“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NLT).
Unlike an attorney who seeks to argue the facts of a case in a court of law, there will be no need for such deliberations in advance of the judgment referenced here in Hebrews 9:27. At that time, there will be no need to establish motives, reconstruct events, or work to create a sense of reasonable doubt regarding the events of our lives. These things will be unnecessary, for all such things are already known to the omniscient God of all. Instead, that judgment will reflect an accurate appraisal of our motives and subsequent actions.
In addition to this cautionary message from Hebrews 9:27, we might also consider the following portions of Scripture…
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14 NIV).
“You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat” (Romans 14:10 NIV).
“For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3).
“For God is closely watching you, and he weighs carefully everything you do” (Proverbs 5:21 TLB).
In the words of one theologian, “… even believers will stand before God (cf. Rom_14:10; 1Co_3:10-17). Apparently, we will be judged/rewarded for our motives, availability, and use of spiritual gifts. Sin and sins have been completely dealt with in Christ’s substitutionary death, but discipleship is an issue.” (1)
Of course, it’s easy to understand why some may be reluctant to examine their motives in advance of this judgment. Since our true intentions are often difficult to discern, it may take a great deal of effort to uncover the reasons behind our actions. There is also the unpleasant possibility of discovering that our motives may be less noble or virtuous than we first believed if we stop to scrutinize them.
Nevertheless, the knowledge that God will judge such things should prompt us to prayerfully examine our motives now to avoid the potential for disappointment when He examines them later.
(1) Dr. Bob Utley, Free Bible Commentary 2 Corinthians [5:10] Copyright ©2014 by Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL06/VOL06B_05.html