The idea that we will be judged according to works is a remarkably contentious one. It would seem that the thought of being “judged according to works” requires that God’s grace must be denied. In other words, to say that we are judged according to works is to say that our salvation is “works-based” (instead of “grace-based”). This might explain articles like this one that come to a conclusion that final judgement will “not be a judgment to determine whether or not a person will live eternally with Christ; it will rather be an assaying of the quality of a believer’s Christian experience.” Really? What does the Bible say?
How Scripture answers "Will we be judged according to works?"
Yes, we most definitely will be judged according to our works1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22. While Paul usually speaks of our works being good or bad/evil1,4,10,11,17, Jesus3 makes it clear that the works (Paul’s “doing good”5 or “deeds in keeping with repentance”14 allowing them to “take hold of that which is truly life”17) must be according to, or approved by, God (which Paul states in terms of “knowing the fear of the Lord“1 and Peter does likewise15). It has always been so with God12,16,18,20,22, and actually how He defines His own “way”21. Likewise, Jesus’ multiple statements about this are unequivocal9,19 and Paul says there are “no exceptions”8. He further warns about being “deceived”11 into thinking the opposite might be true – a deception that could come from God Himself13!
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
1
Final judgement will be based on what someone “has done” — either good or bad/evil.
2
Everyone will come before the Lord and “give an account of himself to God.”
3
Jesus isn’t saying here that works won’t be what is judged on “that day.” Rather, that works will be judged according to the standard of God’s will.
4
Paul says that God will judge each person “acccording to his works.” Further, he says eternal life is the reward for good works, and tribulation for evil works.
5
Paul, speaking to Christians, says that if they grow weary and give up on doing good works they will not receive eternal life.
6
If faith alone cannot save, then it forces the conclusion that we are judged according to works. In other words, no works or bad/evil works are what determine a faith that’s not genuine.
7
Paul applies the principle of God’s ultimate judgement being according to one’s deeds.
8
Anyone doing wrong will be repaid accordingly by the Lord (therefore, in final judgement). He says there are no exceptions to this rule.
9
Jesus states that “on the day” of final judgement everyone will give account for their words (e.g. actions/deeds/works) and it is by these they will be judged, and possibly condemned.
10
False teachers will be judged according to their [evil] deeds.
11
Those that practice unrighteous acts will not inherit heaven, but might be deceived into thinking they will.
12
God has always judged His people according to their “ways” or “deeds”.
13
God might help us in our desire and insistence in practicing evil deeds (e.g. “unrighteousness”) which will lead to our being “condemned.”
14
Turning to God (e.g. conversion) is performing deeds consistent with their conversion.
15
God judges all impartially according to their works.
16
God evaluates and tests man’s deeds, judging him accordingly.
17
The rich are instructed to be rich in good works so as to not jeopardize their salvation (or, taking “hold of that which is truly life”).
18
God will judge every deed, even those done in secret.
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