude and motivation.

Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

The Lord does not tell these leaders of Israel to ignore the works, but instead tells them that they were correct in not leaving them undone. He instructed these religious leaders to do both matters of the law—judgment, mercy and faith as well as the tithe of their possessions. However, Paul admonishes anyone today desiring to live “of the works of the law.” He warns us of the curse that accompanies the law. The law requires complete and total adherence.

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Paul writes this warning to discourage anyone from thinking that he should incorrectly attempt to place himself under the law and its works. Why would anyone desire to be under a curse? The problem with the law was not a problem with the law itself, but with man’s inability to abide by the works of the law. Man’s flesh was weak, thus the law was weak through the flesh.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

The law could never justify anyone due to the weakness of man’s sinful flesh. Because of man’s propensity to sin, God instituted the sacrificial system. The animal sacrifices were brought to sanctify and temporarily purify a man’s flesh. However, these sacrifices were intended simply to make the individual temporarily blameless concerning the law. The animal sacrifices had no purifying effect on the soul. Only the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ could redeem the soul.

Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Paul’s preaching emphasizes the distinction between the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and the sacrifices required under the law. Paul preached concerning the justification which could not come by keeping the law.

 Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Paul exclaims that it is by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that believers “are justified from all things.” Keep in mind that the law’s inadequacies were not a problem with the law itself, but a problem of man’s inadequacies. The actions of the Pharisees are a prime example of the Jews’ mentality and propensity to pervert God’s ways. They sought to be justified by keeping the letter of the law. This is not what God demanded or expected of His people. The Jews were to keep the spirit, not simply the letter, of the law (or that which is explicitly delineated).

II Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The Pharisees, like many other religious people, were only concerned with keeping the letter of the law. They ignored its true intent. This fact is easily demonstrated in the following three poignant examples:

1.  After the Jews had betrayed and crucified the Lord Jesus Christ because of envy (Mark 15:10), they were concerned about breaking the law by allowing His body to remain on the cross on the Sabbath day!

John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

Imagine the hypocrisy of putting an innocent man to death and yet being concerned about abiding by a legal directive as insignificant in comparison? This gross hypocrisy should shock the reader’s sensibilities. The Jews were trying to abide by the letter of the law while ignoring the greater sin.

2.  The same was true concerning the Jews’ dealings with Judas Iscariot. The religious leaders paid Judas to betray an innocent man. Yet, when he returned the tainted money to them, they wanted to abide by the law.

Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

The Jews became “spiritual” and concerned about doing “right.” In their own minds, the Jewish leaders could justify paying to betray an innocent man, but wanted to insure that they were not guilty of breaking the letter of the law. They could break the law in secret, as long as they followed the more overt aspects of the letter of the law.

3.  These same religious leaders sought out false witnesses (Matthew 26:59) to testify against the Lord. Yet, they wanted to abide by the letter of the law when it came to deciding what to do with the “blood money.” People are no different today when they think they can do some religious good deed to atone for their past indiscretions.

The book of Romans reiterates Israel’s omission of one of the weightier matters of the law: that of faith. Israel sought justification by the works of the law and not by faith.

Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). This fact is true whether considering either the Old or New Testament. Faith was a key ingredient under the law. One need only read Hebrews chapter 11 to see the importance of faith in the life of the Old Testament saints. For example, Hebrews 11 mentions incorporates the phrase “through faith” in verses 3, 11, 28, 33, 39; and “by faith” in verses 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31. Israel wanted to live by the works but lacked the faith which God expected.

The LAW and the CHURCH

It must be repeated once again—absolutely no one gets to heaven apart from the grace and mercy of God. To claim otherwise is to diminish the importance of Christ’s sacrifice and even nullify His work on the cross. If it were possible for obedience to the law to eternally justify a person, the Bible says that God would have given such a law.

Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Righteousness does not come by keeping the law. It comes from trusting in the One Who kept the law. Some skeptic reading this verse might reply: “If God is truly omnipotent, why couldn’t God give a law for man to keep in order to be justified?” Understanding this point is crucial. Does the fact that God could not give such a law reveal an impotent God in some way? Or should we direct our attention toward the part of God’s creation incapable of fulfilling any such law? Paul wrote that there was no problem with the law. It is holy.

Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

There was never anything wrong with the law or God’s commandments (or His expectations). The problem has always resided with man. Man could never be eternally righteous by keeping the law and simultaneously retain a freewill to love and to serve (or despise and reject) his Maker. The problem with the law was man’s inability to fulfill it in all points.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

A lawbreaker is not someone who breaks only the most serious statutes, but someone who breaks any part of the law. For this reason, God instituted certain sacrifices that could temporarily make the individual blameless. For example, consider the cases of Zacharias and Elizabeth in Luke 1:6, and the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:6. These all were blameless in the law because they fulfilled the necessary sacrifices prescribed for having broken the law.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

The Bible says that the law with its sacrifices could never make the sinner perfect. If the sacrifices ever accomplished this feat, the individual’s conscience would be purged of sin and there would be no further need for future sacrifices.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

If the Old Testament sacrifices ever completely purged the penitent sinner of his sin then he would have ceased offering them. Sin would never again have pricked his conscience. The passage continues by informing us that the sacrifices were acceptable to God for another reason. The purpose of the sacrifices was not to take away the sins. These particular sacrifices were instituted to bring to remembrance the individual’s sins annually.

Hebrews 1:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

What the animal sacrifices could not do, the blood of Jesus could completely accomplish. John the Baptist identified Christ as the Lamb of God. John pointed to Him as the sacrificial Lamb of God who would one day die to take away the sins of the world.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Only Christ as the perfect sacrificial Lamb could eternally atone for sin (Romans 5:11). Eternal righteousness could only come from a complete fulfillment of the entire law. This is something that only one Man ever attained. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). The weakness of the law rested in man, and not with God. Thankfully, the fulfillment of God’s law rested with God and not with man.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh (man’s sinfulness), God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Some might ask, what is the purpose of the law today if not to justify the sinner? The Apostle Paul explains that the law serves as the lost person’s schoolmaster (or teacher). The law points out the sinner’s inability to reconcile himself to his Creator and his dire need to trust in God’s Son by faith. By magnifying our sin, the law points us to Christ as our only hope for redemption.

Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The Bible goes on to point out that the Christian is no longer under a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:25) and no longer under the law (Romans 6:15). Some skeptics think this teaching offers the Christian a license to sin. For this reason, the salvation passages are generally quickly followed by verses explaining one’s need to work.

Works in the Church Age

The Christian’s faith is tested through his obedience to God’s word.  The fact that we are Christians means that we are supposed to work for God (I Corinthians 3:9). We are certainly not saved BY works, but we are saved TO work. Paul wrote that he hoped that the followers of Christ had not received the grace of God in vain.

II Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

There is only one way not to receive the grace of God in vain—and that is to WORK!  What good is a Christian who receives Christ as Saviour and then simply lives unto himself? None at all. Therefore, Paul also writes that we are to be fruitful in every good work following salvation.

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Those Christians who have not received the grace of God in vain are the ones who realize that they were saved TO work. In order to walk worthy of the Lord, Christians are to remain fruitful. These are indisputable truths. In fact, those who fail to maintain good works are the ones deemed unfruitful.

Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

The Christian’s bearing fruit is a simple concept. What good is a mature fruit tree that bears no fruit? A Christian who fails to reproduce is no better than a barren fruit tree. God saved us and we are to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. We are to be fruitful by maintaining good works.

Salvation and works!

God intended for the most often quoted salvation passages to lead a person to work for Christ following salvation. Consider these three examples of what is meant by works following salvation. Verses 8 and 9 of Ephesians chapter 2 address salvation as a gift from God. Verse 10 addresses the natural progression which is to follow salvation—working for one’s newfound Saviour. 

