June 15, 2025

Forgiven yet Accountable #

Introduction

Question:

If we repent and make known our sins to God, then we are forgiven, do we still pay for those sins at the judgement seat (when we pass away)? Such as fornication, blasphemy, etc.?

This is a great question.

In order to understand this, we must clearly define some things. So let’s take a look at Scripture, and find out what the Bible says.

Romans 3:20-28

Revelation 20:11-15

Romans 14:9-13

I. Justification (Romans 3:20-28) #

Justified – 1. to prove or show to be just, right. 2. To pronounce free from guilt or blame 3. To treat as if righteous and just, pardon (Webster 1913)

A. Works cannot justify (20) #

1. Most religions teach that you are justified by works! #

Ephesians 2:8–9 “^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.”

Titus 3:5 “^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;”

2. What is the point of Jesus death, if we could work our way to heaven? #

B. Justification happens through Jesus Christ (22-24) #

1. “All” v22 - Salvation is for all #

2. “righteousness of God” – we inherit God’s righteousness… through the finished work of Jesus! #

3. Salvation/Justification = the forgiveness, and freedom from condemnation of sin #

• Romans 5:1, 8:1

Psalm 103:10–12 “^10\ ^He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. ^11\ ^For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. ^12\ ^As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

4. Salvation/justification does not remove physical earthly consequences of sin. #

II. Judgement of Lost (Rev 20:11-15) #

A. Lost “I saw the dead” v12 #

Romans 6:23 “^23\ ^For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

B. 13 - Judged according to their works – they are held responsible. #

C. Cast into the lake of fire...second death. #

III. Judgement seat of Christ (Rom 14:9-13) #

2 Corinthians 5:10 “^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.”

A. Stand before it (10) #

B. Given an account (12) #

C. Clear description of it (1 Cor 3:11-15) #

1. Foundation is salvation! #

2. Build (12) – What are you doing with what you have been given? #

3. Accountability (13-14) - #

• The verses in Romans 14:10, 12, 2 Cor 5:10 – the Judgment seat of Christ!

4. Reward (14b) – Crowns, rewards #

1. Mastery (1 Cor 9:24-25)

1 Corinthians 9:24–25 “^24\ ^Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. ^25\ ^And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

2. Disciples or other believers! (1 Thess 2:18-19)

1 Thessalonians 2:18–20 “^18\ ^Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. ^19\ ^For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? ^20\ ^For ye are our glory and joy.”

3. Love or look for his appearing (2 Tim 4:8)

2 Timothy 4:8 “^8\ ^Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

4. Enduring Temptation unto death (Ja 1:12, Rev 2:10)

James 1:12 “^12\ ^Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Revelation 2:10 “^10\ ^Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

5. Pastors Crown (1 Peter 5:3-4)

Question:

If we repent and make known our sins to God, then we are forgiven, do we still pay for those sins at the judgement seat (when we pass away)? Such as fornication, blasphemy, etc.?

1. God knows your sins, if you simply repent, and ask for forgiveness, your sins are forgiven. There is one sacrifice which covers all sins. The Blood of Jesus Christ! Payment was made.

2. We are accountable for our life after salvation, and should live for the Lord. There is a possibility of loss of rewards.

• Both “Well Done”

Matthew 25:20–23 “^20\ ^And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. ^21\ ^His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ^22\ ^He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. ^23\ ^His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”