My reward is with Me. Revelation 22:12

 Still, to this day, church-going people fear the “Revelation”; they fear it primarily because they don’t understand it and don’t understand because they don’t want to. Therefore, they will not open their Bibles.

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, I find the book of Revelation to be exciting. While it has more than its fair share of death and agitation, it is also an aspect of our hope and the promise that Jesus will come back to gather His church back to Himself. Therefore, it excites me because it assures me that God’s promises are soon coming to pass for followers of Christ like me.

Considering the agitation and death. I suppose it would be fair for you to wonder how I could find death and destruction exciting, especially since I understand that many people I know will experience at least a portion of the seven years of God's wrath (Why only a part? Because the deaths will be an ongoing process during the seven years, and not all of it is being dished out by God.) It is because the “Revelation” fulfills all the promises of God, gives us hope, and encourages us to keep our focus on Christ.

Suppose you cannot recognize that there is hope and a future, then you do not have a relationship with Jesus. Having a relationship would give you the insight to know not only Jesus' nature and character but the Father's as well; they are one you know.

One of those promises is seen in Revelation 22:12.

Revelation 22:12 NASB

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

Most people reading this verse will see this - “to render to every human according to what they have done,” and see nothing but condemnation coming toward them. (Yes, I modified this just a bit as you and I both know that this moment in time will not be exclusive to men; everyone will be impacted.) If that is all you can see, then we need reprogramming, which can only be done through the Holy Spirit and God’s word.

These may have been the very words I said, “Behold, I am coming quickly,” (or at least a variation of it) to the men’s group one evening; only to be interrupted by a “brother-in-Christ” so that he could criticize me publicly, call me a branding iron – someone there to excite, and to tell me that Jesus is probably NOT coming back for another forty years or more. I can tell you there is no hope in a statement like that, and it is certainly not just a realistic look at the world. What that brother did that night exemplified the antichrist spirit, which was demonic.

Coming soon or quickly is the Greek word tachu, which means shortly, without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly.

Considering the level of heinous activity surrounding us all, how could the return of Jesus to collect His bride be a surprise? 

The answer to this question lies in the fact that most of the so-called church does NOT follow these prophetic words; follow the Revelation, or even care. As far as prophecy teachers go, one of my favorite teachers is Amir Tsarfati. So often, to make a point, he will say that if Jesus waits too much longer, no one will be surprised because it will be that bad.

If you are a student of Biblical prophecy, then you should know that 2Thessalonians 2:3 (in the Geneva Bible) tells us “... for that day shall not come, except there come a departing first, and that that man of sin be disclosed, even the son of perdition,..” The church must be gone before the “son of perdition – the antichrist” comes into public view.

If you refuse to accept what I tell you and will only receive the words of the King James version, which came over 100 years after the Geneva Bible, then look at this.

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  (8)  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 KJV

Since you are such an advocate for the KJV, I will leave you to interpret the word letteth on your own time. Get a grip. Even if you refuse to believe that the Geneva Bible is more correct and that the church must be gone before this son of perdition comes on the scene, then verses 7-8 should slap you right in the face. Verses 7-8 tell us that we, the church, are the thing that is withholding this fool. Once the church is gone, then the Wicked (referring to an individual) shall be revealed.

Let’s go back to Revelation 22:12 again and consider this statement. 

“Behold, I am coming quickly.”

Is He referring to Jesus, coming for His bride in the clouds, or is He speaking of the time when Jesus will come back as the warring messiah that every eye will see at the end of the seven years of wrath?

The terminology is not exclusive to either group and can apply to both. I am looking for Jesus to come and collect His bride.

“..., for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” (Psalms 96:13 KJV)

Obviously, there is no reference in Psalm 96 to speed as in Revelation 22:12, but there is a comparable allusion to potential judgment.

Revelation 22 conveys judgment in this manner.

“My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

Reward is the Greek word misthos and means pay for service.

In the religious train of thought, service leans toward work in ministry, but it can also mean hired service. Remember that Revelation 22:12 did not use the word service; it is, however, associated with reward.