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

God ordained (or decreed) that Christians would work for Him as His ambassadors (II Corinthians 5:20). We are to represent Him in this life and enjoy the fruits of our labors in the next. There is no other reason for God to save a person’s soul and then leave him on this sin-sick planet. Titus also addresses salvation in verse 11 and the works that are to follow in verse 14.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The same grace that saves the lost also teaches Christians to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Grace teaches that a Christian is to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. As we work, verse 13 says we are to be looking forward to Christ’s imminent return. The next chapter of Titus reveals the same principle. Salvation is not by works, but a fruitful life certainly is!

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;…8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Many religious people think that they must do good works in order to obtain salvation. As logical as this may sound God’s ways cannot be comprehended through our finite levels of reason. Religion says DO; Christianity says DONE. Only by accepting what Christ has DONE are people enabled by God to DO the good works that He expects.

Everyone judged according to work(s)

Works and salvation—these are interrelated concepts that confuse the vast majority of people. The fact that both the Great White Throne Judgment and the Judgment Seat of Christ mention being judged for one’s works confuses those with a cursory understanding of the scriptures. For those questioning why and how works will play a role at these two judgments, the answer is rather simple. Both judgments involve the judgment of works, but neither judgment affects the predetermined destination of the soul.

The Great White Throne Judgment

In the book of Revelation, John writes that he saw in heaven a great white throne. As the dead stand before this throne, the book of life and the “books” are opened. As anyone with basic Bible knowledge understands, the book of life contains the names of all those not cast into the lake of fire. The “books” on the other hand contain a record of the works of those standing before this judgment throne. One can only imagine this awesome spectacle.

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The book of life is opened at the same time that the books of works are opened. Whether an individual is cast into the lake of fire (verse 15) is determined by one thing—whether or not his name is found in the book of life. Whether a person’s name is found in the book of life is determined long before he reaches the Great White Throne for judgment. Otherwise, Paul certainly would not have referred to those whose names are in the book of life. 

Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

It is inconceivable how anyone could honestly teach that a man’s works, as recorded in the “books,” will determine his eternal destiny. The Apostle Paul makes reference to those already in the book of life before the time of judgment, and John references those that are not in the book of life.

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the beast of verse 1), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

According to John, no one that worships the Beast during the Tribulation has his or her name in the book of life. The Great White Throne Judgment will simply demonstrate the fact that these people’s names are not found in the book of life.

Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Revelation chapter 20 reveals the destination of all those who do not have their names in the book of life. That ultimate destination is the lake of fire. The works judged at the Great White Throne will determine the degree of eternal punishment that a person without Christ receives (Matthew 10:15). The absence of one’s name from the book of life will determine his eternal destination. In contrast to the Great White Throne Judgment, the Judgment Seat of Christ will involve strictly those individuals whose names are found in the book of life.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

The purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ is to judge the life’s work of every Christian. Therefore, only the redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus Christ will appear at this judgment.

This judgment determines the Christian’s reward or loss for the life lived following salvation. It reveals which type of works the individual produced—works deserving of reward or works of no eternal value and reward. It cannot be overemphasized that the Judgment Seat of Christ is also a judgment for service (I Corinthians 3:8), and not a judgment to determine salvation.  Salvation is settled long before anyone arrives at this judgment. Only those individuals who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and received the full pardon for their sins will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ. One’s belief on the Lord Jesus Christ in this life removes condemnation in the next life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The individual who has not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ remains in a state of condemnation awaiting the end of this life. The Bible says the unbeliever is “condemned already.” His name will not be found in the book of life at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Bible repeatedly says that salvation is a gift to all those who believe (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, 3:7, etc.); salvation is never referred to as a reward for service. Christ was punished (He died) in our place and for our sins (I Corinthians 15:3). We receive the benefit of His work on the cross so that He may reward us for our work in the life to come.

II Corinthians 5:10 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 it be good or bad.

Every Christian will receive a reward or else suffer loss for the things done in his body at the Judgment Seat of Christ. God is not mocked; Christians will receive the fruits of the things done in their bodies—whether they are good or bad! Only believers will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The unsaved will not appear at this judgment seat for they do not have the correct foundation, identified in the following passage as Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Only Christians have the necessary foundation of Jesus Christ; therefore, only the work of a Christian will be judged at this judgment. The Bible says that “every man’s work” shall be made manifest at the judgment seat. The work will be judged when the fire reveals its true properties.

I Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made 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. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

It is important to recognize that the Judgment Seat of Christ is a judgment of the quality or nature of works but is not a judgment upon the individual himself. There is absolutely no indication that the saved individual will be harmed or punished should his life’s work go up in flames. The fire simply reveals the sort of work the man performed—whether good and enduring works, or bad and temporal works. What is this fire? The Bible indicates that fire undoubtedly refers to the word of God. Jeremiah likens God’s word to fire and Jesus states that it will be His word that judges in the last day.

Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

The Bible also relates the Son of God to the fire of judgment in the book of Revelation. When it refers to Him as the one “…who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire…” (Revelation 2:18). One can only imagine being eye to eye with the Saviour. Christ will sit on the judgment seat, but He may not be the only one present when the individual is judged. Paul defines a man’s work in the Lord as those whom he has influenced during his life.

I Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

The same holds true for us. Our work is not some building we build or even the ministry into which we pour our lives. Our work is people! It is everyone that we have influenced and affected, whether for good or for bad. Just because a Christian’s standing—that is, his ultimate place in heaven— is guaranteed does not mean that he will not have to give an account of how he has lived his life following salvation. In fact, the opposite is true. Every Christian will give an account for his life.

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

What will the Christian have to confess before God? Of what will he be required to give an account? Those claiming that Christians need only be concerned with loss of rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ never consider that the Bible also points out that we will receive for the wrong we have done. The Bible says that we are joint-heirs with Christ IF…(Romans 8:17, II Timothy 2:12). This passage makes reigning with Christ contingent upon suffering for Him IN THIS LIFE.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

The book of Romans tells us that we are the children of God; because we are His children, we are heirs. However, our inheritance is conditioned upon how we conduct ourselves as His children.  In other words, our inheritance is directly related to suffering in this life. (Suffering as a Christian does not necessarily mean that we must be stretched on the rack and tortured. It can simply refer to the kind of suffering which takes place when a godly Christian works in a wicked workplace.) The next passage from Second Timothy promises that our inheritance, or lack of inheritance, will not interfere with our living with Him for eternity. We are spiritually crucified with Him in this life (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20) and will eternally live with Him in the next.

II Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

All Christians will live with the Lord eternally; however, not all Christians will receive the reward of the inheritance. A refusal to live godly and suffer reproach in the present life for the cause of Christ will negate any heavenly inheritance. How does one suffer for Christ in this life? It is not a difficult concept to understand. Americans can suffer simply by trying to live right in this evil world.

II Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

If a person lives in a godly manner, he will suffer in this life. Our willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ will determine the extent of our reward and reign in the next life. However, those who do not serve and suffer in this life will not merely lose rewards in the next life…they will receive something as well. This fact has absolutely nothing to do with any punishment or Christian “purgatory,” for neither concept is at all biblical. Christians are promised the reward of the inheritance or warned that they will receive for the wrong that they have done.

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

 The Bible clearly teaches that the Judgment Seat of Christ for an unfaithful Christian is not just a matter of losing or missing out on rewards. Christians will receive something, too. What might that something be? Can we know what heaven will be like? The Bible says that future things are revealed to Christians by God’s Spirit, Who knows all.

I Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Many preachers who base their teaching on verse 9 have endorsed the view that we cannot know or understand the things yet to come, including matters concerning heaven. However, it is incorrect to apply the truths of verse 9 to Christians today. To do so is to take the passage out of its context.

Verse 9 says that man has not seen, heard or understood future things prepared for him; however, verse 10 begins with the conjunction but. Therefore, the truths following this conjunction have a completely opposite application from the facts that precede it. Although the things prepared for man have not been previously revealed, we can know some things about God and the things He has prepared for us…even the deep things of God! Yet, the Old Testament saint could not see or understand what we can now see and comprehend.

Before we consider the things of heaven, some groundwork must be clearly established. Each of these truths concerns light. The Bible says Christians are the light of the world; yet the world is anti-light. The world (those that are in it) hates the light of the Bible, the light of God and the light of the Christian. Yet, these are their only hope.

