Rewards

Driven by Eternity: Making Your Life Count Today and Forever
by John Bevere

(Page 5 of 5)

There will be more than one judgment; there will be one for unbelievers, another for believers, and even one for angels. The decisions made will vary. There will be loss and punishment; there will be rewards. We'll go into this in depth in upcoming chapters, but let me point out again that the decisions made will be eternal; this cannot be overemphasized (try again to mentally grasp never ending). It is God's will that we know this in advance and that we labor for the rewards. Paul says,

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, AMP

He clearly says, "I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim)." Another version says it like this, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step" (NLT). That is exactly what every human being should do, run with certainty and purpose to win. We are not competing against others, only ourselves.

Driven by Eternity

Just thinking everything will pan out for the good at the Judgment Seat is not enough. We have no excuse, for God has made His will available to us. There will be scores of people who've done well in relation to those with whom they've compared themselves, yet they've not allowed the eternal to direct and fuel their lives; hence the title of this book, Driven by Eternity.

The word driven means "to propel." It also means to "guide, control, or direct." Another definition is "to supply the motive force to. "What is guiding and motivating our life on this earth? Is it the eternal or is it the temporal? Is it based on divine wisdom? Or are we comparing ourselves with others or have we listened to flattery, tradition or myths proclaimed in certain pulpits or schools? Will what we've built our lives upon stand before Him at the Judgment Seat, or will our efforts be forever lost? Remember, we already know what will be the standard at judgment: "the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" ( John 12:48).

There are going to be many who will be shocked when they stand before Jesus Christ at the judgment. The greatest number of these will not be unbelievers, but rather professing Christians! Yes, they will be those who took security in a part of what the New Testament teaches but neglected to carefully search out the entire picture. My question to you is this: Do you want to find out the truth after the eternal decision has already been made and it's too late to change, or do you want to know now the standard by which you will be judged

The next chapter will open with an allegory that will continue into the following chapter. Read it carefully and remember the details, for we will refer back to it often. The story will then conclude in chapter 8, and the truths will be discussed through the rest of the book. The book revolves around this allegory, so don't skim it, and you may want to refer back to it as the teaching progresses.

Most of what is shared in this book God has sharply dealt with me about personally. I will share many of my own faults, which have been scrutinized by the Holy Spirit under the microscope of His truth. My hope is that it will stir you to carefully search the Scriptures that you may have a firm foundation to stand upon on Judgment Day. I will share some of the greatest misconceptions in our society that cause men and women to grow further from the One they profess as Savior. You will be shocked, shaken, and chastened at times, but it will all be followed by promise, hope, and comfort.

If you are courageous, desire the truth, and have a heart for God, then let's proceed. You'll be glad you did! Take to heart the following exhortation:

God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come- an eternity of life! You can count on this. I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone.

Titus 3:7-8, MES

Copyright © John Bevere, 2006

About the Author

John Bevere is passionate to see individuals deepen their intimacy with God and capture an eternal perspective. An international bestselling author with award-winning teaching materials, as well as a speaker at conferences and churches, John cohosts The Messenger TV program airing in 216 nations.