So there is a red alert in my mind’s eye when I see the word work related to the outcome of our lives. Because we are not saved by works but by faith in Jesus Christ, and He did all the work for us. I do, however, seem to have to work at staying focused on the “ministry” at hand, which for me is to write these Bible studies. (And you thought I was doing this only for you.)
So, for the followers of Christ, we have the judgment seat of Christ.

We have covered this before, but new people are constantly stumbling upon our studies, and I assume they don’t have a clue about the Bema seat. Like me, there is also the possibility that they sat under some bad teaching and thought we were to undergo some terrible punishment for the lousy way we lived our lives on this earth. That is NOT the case, and I will show you why.

Romans 14:10 NASB “... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

Paul’s letter to the church in Rome had been primarily written to Jewish expatriate followers of Christ. For several years that body of believers had to disband because of Roman oppression, but now it was back. Thanks to Paul’s preaching, many Gentiles had begun to join this Jewish community of believers. In this letter, Paul had to tell the Jews multiple times that Jesus/God had leveled the playing field, and hence we get a statement that says, “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

Now you have to ask, what is the dark hidden secret behind this judgment seat of God?

If this were a game show, this is where you would hear that obnoxious buzzer indicating a wrong answer because there is no judgment as Jesus took all judgment upon Himself on the cross.

Judgment is the Greek word bēma and means a raised step or stand, much like you see at the Olympics.

In Revelation 2:23, Jesus, speaking to the church in Ephesus, says,

“... and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”

So, we will be rewarded according to our deeds. I keep thinking about the parable of servants, who are given talents and expected to do something with those talents and increase. Take a moment out of your life and read Matthew 25:14-30. Each got talents, but one only had one, and he was expected to use that talent. So, instead of using his talent, he buried it out of fear.

The end of this story does not make me happy, as I was like that servant, at least for a time. The enemy of our souls tells me that I succumbed to fear and did not do enough. If you had known me as a young man, you would not recognize me as I have become quite bold. I do not go around evangelizing; I hate that, but I have conversations about my Jesus every chance I get, and it bothers me deeply when “Christians” choose to withdraw and speak in a manner that would prevent strangers from hearing. I have never knowingly led anyone to Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit tells me that my writing has led many to Jesus.

Ele julgará a todos de acordo com o que fizeram. Romanos 2: 1-11

 

 O capítulo dois abre assim " Portanto, você não tem desculpa",

O capítulo dois está começando profundamente dentro de um pensamento, a passagem, portanto, exige que permaneçamos dentro do contexto. Para fazer isso, temos que voltar a Romanos 1:21.

Romanos 1:21 NASB Pois embora eles conhecessem a Deus , eles não O honraram como Deus nem deram graças, mas eles se tornaram fúteis em suas especulações, e seus corações tolos foram obscurecidos.

De quem Paulo está falando em Romanos 1:21 quando diz isso?

Os judeus.

Podemos aplicar essa afirmação a nós mesmos?

A resposta curta é sim. MAS, já que fomos selados pelo Espírito Santo, estamos sujeitos à ira de Deus, como Israel trouxe sobre si mesmo? (Veja Efésios 1:13).

A resposta longa é Não, pois certamente parece que há os chamados cristãos que se encaixam na descrição que vemos em Romanos 1:21. Se você não entende essa ideia dos chamados cristãos, considere o que João disse.

1 João 2:19 NASB Eles saíram de nós, mas eles não eram realmente de nós; pois se eles fossem de nós, teriam permanecido conosco; mas eles saíram para que fosse mostrado que nem todos são nossos.

É bastante claro que nem todos fazem parte do corpo de Cristo. Visto que passamos por um período terrível para distinguir entre o trigo - um grão comestível e o bromo - uma erva daninha, é mais sensato deixar Jesus separá-los no final do milênio.

Selado é a palavra grega sphragizō e significa carimbar para segurança , preservação , para proteger a alguém , certificar-se , entregar com segurança .