WORLD: John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

The Bible says that we receive light by Jesus Christ. If you do not have the light of God in your life, you are obviously without light.

Those in the world can receive true light from three places: the Lord Jesus Christ, the word of God and through the life of a godly Christian. Light came into the world by the Lord Jesus Christ when He walked this earth in human form; today it comes into the world through the word of God and the obedient Christian. Lost people will generally avoid each of these three because the light shines on their sin and they love darkness, rather than light.

Lost people and backslidden Christians who hate the light will avoid the word of God. They will avoid the Son. They will avoid you if you are truly reflecting the light of God and the truth of the gospel. If a Christian doesn’t live a godly, separated life, the world and the devil will treat him as one of their own. Satan will convince you that everything is fine because he impersonates the light.

SATAN: II Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Satan appears as an angel of light because he wants to convince the lost person or backslidden Christian that no changes in his manner of living are necessary. But the false light is evident because it appeals to the flesh, and not to the Spirit within the believer. This is sensual and devilish, and Satan is behind it all.

Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, is an excellent example of the operations of the angel of light. Smith said an “angel of light” appeared to him and gave him the book of Mormon. Satan, posing as the angel of light, set in motion the deception to help begin one of the largest cults in the world.

Millions have since followed this false light to the condemnation of their souls and the worthlessness of their works. All of this deception and untruth could have been avoided had Joseph Smith been a Bible-studying, Bible-believing Christian. The previous verse from Second Corinthians 11 would have revealed to him the false light and satanic nature of his meeting with the angel. A deceived person will believe that anything that looks spiritual must be of God.

For every good thing, there is an opposite or opposing evil or bad. This opposite (false light) can be identified by the fact that it will generally appeal to one’s flesh. For instance, the Mormon cult teaches (or taught) that you can have more than one wife, that you can become a god, and that you can be baptized to save the dead. Each of these teachings appeals to the flesh.

Satan can impersonate the light, but he cannot fool the Christian who learns his Bible and stays in contact with God through prayer. When Christians are confronted with false light, their spirits will be affected in such a way as to reveal that the influence at hand is not from God. This is the case only when a Christian’s relationship with God is right. When there is sin interfering with that critical relationship, spiritual discernment will be lost and a “spiritual” appeal to the flesh will be alluring.

John chapter 9 tells us about the real light...our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Satan is the false light, and Jesus is the true light.

JESUS: John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Jesus was the light of the world when He was here in bodily form. Men marveled at Him. They knew that no man had ever spoken like this Man (John 7:46). He taught with authority (Matthew 7:29). The religious leaders of His day hated the light because of the crowds that came to hear Him speak. They wanted to smother the light.

Today, these same religious leaders have put out the light by changing the true and perfect word of God. When the true authority (God’s word) is followed, it puts the preacher, the priest and the religious leader under its authority. It is in authority over them and over all. The light from God’s word reveals the sin of unbelief or infidelity concerning His word and His way. This is why men love darkness and change the word.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, I am the light of the world:  he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The author received a special blessing while viewing a missions video called EE-Taow. The mission organization that produced this video emphasizes presentation of the gospel to tribes that have never before been exposed to the gospel. The video records the presentation of the gospel to this tribe and the events thereafter. After the conversion of almost the entire tribe, many of the surrounding tribal villages wanted the missionaries to come and speak to them. The stated reason for the other tribes’ desire to hear the truth was because they looked into the eyes of the tribal people (who had been saved) and saw “light in their eyes.”

These tribal people have more sense than most of our educated, civilized—but lost—Doctors of Divinity today. These tribal people knew that the light comes from the word. Jesus is the light of the world and the only way to receive this light is through the word of God.

THE WORD: Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

The reason there is so little light today is because people don’t even know where to find the word of God. There are hundreds of different versions of the Bible on the market and more coming out every year. (See the author’s work entitled One Book Stands Alone for an in depth study.)

