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Were you a good student in school? Did you make good grades? Even if you didn’t make particularly good grades in school, there is one test—one exam—where you can do really well, if you’re prepared. I’m talking about being prepared for our final exam as believers in Jesus Christ. That day when we will give an account to Jesus for our stewardship while here on earth. In the Bible it’s called the Judgment Seat of Christ, and that’s where we’ll receive rewards for having the right answers—or not.
Here are some more passages in Scripture that give us insight into what will be on that final exam.
1 Thessalonians 2:19: For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
The people you have touched will be your greatest joy in Heaven. The people you rejoiced with and cried with, the people you reached with the Gospel—this is going to be a big deal on that final exam. People matter to God. Jesus loves people, and what you have done as a servant to help others will truly matter at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
And one last reminder of what will be on that final exam:
2 Timothy 4:8: Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
This is the bottom line for us as believers, because if you long for the appearing of Jesus, if you are aware that your time on earth is time to prepare for that final exam, and therefore you have an eternal perspective, then you will be prepared for that final exam, and you’ll do well when you stand before Jesus.
The final exam is coming whether we’re prepared or not. We have time to prepare. Let’s go for it.