Todas as palavras definidoras para selado inclinam-se para Deus nos marcando, assim como Ele marca os 144.000 para que não possam ser prejudicados. Neste momento, quero apontar algo. Deus não está necessariamente preservando você das tribulações diárias da vida - para alguns, essas tribulações são mortais e ainda não estamos no tempo da ira. Portanto, não pense que as tribulações incluem a hélice de sua lancha. Considerando que Jesus disse, eles vão odiar você por causa de mim; esse ódio, então, teria mais a ver com o seu testemunho, seja lá o que pareça, do que sua reclamação sobre ter que substituir o aro do pneu de seu carro esporte.

De volta a Romanos 1:21 “Pois embora conhecessem a Deus ...”

O que é qualificado como saber?

Samuel, criado nos pátios do "templo" deveria ter conhecido Deus e Seus caminhos / leis, mas seus filhos não o fizeram.

1 Samuel 2:12 NLT  Ora, os filhos de Eli eram patifes que não tinham respeito pelo Senhor

Jó, lamentando-se com seus companheiros, diz-lhes para calarem a boca e ouvirem por um momento, e então eles podem voltar a repreendê-lo. Quando eles param de falar, ele diz,

Jó 21: 7-13 NLT “ Por que os ímpios prosperam , envelhecem e se tornam poderosos? (8) Eles vivem para ver os filhos crescerem e se estabelecerem, e gostam dos netos. (9) Suas casas estão protegidas de todo medo, e Deus não os pune. (10) Seus touros nunca deixam de procriar. Suas vacas geram bezerros e nunca abortam. (11) Eles deixam seus filhos brincarem como cordeiros. Seus filhos pulam e dançam. (12) Eles cantam com pandeiro e harpa. Eles celebram ao som da flauta. (13)  Eles passam seus dias em prosperidade, então descem à sepultura em paz.

E ainda assim eles dizem a Deus,

Jó 21: 14-18 NLT  'Vá embora. Não queremos fazer parte de você e de seus caminhos . (15)  Quem é o Todo-Poderoso, e por que devemos obedecê-lo ? De que adianta orar? ' (16) (Eles pensam que sua prosperidade é obra deles, mas eu não terei nada a ver com esse tipo de pensamento.) (17) “Mesmo assim, a luz dos ímpios parece nunca se apagar. Eles sempre têm problemas? Deus distribui tristezas a eles com raiva? (18) Eles são levados pelo vento como palha? Eles são levados pela tempestade como palha? De jeito nenhum!

E Tiago no Novo Testamento diz:

Tiago 4:17 Lembre-se, é pecado saber o que você deve fazer e depois não fazer.

Historicamente, o que sabemos sobre as pessoas que obedecem à lei e aos caminhos de Deus ou não?

Eva conhecia a lei, mesmo quando não havia nenhuma (escrita na pedra); ela desrespeitou a lei que foi passada a ela por Adão e comeu do fruto. Caim conhecia a lei, e podemos saber disso porque o próprio Deus disse, se você fizer o que é certo . As implicações são que Caim sabia o que era certo. A declaração de Deus seria ilógica se esta informação não tivesse sido passada adiante para Caim. Noé , ao deixar a Arca, fez um sacrifício, provando que ele também sabia o que era certo, e ainda NÃO havia lei conhecida, como a entendemos.

Romanos 1:32 NASB e embora eles conheçam a ordenança de Deus , de que aqueles que praticam tais coisas são dignos de morte, eles não apenas fazem o mesmo, mas também aprovam de coração aqueles que as praticam.

O capítulo um de Romanos explica como os gentios, sem a lei, praticam a lei de Deus , e a contrasta com os judeus, que receberam a lei de Moisés e esperavam conhecê-la e vivê-la .

Portanto, o "eles" pode significar quase qualquer pessoa aqui .

Com Romanos 2: 1, a ideia é que Deus está falando com as pessoas em geral, e ainda com uma multidão específica que se sente confortável para julgar os outros.