You will not get the shining light from all of the modern versions; their foundations are flawed and too much has been perverted in them. Is there some light in the other versions? Sure, the same light you would expect from the “angel of light.” If God has His word, you can be assured that Satan has his counterfeits.

Jesus said that so long as He was in the world, He was the light of the world. Today, Jesus gives the light through the word and it is to shine through every Christian’s life. If you are saved, you are to be the light of this world.

LIGHT/WORKS: Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Your light is a direct reflection of your good works. The Christian must always be pointing up…always pointing toward the cross of the Saviour. People see the light through our lives, and our good works reveal this light. Jesus, the word and Christians offer the only hope for those in the world to see the true light. Satan wants to “knock your lights out.” If he can’t knock your lights out, he at the very minimum desires to install a spiritual dimmer switch.

As we have seen, every Christian will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ according to his works. The Bible says in Second Corinthians 5 that we will receive the things done in this body. The greater your work, maybe the brighter your light-to-be?

WORKS/JUDGMENT: II Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 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 it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

A light that is manifest can be seen. A light that is hidden or a light that is darkened cannot be seen. We are the light of the world. The world is to look at the Christian and know that there is hope. We are to shine forth the truth of the word, the Lord and the gospel. Without each Christian doing his part, the darkness will continue to overtake the light.

At the Judgment Seat, we will receive “the things done in our bodies.” The more you live by the Book, the greater your light will shine now...and the greater your light will be in heaven. When we look in the books of Revelation and Daniel, this statement will become crystal clear.

For now, remember that you (the Christian) are the light of this present world. You are commanded to let the light (Jesus/the word) so shine through you that men may see your good works and glorify God.

The judgment is yet to come when we will stand before God the Son. While on earth we are told to put on the Lord Jesus Christ—to put on the armor of light. We have no light of our own; we walked in darkness before we were saved. We are to light up this world for Jesus Christ. Our light is a direct reflection of how much Jesus shines through us. What do people see when they look at you? Do they see the light?

THE ARMOR: Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Armor is a protective covering. Without a protective covering, you are exposed to the fiery darts of the wicked without protection. Not only are you to put on the armor (a conscious decision), but you are also told to cast off the works of darkness (anti-light). If people can’t see Jesus in your life, it is because your works of darkness have dimmed the light that should be shining through your life.

Jesus is the light. We are told to put on the armor of light and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. The effect is the same in either case…illumination! Because Jesus is in us, He should be shining through us and be seen by others. If people do not see Jesus (the light) in your life, it is because of a lack of faithfulness on your part.

Take some advice from Ephesians chapter 5. This passage instructs Christians how to walk as children of light.

WALK: Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light:

Christians are told to walk as children of light, not as children of this world and not as children of disobedience. We must understand the importance of letting people see the light in our lives. Our walk will have eternal consequences—it could determine whether or not we light up heaven.

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, Christians are going to receive an inheritance. Do all children receive the same inheritance? No! Those that live a life pleasing to the Father will be the only ones to receive any inheritance. This inheritance is directly associated with light.

INHERITANCE: Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Because of Jesus we have the opportunity to partake (or take part) in the inheritance. We are told in Second Corinthians chapter 5 that we will receive the things done in our bodies. This will be our inheritance. What we do on this earth will determine what our inheritance will be. Every child of God has an inheritance based on the fact that he is a child of God, but those who have their works burned up will suffer loss—the loss of the inheritance that was rightfully theirs because of Jesus. This is not a punishment; it is simply a loss of something that they had received because of their position as a child of God.

The Bible says if we live godly, we will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). If we suffer, we will reign (II Timothy 2:12). If we fail to live godly and avoid the spiritual suffering, we will be denied the reign rightfully ours (Romans 8:17). This is the suffering of loss—it is not a punishment. Not everyone is going to be equal in heaven. The Bible says Christians are to be “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (I Timothy 6:19). Our foundation for salvation is Jesus Christ, but we are to be laying our own foundation for future reward through what we do and how we live.

We now need to examine two concepts: the glorious gospel of Christ and the glory of God as sources of light on this earth.

