Question: how does judgment, based on works, interplay with the born again Christian? Does this mean we can lose our salvation based on what we do, or NOT do, even though we have professed Christ as the Savior? I think this question, more than any other, sums up the insecurity we feel as believers. We still sin and we know it, but we also believe that God covers our sin through the work of Christ. So how, then, can we be forgiven for our sin and still be judged for our actions?

First and foremost I believe our sins are forgiven through the work of Christ, which also means we are shielded from God’s wrath (1Thess 1:9-10, Rom 5:6-9). But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to give an account for what we do. It’s possible for us to be forgiven, thus having our debt cancelled, and yet still be asked to give an account and be rewarded for what we’ve done. Paul warns those who do the work of the ministry with poor materials, “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames (1Cor 3:12-15).” Revelation 22:12 probably says it best and last, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”

That said, I do believe we can ask for God’s forgiveness and yet, over time, through neglect or rebellion, put ourselves in danger of God’s judgment. It’s Scriptures like Matthew 7:21-23 that cause me to reflect on my relationship with God. It says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’“

Ultimately, to love, seek, and serve God is the most sober-minded course of action. Since God loves us and desires for us to draw closer to Him, I believe he will lead us and guide us, convict us and encourage us, and draw us ever closer to Himself…if we will listen. Hope that helps.