Romanos 2: 1 NASB Portanto, vocês não têm desculpa, cada um de vocês que passa o julgamento, pois, naquilo que julgam a outro, vocês se condena a si mesmo; para você que julga praticar as mesmas coisas.

Quem está julgando?

Além de possível inveja ou ódio racial, por que o mundo gentio seria julgado? O mundo judaico, por outro lado, tem um profundo ressentimento pelos gentios. ( Os gentios não são apenas americanos brancos; eles são qualquer pessoa fora do judaísmo; e são considerados cães. Os assírios, por exemplo, eram considerados entre as nações e, como vemos na história de Jonas, um povo odiado. )

Somos informados de que aqueles que julgam estão apenas condenando a si mesmos - pois esses juízes estão fazendo a mesma coisa.

Romanos 2: 3 NASB Mas você acha que, ó homem, quando você julgar aqueles que praticam tais coisas e você mesmo faz as mesmas, você escapará do julgamento de Deus?

Se estamos falando sobre crentes, e é para eles que Paulo estava escrevendo, então que julgamento (ões) estamos esperando?

Nenhum de nós está ansioso para o julgamento, entretanto, há apenas UM para o crente, e esse é o assento Bema de Cristo. Neste tribunal, você é recompensado.

Pois todos devemos comparecer perante o tribunal de Cristo; para que cada um receba as coisas que fez em seu corpo, conforme o que fez, seja bom ou mau.
2 Coríntios 5:10 KJV 

Julgamento aqui é a palavra grega bema .

J. Vernon McGee nos diz:

"Este era o lugar onde os juízes da cidade encontrariam os cidadãos e os julgariam por certas coisas - não havia questão de vida ou morte. No tribunal de Cristo apenas os crentes aparecerão . Não é um julgamento do pecados dos crentes, que Cristo expiou totalmente na cruz . O julgamento é para ver se você receberá uma recompensa ou não. "

O que aconteceria se seus julgamentos contra os outros recaíssem inteiramente sobre você, aqui, nesta vida; no meu caso, isso era verdade.

Parece estranho a alguém quando o versículo três descreve um julgamento inevitável e então se refere a esse julgamento como a bondade de Deus que leva ao arrependimento?

Romanos 2: 4 MKJV Ou você despreza as riquezas da Sua bondade, e a paciência e longanimidade, não sabendo que a bondade de Deus te leva ao arrependimento?

Talvez a implicação seja esta:

Mas porque você é teimoso e se recusa a abandonar o seu pecado, você está acumulando um castigo terrível para si mesmo. Pois um dia de ira está chegando, quando o justo julgamento de Deus será revelado. Ele julgará a todos de acordo com o que fizeram. (Romanos 2: 5-6 NLT)

Uma vez que a ideia religiosa é que este julgamento seja concluído enquanto se está diante Dele, no assento de Bema.

Onde estamos neste momento?

Conseguimos; estamos no céu, e aqui você NÃO deve ter nenhuma consequência possível de ser enviado de volta à terra, onde você poderia suportar as dores da ira de Deus.

Se for esse o caso, então qual é o problema - por que se preocupar?

Sim, essa misericórdia desordenada também me intriga, e não, não tenho uma boa resposta para o porquê disso acontecer, além do fato de que Deus é mais misericordioso do que posso compreender.

A NASB traduz Romanos 2: 6 dessa maneira.

“ Quem CEDERÁ A CADA PESSOA DE ACORDO COM SUAS OBRAS:”

A definição de Thayer para render - é a palavra grega apodidōmi. Significa 1) entregar, dar para lucro o que é próprio para vender 2) pagar, quitar o que é devido 2d) prestar contas 3) devolver, restaurar 4) retribuir, recompensar em um bom ou mau senso

Muitas dessas definições falam de um Deus que mostra misericórdia e dá vida, onde muitas vezes penso que nenhuma seria merecida. Um exemplo disso é visto no ponto 1 , onde se diz: "dar para o próprio lucro o que é próprio para vender".