LIGHT/GLORY OF GOD: II Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We have something in our earthen vessels (our bodies)—it is the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” What is the glory of God? There are two aspects of the glory of God. First, it is just that...God’s glory or His fame and attributes. Secondly, it is man according to First Corinthians. Every saved man is the image and glory of God.

MAN/GLORY OF GOD: 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Man is the “glory of God.” And the woman is the glory of the man. Generally, the spiritual level of the home follows that of the husband. For this reason, Acts chapter 16 says “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” If the spiritual maturity of the husband is nonexistent, generally that is the way the house goes. The husband –and not the wife’s pastor/priest or guru— is to be the spiritual leader of his own home.

Now, let us return to the subject of heaven for a moment. Who is the glory of God? The MAN! Verses 1 and 2 reveal the context of Revelation chapter 21.

GLORY OF GOD/LIGHT: Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

The context is the destruction of the heaven and earth and their creation anew. John saw the New Jerusalem coming down from God. The Bible says the glory of God lights up New Jerusalem.

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The glory of God could be just that...God’s glory… or it could be the man as defined in I Corinthians 11:7. Notice that the Lamb (Jesus) and the glory of God illuminate the Holy City—New Jerusalem. Remember II Corinthians 5:10 said that we will “receive the things done in this body.” Maybe only those that allow the Lord to light up this earth through them will light up the New Jerusalem in the future.

Will man light up heaven? Daniel chapter 12 answers this question. But before we go there, we will consider the next chapter of Revelation. It connects the light with the Christian’s reign.

GOD GIVES LIGHT: Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

How does the Lord God give the light? Who will reign with Him for ever and ever? Will Christians who are rewarded for their works on earth reflect the light that God gives them? The Lord connects the light with those who will reign with Him.

Revelation chapter 21 says that the Lamb is the light also. We are going to receive a body fashioned like Jesus’ body. If He lights up heaven, won’t we as well? The answer? Maybe!

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may fashioned like unto his glorious body...

Christ was the light of the world when He was in the world. We are to be the light of the world today. In heaven, we will all be changed and have a body like the body of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Lamb (Jesus) will light up heaven, and so will the glory of God. Man is the glory of God, and our glorified body is like Jesus’ body. He will light up heaven, and so will we…IF we receive an inheritance that the Son makes us worthy to receive.

The Bible says that there will be no need for the sun, moon or stars for light in heaven. God is going to “give them light” and “they shall reign for ever and ever.” Our vile body shall be changed like His glorious body.  The next two passages equate the glory with the shining face of Moses and the change to take place in the body of a Christian.

II Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

The children of Israel could not look on the face of Moses after he had been with the Lord. Why? Exodus 34:29 says that the “skin of his face shone…” when he came down from the mountain after speaking to God. If God did this to Moses (prior to the cross and the death of Jesus), the glory that will shine from the Christian will be much greater (see verse 9 above). It will “exceed in glory.”

The next passage of scripture discusses the glory of the sun, moon and stars and likens them to the resurrection. Read these verses carefully and notice first the question everyone should be pondering. What type of body will the Christian receive?

I Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

This is the issue: what type of body will the Christian have following the resurrection? Of course, each will have a glorious body, like that of our Lord. However, the connection goes much further than this. The answer to the questions of how the dead are raised and with what body follows:

I Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

The bodies are likened to the glory of the sun, moon and stars. Will everyone shine alike? The Bible obviously does not and would not teach that. Verse 41 above says that one star differs from another. There will be no need of the sun, moon and stars in heaven because the resurrected bodies will provide the necessary light. If the Christian allows the Lord to light up this earth through his life, he will have the opportunity to light up heaven as well. If Christians will in fact light up heaven, will everyone light it up? No!

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Now look at Daniel chapter 12 to connect a few more pieces of the puzzle.

