Our Motives — From Vice or Virtue? | Berean Bible Society KNOWING OUR MOTIVES It can be, and in many cases usually is, very difficult, if not impossible, for us to know the real motive behind the actions of people with whom we deal day by day. Their motives may be revealed in some instances, but in many cases we may never know another’s motive this side of heaven. However, we are responsible for our own motives just as we are for our actions. In fact, our motives as well as our actions will someday be made known and laid bare before our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be two different and distinct judgments of mankind. In both judgments, all can be assured that they will receive a fair hearing. In the case of lost sinners of all ages, not only their actions, but also their motives will speak for them. Many will be those who have appeared good on the outside. They may have claimed to be Christians and may have gone to church and even talked and acted like a Christian. However, Jesus Christ taught that many will say to Him in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? However, at the judgment, the Lord Jesus Christ will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matt. 7:22,23). Their inward motives will be revealed and they are going to the lake of fire as a result of their rejection of Him who died to save them. We who are saved, because of our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, have His assurance that we are going to heaven and will be there with our Lord and Savior for eternity. Nevertheless, the Word of God informs us that even we saved are going to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. We will all give account of ourselves to God. All of us will receive reward or loss for what we have done in our bodies (Rom. 14:10-12; II Cor. 5:10). The exact nature of this judgment and how it will work out in eternity is not spelled out. For if it were, mankind would make the criteria given into so many rules and regulations that these would be turned into works which would then become the focus of attention. However, we can be sure that our motives will be revealed, as well as our actions. We know from God’s Word that we are to judge ourselves. In regard to the communion we have with our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul reveals, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (I Cor. 11:28,29). Also, he teaches, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (II Cor. 13:5). The Greek word translated “reprobates” means unapproved; by implication worthless: castaway, rejected. We may be able to fool ourselves and others, but we will not be able to fool our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:12,13). The living Word knows all motives and He will someday bring them to light. Therefore, let us not be arrogant in our good works and outward appearance of good. Let us examine ourselves that we may reflect Him and be truly loving and gracious in our lives. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14). (Please click website link below to study the entire article!!!)
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:26:29 +0000
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