Jesus fez exatamente isso e fará novamente. Embora, pelos padrões legais, não concordemos, não iremos e não possamos estar à altura, graças a Deus, Jesus estava à altura; e não somos julgados por quaisquer outros padrões .

Na definição # 2 , somos informados de que Ele pagou e descarregou o que era devido por causa do NOSSO pecado. Portanto, nossa tradução seria baseada no que Jesus merecia, não nós, e Ele ganha vida com o Pai; glória e honra.

O contexto não mudou à medida que avançamos.

Romanos 2: 7-10 NASB para aqueles que pela perseverança em fazer o bem buscam glória e honra e imortalidade, vida eterna; (8) mas para aqueles que são egoisticamente ambiciosos e não obedecem à verdade, mas obedecem à injustiça, ira e indignação. (9) Haverá tribulação e angústia para cada alma do homem que faz o mal, primeiro do judeu e também do grego, (10) mas glória, honra e paz para todo aquele que faz o bem, primeiro para o judeu e também para o grego .

O versículo dez grita do julgamento de ovelhas e cabras. - Mateus 25: 31-46 .

( Eu entendo, a religião grita que todos que estão sendo apresentados aqui, no grande trono do julgamento, vão para o inferno; mas essa atitude demonstra sua falta de compreensão bíblica e uma inclinação na tradição sobre as escrituras. Você precisa colocar esses métodos de interpretação em o lixo. )

No relato de Mateus sobre o julgamento final, o bem aparece quando Jesus responde à multidão que Ele designa como ovelhas, dizendo: você está obtendo esse acesso hoje porque agiu de maneira amorosa semelhante à que eu teria feito. Por exemplo, você me visitou na prisão; você me deu de beber água quando eu estava com sede; e você me vestiu, quando eu não tinha nenhuma, e assim por diante.

Paulo continua a explicar -

Romanos 2: 7-10 Ele dará vida eterna àqueles que continuam fazendo o bem, buscando a glória, honra e imortalidade que Deus oferece. (8) Mas ele irá derramar sua ira e ira sobre aqueles que vivem para si mesmos, que se recusam a obedecer à verdade e, em vez disso, vivem uma vida de maldade. (9) Haverá problemas e calamidades para todos os que continuam fazendo o que é mau - primeiro para os judeus e também para os gentios.  (10) Mas haverá glória, honra e paz da parte de Deus para todos os que fazem o bem - primeiro para os judeus e também para os gentios.

Os versos 7-10 têm um viés positivo e outro negativo.

Digamos apenas que meu objetivo é viver minha vida à luz dos versículos 7 e 10, onde busco a vida eterna; continue fazendo o bem - tanto quanto eu puder; e buscar a glória, honra e imortalidade que Deus oferece. Então, o resultado final deve ser e será, glória, honra e paz da parte de Deus.

Observe o lado negativo disso.

“ Haverá problemas e calamidades para todos os que continuam fazendo o que é mau - primeiro para os judeus e também para os gentios . Mas haverá glória, honra e paz da parte de Deus para todos os que fazem o bem - primeiro para os judeus e também para os gentios . ” (Romanos 2: 9-10 NLT)

Porque?

Romanos 2:11 NLT Pois Deus não mostra favoritismo.

Embora o tema se incline para os judeus e gentios,

• E se, for falando para aqueles de nós, que pela graça de Deus somente, temos salvação e paz?

• E se nossa salvação não tiver nada a ver com onde podemos comer o jantar, o tamanho do nosso trailer ou a beleza do nosso acampamento KOA?

• E se, não importa quanto dinheiro você tenha, você descobrisse que NÓS estamos todos no mesmo barco e nossa RECOMPENSA se basear puramente no relacionamento de conversação que temos com Deus e na aceitação de nossa parte de Seu Filho? 

He will judge everyone according to what they have done. Romans 2:1-11

 Chapter two opens like this “Therefore you have no excuse,”

Chapter two is starting deep within a thought, the passage, therefore, demands that we stay within the context. To do that we have to go back to Romans 1:21.