SOME SHALL SHINE: Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

In order to understand when this is happening and what is taking place, we must look at some of the key words in the passage:

verse 1
Michael—the archangel
time of trouble—Jacob’s trouble...the Tribulation
the book—the book of life

verse 2
The two judgments after the resurrection:
everlasting life—the redeemed
everlasting contempt—the lost

verse 3
There are two categories of light:
the wise and those that turn many to righteousness—(discussion follows)
for ever and ever—all eternity (Revelation 2:5)

So...who are the wise of verse 3? Proverbs reveals their identify—they are soul winners.

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

The wise are plainly identified as those who win souls. Who is going to be shining as the brightness of the firmament? Soul winners will be. Christians that think they are getting away with their backslidden ways are not. When their work burns up and the only thing left is a smoldering heap, it will be too late to change the outcome.

Because of the ingratitude for God’s salvation and negligence of His holy justice, there is going to be inequality in heaven. Some will shine and some will not. The wise (soul winner) will shine as the firmament. Those who live a life which turns people to righteousness will shine as the stars. Barnabas and Paul at Lystra are good examples of Christians turning people to righteousness. We read in Acts of their telling some idolaters to turn to the living God (that is, to turn to righteousness).

Acts 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein...

The Bible says that Paul and Barnabas told these people to turn to righteousness. Because of their lives, they both will shine as the firmament and as the stars. Both will shine for ever and ever. Will you light up heaven?

In light of the fact that the life we now live will determine our position eternally, how should we live here and now? What manner of persons ought we to be? There will be some that will shine and some that will not. Your light in heaven will be directly proportional to the light that you allow God to shine through you while you are on this earth.

Christian, will you light up heaven…or suffer loss?

Additional thought:

While editing a book on the etymology of the Chinese language, the author recognized an amazing connection between the stories found in the book of Genesis and the subject at hand. While reading the manuscript, it became evident that God clearly provided a witness of Himself and His word in this 5,500-year old language. The Chinese language consists of characters rather than letters combined to form words. It provides a profound illustration of God’s mercy and grace for those that know the Bible story. For example, the Chinese character (or pictograph) for the word create has the component parts of dust, mouth, talk or tell, and walk.

Of course, the scriptural connection is evident to those that have a basic appreciation of the Bible. Genesis states that God created Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life. The component parts of the Chinese character create reveals the Genesis account of creation. Furthermore, the character for garden (symbolizing the Garden of Eden) contains the symbols for dust, mouth and two people. This reflects the Chinese ancestors’ understanding of the Genesis account of Adam and Eve being created from the dust of the ground and being placed in the Garden. The symbol for righteousness consists of the component parts of Lamb (is under) I or me. Could all of these characters (and the many others like them) be simple coincidences? Or do these facts reflect the Genesis account of creation and the sacrificial Lamb that would bring God’s righteousness down to man?

These profound truths found in the Chinese language are used by missionaries to show Chinese men and women that the word of God was part of their ancestry long before it came into the Western world. Perhaps the most striking such example is the etymology of the Chinese symbol for naked.

Adam and Eve were created, of course, without clothing. Why were they not ashamed? Most people familiar with the creation story imagine that there were two totally naked bodies walking around in the Garden of Eden. However, let’s see what the Bible says and what the Chinese characters depict. Some people would find it hard to believe that the Chinese language could truly further illuminate the plain truths of scripture. The Psalmist writes, Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment… (Psalm 104:1-2).

Notice that the Bible says that God is covered with light as a garment. Since Adam was made in the image of God, his covering could very well have matched God’s own covering. Adam and Eve were not ashamed because they were clothed in righteousness (light or glory). Since they were created in the image of a glorious God, they were conceivably clothed with the same type of glorious garment.

Interestingly, the Chinese character for clothed consists of three smaller characters. They reveal a man made from dust with the appearance of bright light coming out of him. We usually think that Adam and Eve had bodies just like our own; however, the Chinese character seems to shed additional light on our understanding. Their bodies had glorious light for a covering; sin caused them to lose this light. The Chinese word for naked shows no light rays. The Apostle Paul tells us that we presently have a vile body that will one day be changed (Philippians 3:21). We lost the covering of light in the Garden, but will one day regain it.

Ever wonder what kind of body you will have in heaven? Your life here on earth will determine how you will be clothed in heaven!

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