Romans 1:21 NASB For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Who is Paul speaking about in Romans 1:21 when he says they?

The Jews.

Can we apply this statement to ourselves?

The short answer is yes. BUT, since we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, are we subject to the wrath of God, as Israel brought on themselves? (See Ephesians 1:13).

The long answer is No, as it certainly seems as though there are so-called Christians that fit the description we see in Romans 1:21. If you don't understand this idea of so-called Christians, then consider what John said.

1 John 2:19 NASB They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

It is rather clear that not everyone is a part of the body of Christ. Since we have a terrible time distinguishing between wheat – an edible grain, and brome – a weed, it is wisest to let Jesus sort them out at the end of the millennium.

Sealed is the Greek word sphragizō and means to stamp for security, preservation, to secure to someone, make sure, deliver over safely.

All the defining words for sealed lean toward God marking us, just as He marks the 144,000 so that they cannot be harmed. At this juncture, I want to point something out. God is not necessarily preserving you from the daily tribulations of life – for some, those tribulations are deadly and we are not in the time of wrath as yet. So don't go thinking that tribulations include the propeller on your speed boat. Considering that Jesus said, they will hate you because of Me; this hatred then would have more to do with your testimony, whatever that looks like, than your whining about having to replace the tire rim on your sports car.

Back to Romans 1:21 “For even though they knew God...”

What qualified as knowing?

Samuel, raised in the courts of the "temple" should have and would have known God and His ways/laws, and yet his sons did not.

1 Samuel 2:12 NLT  Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the LORD

Job, lamenting to his companions, tells them to shut up and listen for a moment, and then they can go back to berating him. When they stop talking, he says,

Job 21:7-13 NLT  “Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?  (8)  They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren.  (9)  Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them.  (10)  Their bulls never fail to breed. Their cows bear calves and never miscarry.  (11)  They let their children frisk about like lambs. Their little ones skip and dance.  (12)  They sing with tambourine and harp. They celebrate to the sound of the flute.  (13)  They spend their days in prosperity, then go down to the grave in peace.

And yet they say to God,

Job 21:14-18 NLT  ‘Go away. We want no part of you and your ways.  (15)  Who is the Almighty, and why should we obey him? What good will it do us to pray?’  (16)  (They think their prosperity is of their own doing, but I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.)  (17)  “Yet the light of the wicked never seems to be extinguished. Do they ever have trouble? Does God distribute sorrows to them in anger?  (18)  Are they driven before the wind like straw? Are they carried away by the storm like chaff? Not at all!

And James in the New Testament says,

James 4:17 NLT  Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Historically, what do we know of people obeying God's law and ways, or not?

Eve, knew the law, even when there was none (written in stone); she disregarded the law that was passed to her by Adam and partook of the fruit. Cain knew the law, and we can know this because God himself said, if you do what is right. The implications are that Cain knew what was right. The statement from God would be illogical if this information had not been passed along to Cain. Noah, upon leaving the Ark, made a sacrifice, proving that he too knew what was right, and still there was NO known law, as we understand it.

Romans 1:32 NASB and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Chapter one of Romans spells out how the Gentiles, without the law, practice the law of God, and contrasts this against the Jews, who were given the law of Moses, and expected to know it and live it.

So, the "they" can mean almost anybody here.

With Romans 2:1 the idea is that God is talking to people in general, and yet to a specific crowd that feels comfortable judging others.

Romans 2:1 NASB Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for, in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Who is passing judgment?

Aside from possible envy or racial hatred, why would the Gentile world pass judgment? The Jewish world, on the other hand, has a deep resentment for the Gentiles. (The Gentiles are not merely white Americans; they are anyone outside of Judaism; and, they are considered dogs. The Assyrians, for example, were considered among the nations, and, as we see in the story of Jonah, a hated people.)

We are told that those who pass judgments are only condemning themselves - for these judges are doing the same thing.

Romans 2:3 NASB But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?

If we are talking about believers, and that is who Paul was writing to, then what judgment(s) are we looking forward to?

None of us are looking forward to judgment, however, there is only ONE for the believer, and that is the Bema seat of Christ. At this judgment seat, you get rewarded.

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.
2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 

Judgment here is the Greek word bema.

J. Vernon McGee tells us:

"This was the place where the judges of the city would meet the citizens and would judge them for certain things—there was no question of life or death. At the judgment seat of Christ only believers will appear. It is not a judgment of the believer's sins, which Christ fully atoned for on the Cross. The judgment is to see whether you are going to receive a reward or not."

What if your judgments against others, entirely fall upon you, here, in this life; in my case, that was very true.

Does it strike anyone else odd when verse three describes an inescapable judgment and then refers to that judgment as, the goodness of God which leads to repentance?

Romans 2:4 MKJV  Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Maybe the implication is this:

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. (Romans 2:5-6 NLT)

Since the religious idea is that this judgment is completed while standing before Him, at the Bema seat.

Where are we at this point?

We made it; we are in heaven, and here you should NOT have any possible consequence of being sent back to earth, where you could endure the pains of God's wrath.

If that is the case, then what's the problem - why worry?

Yes, this inordinate mercy puzzles me too, and no, I do not have a good answer as to why this happens, aside from the fact that God is more merciful than I can comprehend.

The NASB renders Romans 2:6 in this manner.

“who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:”

Thayer's definition of render - is the Greek word apodidōmi. It means 1) to deliver, to give away for one’s own profit what is one’s own to sell 2) to pay off, discharge what is due 2d) to render account 3) to give back, restore 4) to requite, recompense in a good or a bad sense

Most of these definitions speak to me of a God showing mercy and giving life, where I often think that none would be deserved. An example of this is seen in point #1, where it says, "to give away for one's own profit what is one's own to sell."

Jesus did just that and will do it, again. While, by legal standards, we do not, will not, and, cannot measure up, thank God, Jesus did measure up; and, we are not judged by any other standards.

In definition #2 we are told that He paid off and discharged what was due because of OUR sin. Therefore, our rendering would be based upon what Jesus deserved, not us, and He gets life with the Father; glory, and honor.

The context has not changed as we move forward.

Romans 2:7-10 NASB to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; (8) but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath, and indignation. (9) There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, (10) but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Verse ten screams out of the Sheep and goat judgment. - Matthew 25:31-46.

(I get it, religion screams that everyone being presented here, at the great throne of judgment, goes to hell; but that attitude demonstrates your lack of Biblical understanding and a leaning on tradition over scripture. You need to put those methods of interpretation in the trash.)

In Matthew's account of the final judgment, the good shows up as Jesus responds to the crowd He designates as sheep, saying, you are gaining this access today because you acted in a similar loving manner that I would have. For example, you visited Me in prison; you gave Me a drink of water when I was thirsty; and, you put clothes on Me, when I had none, and so on.

Paul continues to explain -

Romans 2:7-10 NLT  He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.  (8)  But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.  (9)  There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.  (10)  But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.

Verses 7-10 have a positive and a negative spin to them.

Let's just say that my goal is to live my life in the light of verses 7 and 10, where I pursue eternal life; keep doing good - as much as I am able; and to seek after the glory, honor, and immortality that God offers. Then the end result should be and will be, glory, honor, and peace from God.

Note the negative side of this.

“There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil - for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good - for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.” (Romans 2:9-10 NLT)

Why?

Romans 2:11 NLT  For God does not show favoritism.

Although the theme leans toward the Jews and Gentiles,

• What if, it is speaking to those of us, who by the grace of God alone, have salvation and peace?

• What if, our salvation has nothing to do with where we can afford to eat dinner, the size of our RV, or the beauty of our KOA campground?

• What if, no matter how much money you have, you found out that WE are all in the same boat, and our REWARD is based purely upon the conversational relationship we have with God and acceptance, on our part of His Son?